HEWORTH clung on to take the York Conservative Clubs Faber Shield Billiards League title after a final night of high drama.

Heworth began the night with a three-point lead over Acomb and the championship seemed a formality but a late collapse saw them lose 4-2 to Bootham.

This gave Acomb a sniff but they needed at least a 5-1 victory at Fulford and could only win 4-2, giving Heworth the crown by one point.

Heworth started their match well as Darren Clark hit top form with breaks of 53, 40 and 35 unfinished to convincingly beat Matt Smith 150-97.

However, Bootham's Alf Appleby levelled, impressively hammering Gary Rogers 150-5.

Carl De Pasquale kept up his good form in beating Tim Fillingham 150-129 to put Heworth 2-1 up and in a strong position to take the title.

However, they lost both of the last two frames, as Ian Robinson edged Brian Birch 150-148 and Paul Mahoney beat Keith Watkinson 150-107. This also meant Bootham won the aggregate - giving Acomb their chance.

Over at Fulford, Acomb's Paul Holmes saw off Wayne Pulaston 115-98, including breaks of 28, 25 and 26, but his side then suffered the shock of seeing Mick Borg lose, 150-135 to Tom Wilson.

This meant they could not win the title outright but could still share the crown if they won the remaining three frames.

Dan Potter obliged, defeating Bob Plant 150-114 with breaks of 36 and 21.

However, captain Trevor Ventress could not beat Tom Lewis, losing 150-128, despite a fightback after being well behind early on.

Richard Lillie played well to beat Alan Reed 150-89 with a 38 unfinished break to clinch the match, but it was only good enough for runners-up spot.

Clark's victory, meanwhile, saw him lift the player of the year title with nine wins from 11 games. De Pasquale also won nine frames but played one game more so had to settle for second place.

Gary Rogers won the prize for the highest break with a excellent 134.