IT WAS a battle hardly worth fighting for the two bands who lost out to the mighty Syncrownized in round two heat six of the Fibbers/Evening Press Battle of the Bands contest.

It was clear a few seconds into their set last night that the York band who had won through from heat three of round one would take the prize.

They seemed to have it all - they gave a rousing performance with great songs and managed to hold the audience firmly in the palms of their hands right up until the last minute.It was no surprise when Syncrownized were announced as the winners to loud cheers from the packed crowd, although the victory was no discredit to their two rivals on the night.

First on stage were six-piece youngsters 5 Finger Discount, who had qualified from heat ten.

They have jumped on the new ska-punk train and managed to pull it off well. Their high-energy display was laden with heavy bass lines and upbeat brass.

Opening with their version of the theme tune from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a real crowd pleaser. They continued with up-beat numbers such as Pecker Checker.

They were good and the crowd loved them, but they just were not good enough to knock the eventual winners off their perch.

Next on stage were Jacob, a five-piece combo from Halifax, who seemed an altogether more professional and experienced outfit.

The lead singer had an excellent voice, which was teamed with moving numbers, such as Hollow, to show off the band's instrumental ability.

They foundered as they reached the middle of the set with songs which were meant to be moving but sometimes sounded dreary.

They redeemed themselves at the end with Written In The Stars and secured themselves second place - with a large number of votes which could still be enough to see them scrape through.

But it was Syncrownized who stole the show, storming on stage with a great set that was lively enough to rouse the dead.

It seemed like the set was never going to end as the lead singer leaped on chairs and tables during the last number, but the audience did not mind one bit as the lead singer carried on with a tornado of sound.

The best had been kept for last that night and there was little point making the announcement of the winner - the audience had made its choice already.