WHELDRAKE start the second half of the IT Sports Mixed Tennis League season in top spot in division three.

Wins at Tollerton and Dunnington extended their unbeaten run to seven matches.

Helen Roe and George Tattersall won 29 games in the 74-34 win at Dunnington, but were outscored by Lynette Duggleby and Dave Parish at Tollerton winning 31 games.

York dropped a place after losing at Bishopthorpe and have been replaced by Castlegarth, who edged out Sherburn 59-49. Sue Jacklin and Matthew Vines were unbeaten for Castlegarth but shared their rubber with Sherburn's top scorers Heather Rotherham and Jonathan Sharp.

Poppleton got back to winning ways in division one with a 71-37 victory at Wigginton. Paul Turnbull played for the first time this year with wife Belinda to win 29 games just ahead of Jade Mullarkey and Michael Binns.

Wigginton won the relegation battle with Poppleton II 59-49 with Danni Baker and Phil Langley leading the way.

Division two leaders York won easily against Dunnington and Fulford beat Rowntree Park.

Stillington's Jennifer Jones and Tim Madgwick chalked up 32 games to ensure Stillington stayed close on the heels of the top two after they defeated Civil Service.

Division five has split into two with Stillington moving into second place behind leaders Cawood on games difference after their 61-47 win at Wigginton led by Christine Cookman and Ken Stirk.

Appleton Roebuck are also in the hunt after they also beat Wigginton, 72-36, and are just ahead of Cliffe who beat Riccall for whom Janet Jackson and John Leetham won 26 games equalled by Shirley Leek and Dave Tomlinson.

Wistow won the battle of the top in division six against Sutton on Derwent with Janet and Stephen Falkingham leading the scoring. Sutton then bounced back to beat New Earswick 63-45 to open up a five-point gap on the third-placed team.

Civil Service lost 64-44 to Poppleton despite the best efforts of Service's unbeaten Barbara Leopard and Charlie Dixon. Janet Hare and Mark Cook helped Fulford move in to third place with a solid 69-39 win against Dunnington, by winning 26 games.

Castlegarth have opened up a four-point lead in division seven after wins against Appleton Roebuck and Rowntree Park.

Appleton Roebuck have been joined in the promotion battle by New Earswick, who won at Rowntree Park and Rufforth.

York lost the chance to take the second spot after a narrow 55-53 loss at Rufforth where top scorers Judith Evans and Andy Ivel won their final rubber 12-0.

Cawood remain unbeaten in division nine after winning 58-50 at Wistow thanks to top scorers Carolynne and Richard Taylor (28 games).

Fulford lead the chasing pack following their 61-47 win at Stillington, for whom Pat Hickson and Jean Haw both played for the first time. Appleton Roebuck stayed in second place behind leaders Escrick in division ten despite winning 78-30 against Wilberfoss.

Civil Service moved up the table with a 68-40 victory against Wistow with Hazel Coop and Graham Dixon making a promising debuts.

Updated: 10:04 Tuesday, July 01, 2003