TOPSPIN 'A' have been crowned champions of the Red Goat Climbing York & District Table Tennis League title for the second successive year.

Although they lost 6-4 to Shiyi Ling 'A', the points gained were enough to clinch the crown.

Bryan Birkbeck and Mikey Arnold were on top form for Shiyi Ling with three wins each.

Coneysthorpe 'A' thrashed Clarence 'A' 9-1 with Michael Polkinghorn, Martin Lowe and Lennart Lukosch untroubled, while Sammy Kelly starred as Topspin 'B' cruised to an 8-2 victory over an understrength York RI 'B'.

Joel Wright and Tom Needham posted maximums for Coneysthorpe 'B' in their 6-4 win over Clarence 'B'. The points secured by Clarence could be important in a tight relegation battle.

The division two champions are York RI 'C' after their rivals all dropped points this week.

Bootham 'A' were surprised by their 'B' team, suffering a 7-3 reversal with Dave Rawlings, Richard Harrison and Richard Ingleby all contributing braces.

A treble from Mark Blackburn was the highlight as York RI 'D' beat relegated Poppleton 8-2 and a two-man Clarence 'C' had to battle to gain a 6-4 victory over Ryedale 'A'.

Ian Hilton was unbeaten as Bootham 'A' saw off Poppleton 7-3. They are in pole position to secure a play-off slot heading into the final week.

Third division champions Wigginton showed their class as they thrashed runners-up Strensall 'B' 9-1 with Mark Hodgson and Sam Crutchley excelling.

At the foot of the table, South Bank have a one-point lead over BT 'B' following a fine 5-5 draw against Ryedale 'B' for whom Dave Burnham was undefeated. BT 'B' slumped to an 8-2 defeat versus York RI 'E' with Marcin Ziolek and Mark Antrobus too good.

A maximum from Alberto Nidasio was the highlight as York RI 'F' drew 5-5 with Clarence 'G', while Robert Plant hit the high notes as Clarence 'F' edged a close encounter with Shepherds 'B' 6-4.

Despite three wins from Lewis Harrison, Shiyi Ling 'C' lost 6-4 to BT 'A' with Nigel White and Dave Simpson picking up two wins apiece.