Helmsley lift Ryedale crown (From Gazette & Herald)

Helmsley lift Ryedale crown

Ryedale Triples League

Helmsley became this season's champions after beating Kirby Misperton 6-4 and holding off the late surge by Ampleforth. It wasn't until the Ampleforth result was in that Helmsley were confirmed as champions by just one point from Kirby Misperton and Ampleforth.

Helmsley were 16 shots up at the half-way stage, with Alan Russell beating Mary Stonehouse 14-9 and John Harforth beating M Christian 16-5. However, Kirby Misperton fought back in the second half with Trevor Collier beating John Leckenby 15-11 and John Myers beating Colin Spink 16-10. But it was not enough to win the match and retain the title as Kirby lost by six shots (45-51).

Third-placed club Ampleforth beat Welburn away but found that six points was not enough to win the title, failing by two points. Daphne Thompson lost to Mabel North 8-12 and John Dawson lost to Ron North - Ron taking three on the last end to win by 14-12. In the second half, it was all Ampleforth with Arthur Jackson beating Richard Lund 16-7 and Chris Peel beating Chris Wardle 17-7 to win the match by 13 shots (53-40).

Kirby Misperton, who led the league for most of the season, were beaten at home by Thornton-le-Dale by two shots (43-45), taking four points to the visitors' six points. David Gilgraine beat Elsie Grayson 15-12, Ron Czernik lost to Denis Maley 4-14, Denis Wilkinson lost to Dennis Bridle 10-11 and Don Glensor beat John Young 14-8.

Helmsley can do the double by beating Thornton-le-Dale in the Tilley Cup Final at Kirby Misperton on Tuesday, April 1, at 7pm. There is no charge for spectators.

Updated: 15:51 Wednesday, March 26, 2003