YORK Tennis Club's bid to win the Yorkshire Over 40s women's championship for the first time in ten years ended in disappointment when they went down 3-1 to Harlow, Harrogate at Clifton Park.

Harlow had beaten favourites Hallamshire in the semi-final, but York, who fielded their strongest side, were hopeful of beating the Harrogate club. However, although putting up a hard fight, they found Harlow too good on the day.

York team captain Margaret Whitehead said: "We have no complaints. We played well, but they were better and deserved their victory. Harlow had a young team, with players only just reaching the age qualification and that makes a big difference in veterans' tennis."

Scores (York names first): Wendy Stirke and Louise Lister lost to Sophie Jacob and Sue Stothard 2-6 4-6; bt Julie Bradley and Gaye Wright 6-2 5-7 6-2. Margaret Whitehead and Julia Lister lost to Jacob-Stothard 2-6 2-6; lost to Bradley Wright 3-6 2-6.

Updated: 09:43 Saturday, November 12, 2005