Tadcaster moved clear at the top of division two in the Fulford Ladies Invitation Tennis League when they beat joint leaders Heworth 63-45.

It was a great team effort as each couple won 20-plus games to help put their team on track for a return to top-flight tennis.

New Earswick were held 54-54 at Copmanthorpe in division six but they are still in pole position, one point above Appleton Roebuck.

Appleton Roebuck's run of three straight wins was ended by Poppleton 3. Margaret Evans and Julia Alexander held their nerve with three close rubbers, winning 7-5, 6-6, 7-5, for a success that moved them into third place.

The top two in division five collided when Pocklington visited Fulford and there were two 6-6 rubbers in the first round.

It was a 10-2 win from Elizabeth Mallory and Chantall Lowson that laid the foundations for Fulford's 65-43 victory.

Next Generation moved into third place by beating Dunnington 67-41. Sheena Jackson and Jane Hill top-scored with 25 games.

Cliffe made it four wins in a row as they beat neighbours Riccall 66-42. Mark Smith and Jane Pemberton were in sparkling form as they won 27 games.

Bubwith maintained their 100 per cent record in division three by beating Rowntree Park 65-43, while Bishopthorpe beat Escrick 70-38. Fran Critchley and Katherine Dickinson top-scored with 27 games.

Poppleton visited Fulford in a top of the table clash in division one. In a close encounter, eight rubbers finished 7-5.

The only couple to claim three straight 7-5 wins were Fulford's Eleanor Crooks and Sarah Gwynn as their team were 56-52 victors.