Derwent Arms ‘B’ maintained leadership of Malton & Norton League division one on the season’s resumption after New Year thanks to a 5-2 victory at basement side Hyde Park ‘B’.

Malton Royal Oak ‘A’ closed the gap to just three points, though, as they beat Spotted Cow 6-1.

Malton Cons sneaked into third place thanks to a 6-1 defeat of Bright Steels A, the highlight being a champagne break by Cons’ Steve Beal (Malton Cons). Darren Craggs and Roy Heslewood recorded Steels’ only frame in the pairs.

Bright Steels ‘B’ came back from 3-1 down to beat Union ‘B’ 4-3 and record only their second victory of the season.

John Render and Ken Hinds put Union two up, with Steels’ Pete Atkinson and Union’s Pete Ward taking the next two frames.

But Stephen Bogg then won for Steels, Bogg and Malcolm Piercy equalised in the first pairs frame, and Atkinson and Ian Hoggart held their nerve in a tense decider.

Blacksmiths Arms still division ‘B’ despite losing 4-3 to New Globe ‘A’.

Malton Royal Oak ‘B’ jumped to third with a 5-2 victory at Blue Ball.