BOOTHAM ‘A’ took advantage of their game in hand to go top of the York Conservative Clubs’ Carlsberg UK Snooker League.

The new leaders beat Fulford ‘A’ 4-3 to oust Heworth ‘A’ from top spot, although only three points separate top from bottom in the table.

Chris Dower and Rob Barron put Bootham 2-0 ahead, with Barron clearing the last three colours to beat Tim Lister.

Luke Fleet, with a 25 clearance, and Tom Wilson levelled for Fulford, only for John Darley and Barry Rankin, who came from 34 behind to beat Mike Walsh (34 break), to seal the win.

Colin Robinson had a chance to make it 5-2, but a missed pot on the brown let in Simon England to clear brown, blue and pink to confirm Fulford’s fourth consecutive 4-3 defeat.

Fulford ‘B’ moved level on points with the leaders by beating Bootham ‘B’ 5-2, although they have played one more match.

Bob Smith and Andy Hurley put Fulford 2-0 in front. Matt Smith replied, but John Adcock restored the gap.

Paul Scorfield won the next for Bootham, but Arthur Pegden and captain Nigel Smith completed the victory for Fulford.

Acomb ‘B’ held on to joint third place, despite losing 4-3 at Malton.

They took a 2-0 lead through Kevan Ventress and Ken Bowser, who beat Simon Weatherill.

Lee Taylor, Roger Ward and Dave Pawson gave Malton the lead, only for John Ashwell to level before Dave Coulthard (32 break) won the match for Malton.

Heworth ‘B’ inflicted a surprise 4-3 defeat on Acomb ‘A’ courtesy of wins by Brian Birch, Vic Gamble, Roland Cox and Andy Ireland.

The Acomb winners were Richard Lillie, Gary Robinson and Paul Holmes.

Holmes is the leader in the Willsden Steel Player of the Year competition as he is undefeated with four wins.

Six other players are unbeaten with three wins under their belts so far.

Fulford’s Walsh continued to lead the way in the Pasema Paving Highest Break contest with a run of 43.

Bootham’s Tim Fillingham is in second place after a 42 break.

Snooker stars

Pasema Paving Highest Break standings

M Walsh (Fulford) 43, 34; T Fillingham (Bootham) 42, 31; D Colledge (Heworth) 40; T Lister (Fulford) 39; S Weatherill (Malton) 35; K Gall (Heworth) 33.

Willsden Steel Player of the Year

standings: P Holmes (Acomb) played 4, won 4; J Adcock (Fulford) 3, 3; J Ashwell (Acomb) 3, 3; R Barron (Bootham) 3, 3; K Gall (Heworth) 3, 3; A Hurley (Fulford) 3, 3; C Whyte (Heworth) 3, 3.