Bowls: Three is a magic Hebden Trophy number (From York Press)

Bowls: Three is a magic Hebden Trophy number

11:05am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Bowls By Ian Clough

YORK Indoor Bowls Club kept hold of top spot in the Hebden Trophy after beating Hornsea 85-62 thanks to three winning rinks.

At home, Tony Thornton’s team led from start to finish to win 23-14, while unbeaten Tony Hopcutt had a 19-12 success.

Away, Geoff Walker’s team had a 15-12 lead with eight ends to play and triumphed 23-15 and Tony Bryan’s side lost 21-20 after holding an 18-17 lead with three ends to play.

Second-placed Featherstone kept up the pressure on York by beating Selby.

They collected the maximum 18 points to be only seven points adrift with a game in hand.

New Earswick’s hopes of securing fourth spot and a place in the end-of-season Challenge Trophy took a knock as they lost 82-76 to North Cave.

At home, the only winning rink came from Neil Bushby’s team, who came from 13-4 down after nine ends to win 22-15.

Brian Birch’s side led 17-13 with five ends to play, but went into the last 20-19 down. But a single gave them a well deserved draw.

Away, Mick Head’s team picked up a five on their last end, but it was one short as they lost 18-17.

The rink led by Bob Howland were level at 12-12 after nine ends, but went down 29-17.