A STUNNING away win has earned Clayton the runners-up berth in the Thurston (Division One) section of the Monday Evening League.

They trailed Shipley Club A by five points going into the final round of matches, with Paul Wilczynski’s 21-9 helping Shipley to a 17-9 home win over Ladyhill.

However, that wasn't enough as Clayton pinched second place by a point with a 23-3 triumph at Drighlington, Tony Riley’s 21-9 being the pick of six Clayton winners.

Asa Briggs A, who were the best team by a distance, had already retained their crown.

Wibsey A and Asa Briggs B, who have both been relegated, at least finished with victories.

Wibsey A defeated Shipley Club B 17-9 thanks to a great 21-8 from Nigel Wormald, while Asa Briggs B beat Crowghyll A 15-11, with Peter Wilkinson's 21-4 the pick of four home winners.

Myrtle A were crowned Robert Bland champions, finishing 12 points ahead of runners-up Spen Victoria as both teams returned to the top flight.

Spen Victoria ended the campaign with a 23-3 home win over relegated Peel A, thanks to great victories from Andrew Ellis 21-2 and Paul Blackburn 21-3, while Myrtle A had a bye.

Also relegated were Shipley Club C, who have struggled this season due to restructuring after last year’s promotion.

They finished with a 22-4 loss at home to Eccleshill, thanks to Andrew Howie 21-7 and Allen Bottomley 21-9.

Tyersal A make a quick return to Division Two, losing only two games in becoming City Sports champions.

They completed their programme with a 20-6 home win over relegated Wibsey B, thanks to John Smith 21-8, Gerry Smith 21-9 and Pam Lindley 21-9, despite a great 21-9 win by George Gledhill.

Littlemoor Sports & Social Club were also promoted as runners-up, despite a 16-10 final-day defeat at Royd House, who finished third, with David Hogg and Cliff White both winning 21-6 for the hosts.

Bowling B needed 19 points from their final match against Birkenshaw B to avoid relegation and send Myrtle B down. That’s exactly what they managed with Daryl McCormack’s 21-9 the pick of five home winners in a 19-7 triumph.

Oakenshaw B finished in style with a 26-0 win at relegated Heckmondwike B to win the Carter’s Sports title, with Marian Firth 21-4, Marlene Hughes 21-5 and John Priestley all starring.

Bradford Moor A finished a close second, ending their campaign with a 16-10 win at Brackenhill A. John Hainsworth was on top form with a superb 21-0, Graham Wilkinson replying for the hosts with a great 21-4 card.

Also relegated were Thornton A, who finished with an 18-8 home defeat to Shipley Club D, with Jim Crow 21-2, James Welsh 21-7 and Alwyn Robertson 21-8 starring for Shipley.

Troydale won 17 out of 18 games, and finished with a 26-0 win over Tyersal B as they finished top of the Dunnes Stores League, Colin Lally 21-2, Glen Merrick 21-6, David Bolton 21-7 and Keith Farrell 21-7 all shined for the champions.

Salts finished as runners-up ending the campaign with a 21-5 home victory over Bowling B. Peter Hunter and Martin Sherred both winning 21-1, ably assisted by Deryck Welch 21-8.