YORK and District Indoor Bowls Club men's team have been crowned Yorkshire League division one champions.

To cap a great week they have also reached the final of the Hebden Trophy for the fifth year running.

The county crown headed to Thanet Road after a 91-74 victory over holders Featherstone.

Phil Emmerson's team took the initiative on the fifth end by scoring a five to lead 7-5 and moved on to a 21-17 win.

Iain Boyle's rink had a good start, leading 13-3, and were never troubled as they won 26-16.

David Stroughair's team led from start to finish at Featherstone, but Mick Parker's four were involved in a tough game and went down 26-20.

In the Hebden Trophy, York knew they had to beat Thornaby convincingly to reach the final and hope New Earswick could take points from joint leaders Metrodome.

And that scenario unfolded perfectly with York winning 97-64 and New Earswick beating Metrodome 97-81.

York will play North Cave in the final at North Cave on Sunday April 3 (1pm) after the East Yorkshire side beat Group 'B' leaders Featherstone.

Dennis Haw's home York rink had the perfect start, leading 19-1 after only seven ends, and won easily 38-15. Eric Hodgson's rink didn't pull away until the 16th end.With the score standing at 14-13 in their favour they won five successive ends to seal a 24-15 victory.

At Thornaby, Alwyn Johnson's team claimed a 17-17 draw, while Brian Thomas's four, trailing for much of the game, scored a two on the last end to take the game 18-17.

New Earswick did their York neighbours a favour by beating Metrodome 97-81.

At Huntington Road, Ray Clark's team finished in style as they scored 15 shots without reply over the last four ends to win 33-11. Jim Bone's four led 25-15, helped by a six on the 11th end before losing the last three ends, but won 25-21.

At Barnsley, Barry Harrison's men really knocked the stuffing out of the home side as they went from 20-17 down on the 19th end to 24-20 thanks to a glorious seven, and secured a 26-21 victory thanks to a two on the next.

Bob Howland's team struggled to keep the score down, losing 28-13. New Earswick finished with 14 points to stay in third place in the group two points behind Metrodome.

There are a few seats remaining on the coach for York's Vivienne Trophy semi-final against Acle at Grantham next Thursday. Ring Ian Clough on 01904 704180 for further details.

Updated: 09:38 Thursday, March 03, 2005