Holgate, despite having four top players in the Yorkshire Fours Championship semi-finals, maintained their unbeaten record in the York Amateur Bowling Association League.

Nestl Rowntree were 12 shots up after 18 ends but, as on numerous previous occasions, Holgate lifted their game over the final period to snatch a win.

Burnholme's 7- win over second-placed Hull Road Park gave them valuable points in their relegation fight.

West Park have emerged as contenders to join Stamford Bridge in promotion from division two and a 7- win for Dunnington 'B' over Heworth Conservatives increased their chances of remaining in this league.

City Amateurs, with only two defeats, could emerge as strong challengers for the division three title when they clear their backlog of fixtures.

Fixtures

Ideal Standard Persimmon Homes Cup and Fours competitions first round:

Williamson Cup (Wednesday, July 4, start 6.45pm): Tockwith v Harrogate, Poppleton Road WMC v Dringhouses, RI Corinthians v Dunnington 'A', Copmanthorpe v Haxby Road/Bert Keech, Holgate/Vickers v Hull Road Park, City Amateurs v Holgate WMC, Wetherby v Bishopthorpe, winner away to Scarcroft asap, Shipton v Osbaldwick.

Freedom & Fellowship Cup (Wednesday, July 4, start 6.45pm): Dunnington 'B' v Bootham, Stamford Bridge v Heworth Cons, Retreat v Minster, University v Nestl Rowntree, winner away to West Park asap; Burnholme v Ainsty, Clifton/Acomb v Stewart, Fulford Cons v RI Amateurs. Bye, Poppleton.

Fours (Friday, July 6, start 6.45pm):

At Clarence Gardens: B Douglas v B Blackburn, M Birkley v B Cooper, B Walker v P Reeves.

At Scarcroft: B Gray v D Dale, Bunce v D Fentiman.

At West Park: K Ryder v P Godwin, J Caulfield v E Howcroft, G Dalby v A J Dalby.

C&I Competitions (to be played by July 22):

Singles: G Mackie v T Wheatley, J Emmerson v R Howland, P Littlewood v J Smith, N Cammidge v J Bone.

Pairs: L Redhead v P Littlewood, E Leatt v A Thornton, A Dunbar v Jim Dalby, J Emmerson v P Lawrence.

Vets Pairs: P Watson v D Clayden, R Ashton v D Tyson, D Haw v G Scruton, S Allison v P Littlewood.

Updated: 12:01 Thursday, June 28, 2001