New Earswick edged out high-flying Riccall 56-52 to cement their place at the top of division three of the Fulford Ladies Invitation League.

Sandra Burley and Betty Bainton won all three of their games to swing the match New Earswick's way and move them above Copmanthorpe while Riccall slipped to third.

Cawood recorded a 58-50 win at Dunnington where Lorraine Bishop and Ann Walsh were the only couple to collect three wins - 9-3 7-5 9-3.

Top scorers in Cawood's 67-41 victory at Poppleton were third string Monica Jenkinson and Sue Matchett, who clocked up 23 games.

Sue Hudson and Justin Vickers won 9-3 8-4 8-4 as Wistow defeated Pocklington 66-42 to go top of division four.

Castlegarth lost their unbeaten record in division five against Poppleton.

It was 18-18 after the first round but Poppleton's Kath Parry and Sue Wilson won 11-1 and Steph Baron and Chriss Moss landed a 10-2 victory to put Poppleton 43-32 ahead and they eventually won 61-47.

Appleton Roebuck had a 61-47 win over Rowntree Park, whose Sandra Pau and Ronnie Davison were unbeaten.

Six of the nine rubbers ended 7-5 and in the last round Marilyn Armgill and Anthea Brogden won 10-2 to give Appleton Roebuck the points.

Civil Service remain top after winning 59-49 at Knaresborough.

York increased their lead in division one by beating Castlegarth 68-40.

It was their ninth win in a row and the champions are set fair for their fifth successive title.

Tadcaster went down 76-36 to Fulford, whose Jackie Heels and Jill McCreedy won 8-4 11-1 10-2.

Dunnington moved into third place above Tadcaster on games difference after beating Wheldrake with Suzie Booth and Denise Bolam top scoring with 22 games.

Sisters Megan and Hayley Smith rattled up three wins as Poppleton won eight of the nine rubbers against Bubwith. Sue Peach and Rosie Cantrell won 11-1 12-0 7-5 to help Poppleton cruise to an 82-26 win.

Updated: 12:24 Tuesday, July 16, 2002