Ryedale League: Ryedale SC A 6 Swinton A 4. Ryedale SC A are on the verge of ending Swinton A's seven-year reign as champions of divsion one, after their narrow victory in what was effectively the title decider.

They are now four points clear of Swinton with one game to play against bottom of the table Spaunton, whom they beat 9-1 in their previous meeting. A 5-5 draw will be enough to see them crowned champions.

The game was delicately poised at 4-4 when Ryedale captain John Flintoft took to the table against Swinton's Ray Mitchell. Despite his poor track record against hard bat players, Flintoft played a true captains innings to win 21-18, 21-14. Then, the Ryedale pair of Wardman and Freeman secured victory in the doubles, thanks to a 21-14, 21-14 win over Burnett and Mitchell.

Earlier, Ryedale's Ed Wardman was on top form, winning all three singles. He beat Burnett (21-15, 21-11), Martin Medlar (21-12, 21-17) and Ray Mitchell (21-19, 16-21, 21-5).

One of the pivotal games of the evening was Flintoft's plucky win against Medlar, 8-21, 21-19, 21-11. He came from 17-19 down to win the second game, and then took control of the decider to win a crucial game for Ryedale.

John Freeman's game against Swinton's best player on the night, Burnett, was a marathon effort. Burnett came out on top 27-29, 21-16, 21-15.

The game was played in an excellent spirit. Even tea-boy Tony Kemp was complimented on his brew!

Division one round-up

Paul Cuthbertson won his singles matches to help Swinton B to a 6-4 win against Ryedale SC B. Cosens and Wardley also picked up points for Swinton. For Ryedale, Titch Temple and Alec Hodgson picked up two points apiece.

Coneysthorpe A thrashed Spaunton 10-0 to keep their hopes up of finishing third. But Helmsley CPS are on their tails after they beat Ryedale SC C 8-2 at home.

Ryedale's John Flintoft earns this week's player of the week for his inspirational role in his side's title challenge.

Division two round-up

Ryedale SC D closed the gap on leaders Scarbonians A to just four points after their 6-4 win over Ryedale Laundry B. Amotherby A are also four points behind the leaders but have played a game more.

Westow A's 6-4 win over Scarbonians B has put them both on 36 points, Sam Smith winning his three singles games for Westow.

CSL B's Pat Swindell was another player to win his three singles in his side's 7-3 win over Amotherby B. For Amotherby, Dennis Samways scored two wins.

Updated: 10:49 Thursday, March 21, 2002