YORK RI Corinthians have clinched the 2019 YABA division one title for the first time in their 84-year history.

They comfortably saw off Selby and reigning champions Holgate WMC, who finished joint-third, their season derailing after winning the Marshall Shield and the Williamson cup in July.

RI Corinthians - whose previous best finish was second in 2017 - won all their games in the second half of the season and steamed ahead of the competition to beat Selby by 21 points. A settled and well-balanced team, with a mixture of younger players and wily old veterans, was key to their success.

Other achievements for the Corinthians team included:

• In the National Competition - Club Two Fours - Corinthians won the first round game beating North Duffield 48 - 42. They lost in the second round 36-35 to Holgate WMC.

• York Amateur Bowling Association Triples runners-up with M Bulmer, A Brookes and C King.

• YABA Pairs winners with M Bulmer and P Riley

• YABA Fours winners with A Brookes, N Macdonald, M Bulmer and C King

• Super Sevens runners-up to Holgate WMC

• York Open Pairs winners with A. Brookes and C King

A club spokesperson said: "Will 2019 provide a platform for further success for the Railwayman, or will their fierce rivals get back on track?

"It all points to be a fascinating 2020 season."