Winning streak sees Dunnington close on leaders Hallamshire

Sheffield’s Hallamshire lead the way on 228 points, but have played a game more than York club Dunnington in second (on 223) and Halifax outfit Queens in third (on 205).

Dunnington are on a winning streak, their 20-3 home drubbing of fourth-placed Chapel Allerton being their fourth win in a row.

Strengthened by the return of world No 22 Chris Simpson after his exertions in the British National Championship, where he achieved a career-best semi-final place, they completed a clean sweep of victories against the Leeds team.

Only Eddie Charlton, Joel Hinds and Adam Wellstead took a game off their Dunnington opponents – respectively Simpson, South African Shaun Le Roux and former York University student Ed Shannon.

Hallamshire had a tight 3-2 win at home to Heaton. Julian Tomlinson and Matt Fielding were winners for the Bradford club, but Hallamshire prevailed through wins from Mark Fuller at No 1, Jack Alcock at No 4 and a surprising walkover at fifth string.

Queens jumped back into title contention with an 18-7 victory at Abbeydale, where their only loss was Madeline Perry’s 3-1 defeat by Neil Guirey.

World No 19 Sarah Kippax recovered from her surprise first-round exit at the Nationals by beating James Biggin 3-0 and there were also wins for Patrick Rooney, Matt Sidaway and Connor Sheen.

The Halifax club must now reprieve their form at the start of the season, when they won seven of their first eight matches, if they are to really push Dunnington and Hallamshire for the title.

Recently their form has been inconsistent with three victories and three defeats from their last six matches.

At the other end of the table, Pontefract 2nds look certain to be relegated after losing 19-7 at Hull and East Riding. They are now 51 points adrift of Hull.