BARBICAN have taken an early lead in the fight to become the first champions of division one of the York Veterans' Bowls League.

They won their third consecutive game easily beating Bert Keech 'B' 30-12. The only other previously unbeaten team, Bert Keech 'C', lost to West Park 'B' who posted their first win of the season.

Holgate beat Huntington WMC 15-9 to move into second place and play leaders Barbican next week.

In division two West Park 'A' made a late recovery to beat Dunnington 'B' 19-16 and lead the table on shots difference over Holgate WMC who won 17-10 at Wigginton 'B'. Both teams are still unbeaten.

Division three leaders are Bootham who recorded their third victory against Nestl 'B' 26-12.

Poppleton 'A' won at Bishopthorpe 'B' 20-11 and trail the leaders by only one point.

Nestl 'C' are forging ahead in division four with another victory, beating Retreat 19-16.

RI Amateurs, however, are only two points adrift with a game in hand after a convincing 20-3 win over Poppleton 'B'. West Park 'C' won the last six ends against Acomb 'A' to win 19-14 after trailing 9-14.

Osbaldwick 'A' top division five with a superior shots difference over Bishopthorpe 'A'.

Osbaldwick 'A' beat Stamford Bridge 'A' 28-3 and Bishopthorpe 'A' beat Copmanthorpe 'A' 15-10.

Dringhouses 'A' lost to Osbaldwick 'B' 16-13 in their first defeat of the season.

Stamford Bridge 'B' top division six with three straight victories, but Dringhouses 'C' and RI Spartans are only two points behind with a game in hand. Stamford Bridge 'C' beat Copmanthorpe 'B' 23-13 and RI Spartans beat Vickers 27-13.

Updated: 11:49 Friday, May 23, 2003