ACOMB Sports still hold a two-point lead in York White Rose Ladies' League division three despite being beaten by King William.

Kath Cooper put the leaders 3-1 up but King William kicked into action with Pat Dickinson, Iris Haigh and a match-clinching Brenda Bainbridge game.

Second-placed Bay Horse, Tadcaster, also lost 4-3. They too were 3-1 ahead but Lord Nelson 'B' pulled off a victory with Joan Cuss, Debbie Jones and, in the decider, skipper Dawn Platt being up to the task.

New Earswick Bowling moved into second-place by beating Fox, Holgate. Carol Tragni, Anne Ella then Janet Curry sealed a 4-3 victory.

Division two front-runners Lord Collingwood surged to a 6-1 scoreline at Crystal Palace, whose only point came from Pauline Purvis.

Margaret Turvey tipped the scales Tap's way at Tramways, while Lord Nelson 'A' went neck-and-neck with Clarence with their captain, Jo Piercy, pulling off a great 4-3 result.

New York 'A' and Fulfordgate are level at the top of division one, but Fulfordgate have two matches in hand.

The two met and Fulfordgate were set aback when Kate Wreglesworth then Gillian Grimes hit back to make it three apiece. Nevertheless, a superb 17 darts from Karen Reasbeck secured the result for the 'Gate.

Moira Atkinson included three tons but last season's champions are still seeking their first win.

New York 'B' took three on the trot with Maureen Tindall, Dot Osborne and Rosie Blower to put Fulford Conservatives deeper in trouble, while Maggie Adamson sealed Coach and Horses the result over Crescent WMC.

Winning Post had Jean Hall, then Gloria Harrison, winning well to put them one away from victory, but Rose O'Bee battled hard and put Slipper all square at 3-3. Nevertheless up stepped Winning Post captain Ann Robinson to produce a spectacular 19-dart winner.

With Allan Galley, Dave and Kevin O'Hara sparkling, Bay Horse 'A' beat Cygnet 8-1, Paul Lane (180) their winner, to regain the leadership of York Phoenix Open League division one.

Steve Reynolds shot 21 darts, but Golden Slipper saw the 6-3 scoreline go to Volunteer, who had fine games from Mark Fratson (19), Dean Saxton (21) and Mike Harris (bull finish).

John Pickering piloted Mitre to a 4-2 lead with an excellent 18 darts, but Howden Arms stayed the distance to win the three pairs games for victory.

Woodman's 5-4 win at Mount 'A' was secured by Alex Render-Dave King, while John Smith gained in 20 and Darren Bailey-Phil Good took Phoenix to a 5-4 result over Pack.

Leeman lost 5-4 at Three Cranes, but good margin wins by Dean Smallwood and Steve Parkinson rescued the aggregate and they hold the division two lead by two points.

Second-placed Huntington 'A' registered a maximum with Neil Fairclough and beat the 'B' side 5-4 for whom Steve Cowley closed on 94.

Ebor had a maximum scorer in Mick Holdsworth and Dean-Lynn Platt took the decider against Woolpack, while Alan Stevens was Yearsley's inspiration in a 6-3 win at Clarence.

Division three front-runners Jackdaw could only muster the aggregate against Bishopthorpe.

Bernie Smith-Andy Brown gave Crescent the match win at Bay Horse 'B'.

Evening Press darts correspondent Dave Fotheringham retires at the end of this month.

Will those people who have already expressed an interest in taking over his column please contact sports editor Martin Jarred on 01904 567136 as soon as possible.

Anyone else interested in becoming the Press' darts correspondent but have not contacted the sports editor should also do so as soon as possible.

Updated: 08:54 Tuesday, June 10, 2003