MALTON Cons edged out hosts Union ‘B’ in division ‘A’ of the Malton & Norton League to step up their bid for the runners-up spot.

Union ‘B’s John Render put a dent in Malton Cons’ challenge by taking the first frame, but the visitors fought back and went 4-1 up thanks to wins from John Ruston, Dan Pawson, Don McFarlane and Romane Reeves.

Union ‘B’ made the result respectable as they won both pairs through Render and Pete Ward, and then Ian Blanchard and George Moore.

The win leaves Malton Cons in fourth place, seven points adrift of second place.

The finalists have been decided in the mixed pairs competition.

Defending champions James Milson and Sarah Cook, of Royal Oak, negotiated their first match – as did Union ‘A’ duo Paul Westoby and Claire Jackson.

They then met in the semi-finals, with the Union pairing of Westoby and Jackson ended the champions’ hopes of retaining the title with a 2-0 victory.

They will face team-mates Wayne Taylor and Kirsty Taylor in the final as they also safely sealed their passage without dropping a frame.

The draw for the semi-finals of the KenFI competition has been made.

Jamie Barstow, of Royal Oak ‘A’, was drawn against Derwent Arms ‘B’ player Phil Arnold at Malton Cons.

Wayne Taylor, of Union ‘A’, will meet Spencer Ward, of Royal Oak ‘A’, at Bright Steels.

Both ties will be played on Monday, March 17, at 7.30pm.