YORK and District IBC put in a gallant display against last season's Vivienne Trophy semi-finalists but they fell short in a 76-70 defeat to Lincoln at the last 32 stage.

The game was tight at the crucial moments - all square at 20-20 after five ends, 42-37 after ten and 59-58 after 15.

But Lincoln scored 18 shots to York's 11 in the final run-in to take the game.

At home, Denise Elliott, Janet Walker and Kath Pepper won seven successive ends to go from 3-0 down to lead 18-3 and finished winning 22-13.

Margaret Sadler, Maureen Robinson and Pat Bracken had done well to come from 13-8 down to level at 13-13 with three ends to play but lost 23-13.

In Lincoln, Pat Berwick, Bar Saville and Maggie Pallister were 18-11 down but came away with an 18-18 draw while Jen Brown, Eva Snarr and Barbara Dawson were level at 16-16 with two to play and lost 22-16.

York Vikings moved to within eight points of unbeaten Yorkshire over 55's League division one leaders Redcar, after beating Selby 111-56, picking up the maximum 14 points.

The away leg was played first and saw big wins for both York rinks, with Ken Griffiths, Dave Cowsill, Graham Brooke and John Whiteley only losing five ends throughout their game, which finished with an impressive 37-11 victory.

John Jennison, Alan Hampshire, Malcolm Lewars and Jeff Normanton led 20-17 going into their last end but finished in style with a seven to win 27-17.

At home, Alan Vowles, Dave Dale, Malcolm Harrison and Tony Horobin got off to a good start which saw them 9-0 in front after only four ends and 15-3 after nine.

As a result, there was no way back for their opponents and the game finished 25-12.

Harley Wenham, Mick Cooney, Trevor Wilford and Phil Parsons found themselves 8-0 down after only four ends but responded well and won all but two of the following eleven ends and led 18-10 before finishing 22-16.

Following the Short Mat Players Tour British Open, which was held at the Thanet Road stadium last weekend, York & District IBC were pleased to agree a new four year deal with the organisers.

The deal means that the tournament will be back to the Club up to and including 2024.

This year 196 players entered the two day event which was won late on Sunday evening by Ireland's Robbie McNabb, the third Open tournament he has won this season.

On Saturday, York IBC have a busy day, starting at 10am with the Yorkshire League division three game against New Earswick C.

At 12pm, York A play Harrogate in division one, and in division two York B face Scarborough.

At 1.30pm, Blackpool Newton Hall have a tie in the Denny Plate against Spalding.

And, on Sunday, the Club host the Civil Service Pairs Qualifiers from the Yorkshire region, then next Tuesday, Yorkshire play Nottinghamshire in the Over 60's Liberty Trophy, starting at 12.30pm.