THE new season in the York Conservative Clubs Billiards League got under way with Heworth's Darren Clark hitting top form straight away - albeit in vain.

Clarke trailed Bootham's Ian Robinson 140-25, with the latter needing only 10 more points for victory, but he then produced a tremendous break of 125 to take the frame.

Nevertheless, Bootham won the match 3-2 as Tim Fillingham beat Gary Rogers 150-minus 34 and Paul Mahoney defeated Mark Winskill 150-126. Heworth's Carl de Pasquale beat Colin Robinson 150-140, but Bootham took the aggregate point.

The other match saw Fulford run out 5-0 victors over Acomb, as Tom Lewis beat Mick Borg 150-100, Wayne Puleston defeated John Ashwell 150-115, Alan Reed saw off Trevor Ventress 150-125, and Terry Ward beat Paul Holmes 150-105.

Meanwhile, in the York Conservative Clubs Snooker League, Heworth 'A' have taken an early lead in the standings after a third straight win, this one by 6-1 over Malton.

Andy Sherry beat Kevin Gall (32 break) to give Malt the lead but Heworth victories followed for Liam Pullen (48 break) over Dominic Spiteri, Clive Whyte (35 and 49 breaks) against Sam Pawson, Gary Douglas over Dan Pawson, Steve Burdett against Roger Ward, Craig Pullen against Phil Hart, and Mark Hodson over Chris Atkinson.

Reigning champions Fulford 'A' clinched their second win, beating Acomb 'A' 5-2 in an entertaining match in which six frames went to a black-ball finish.

Fulford's victors were Russ Shaw against Trevor Ventress, Cameron Fennell against Jon Milner (29 break), Dave Reed over Nick Marchant, Dave Sattaur against Phil Carlton, and Sam Parkinson against Mick Borg.

Acomb's winners were Richard Lillie over Joe Kimbling and Keith Thornhill over Sam England.

Acomb 'B' beat Bootham 'A' 4-3 with wins from Nick Goodacre, Kevin Ventress (30 break) and Jeff Winter (29 break), plus a walkover. Bootham's replies came from Rob Barron (22 break), Colin Robinson and Tim Fillingham (2x20 breaks).

Bootham 'B' ran out 6-1 winners over Heworth 'B' with Paul Powell starring with breaks of 30 and 41. There were also wins for Paul Scorfield, Chris Thompson, Lionel Barnes and Andy Proud, plus a walkover. Heworth's only reply came from Andi Ireland.