CLARENCE maintained their unbeaten record, despite drawing with nearest rivals Burton Lane, to still head the York CIU Bowls Evening League.

Also, with only two games left to play, South Bank again missed their chance to win the Afternoon league when they were beaten by Holgate.

It had been a close game throughout with the scores level at 13-13 on the 15th end but Holgate took the last three ends to win 18-13 and secure a place, along with South Bank, in the play-offs to determine the league champions.

Joining them will be Burton Lane ‘A’ and St Clement’s ‘A’ after both prevailed in their latest matches. Should Burton Lane ‘B’ win their outstanding game against Acomb ‘B’ they will also take part in the play-offs.

Skipped by Paul Dawson, Clarence ‘C’ looked to be heading for an easy victory in the John Smith’s Triples Cup final when they won four consecutive ends, including two threes, to take an 11-2 lead by the seventh end.

But Holgate ‘C’ struck back, scoring a three, followed by a four, to get within one point of their opponents’ score.

Clarence scored four to go five points clear at the 13th. While Holgate won the next two ends, Clarence won the last three to run out comfortable 22-13 winners.

In the plate competition, Huntington ‘C’ got off to a good start but when they dropped four shots at the fourth end, followed by a six on the next, the contest was over bar the shouting.

Burton Lane then piled on the pressure and scored at will.

Although Huntington scored five at the 16th end it was far too late and they conceded the match.

The trophies were presented by Sarah Buckle, regional sales manager of the competition sponsors, Heineken UK.

Meanwhile, the quarter-finals of the York Amateur Bowling Association veterans triples competition are to be played today.

Bootham ‘B’ will take on Scarcroft ‘B’, Dringhouses meet Dunnington ‘C’, Dunnington ‘A’ are up against Rowntree ‘A’ and Wigginton ‘E’ are pitched against Rowntree ‘B’.

The semi-finals will be staged at the Retreat on Tuesday, August 26.