DESPITE not playing, Dunnington inched inexorably to the Tyke Petroleum men's division one championship.

Wigginton aided the Dunnington dash by beating second-placed Sutton-upon-Derwent 60-48. Wigginton lost only two sets with Ken Storey and Phil Langley top scorers with 24.

In division two, Appleton Roebuck moved ahead of Poppleton II and out of immediate relegation fears after beating Poppleton 57-51. All Appleton's pairs scored well while Dave Carlin and Richard Cantrell were best for Poppleton with 22. Civil Service had a good win with only two regular team members available. Despite some players making the big leap from division six, Service beat York II 58-50, York's best score of the season. Service's Andy Crockett and Steve Gagan were unbeaten on 21.

Dunnington II, top of division three and sure of promotion, scored 81 against Sherburn with 29 games from Anthony Downing and Andy Lydiatt. Wigginton II's 61-47 win at Poppleton III dumped Poppleton into the second relegation slot.

At the top of division four, the two promoted clubs both won. Knaresborough II took 69 off Wilberfoss and Castlegarth, equal on points with three games in hand, beat third-placed New Earswick 56-52. Earswick's Martin Thornton and Daz Sheriston were top scorers with 23 games.

Riccall II lost their momentum in division five but still retained top spot. A good 58-50 win by lowly Boston Spa II brought 23 games for David Badger and Paul Bratley, beaten by Charles Jackson and Jeff Drabble's 24.

Young Christian Pillai perhaps picked the wrong match to start his career for Strensall II, who lost 27-81 to Sutton II.

Nestl retained second place by beating Cliffe 59-49. Clive Christison and Mat Lowery scored 28 of the 59, while John Leetham and Joe Pepper did well to reply with 22.

Updated: 12:17 Tuesday, September 03, 2002