Tennis: Mitchell and Reader’s thrilling finale fires up champions

The reigning champions were locked at 36-36 heading into the final round, but an 8-4 win for Karen Mitchell and Kate Reader helped to overcome Bish.

Leaders York beat Pocklington 65-43, with unbeaten Kathryn Maude and Karen Retief winning 25 games.

Helen Whilesmith and Liz Jones, Pock’s number one pair, enjoyed two good wins.

Castlegarth beat Fulford 2, with the in-form Sue Jacklin and Rachel Hill winning 9-3 8-4 9-3 in a 61-47 success.

Fulford 1 had Jill Rounce and Jill McCreedy on top form with 33 games in their 68-40 win over Poppleton.

In division two, York 2, David Lloyd and Boston Spa all boast two wins.

Boston Spa beat injury-stricken Wigginton 71-37, with Lorraine Pearey and Lesley Bowling unbeaten in collecting 30 games.

David Lloyd had a 63-45 victory against Knaresborough, Cath Jackson and Lucy Crowther winning 25 games.

Appleton Roebuck’s Chris Howat and Amber Hickman won 21 games to give their team a 63-45 victory over Castlegarth.

Division three Wistow had their third win, beating Heworth with star turns from Justine Vickers and Pam Huggins and Sue Hudson and Lisa Knaggs.

Starbeck number ones Christine Noddings and Becci Jones spearheaded a 71-37 victory against Rowntree Park.

Division four Pocklington made it three on the trot by beating Sutton-on-Derwent. Angela Bush and Andrea Bland won 27 games, while Di Flint and Looby Kettlewell won 24 games. To round a good team performance Rachel Bloom and Fiona Lambert won 23 games in a 73-35 victory.

Tollerton beat hosts Fulford 64-44 as Ed Hope and Sandra Jennings won 9-3 9-3 12-0.

Rufforth and Bishopthorpe are the top two in division five. Rufforth’s Liz Powell and Clare Hildreth were in great form, top-scoring with 26 games against Poppleton.

Bishopthorpe were 56-52 winners at Dunnington. Ann Murray and Sara Grinnel got the hosts off to a great start winning 10-2, but Helen Williams and Krysia Clack steered Bishopthorpe home.