DERWENT Arms ‘B’ opened an 11-point gap at the top of Malton & Norton League division ‘A’ with a faultless 7-0 whitewash of Union ‘B’.

The result left the losers perilously close to the drop zone.

Second-placed Bright Steels ‘A’ dropped only one frame in a 6-1 victory over Queen’s Head. Despite a free week, Royal Oak ‘A’ are in joint third as Union ‘A’ couldn’t capitalise, going down 5-2 at home to Malton Cons.

Bright Steels ‘B’, fighting to avoid the drop, had another excellent win, 6-1 over fellow strugglers New Globe ‘B’.

Railway Tavern hold a 14-point lead at the top of division ‘B’ after getting a walkover against Hyde Park ‘B’, who were unable to field a team.

Second-placed Hyde Park ‘A’ lost 5-2 to New Globe ‘A’, who are now one point behind.

The semi-final draw in the Team Knockout sees giantkillers New Globe ‘A’ rewarded with another tough match against in-form Malton Cons, to be played at Bright Steels, while Bright Steels ‘A’ meet last season’s finalists Union ‘A’, to be played at Malton Cons. Ties to be played on Monday, February 23.