SUTTON-ON-DERWENT toppled pacesetters Tadcaster as part of a hat-trick of victories which saw them claim pole position in division seven of the IT Sports Mixed Doubles Tennis League.

With the campaign reaching the half way point, Nick Hobson and Sally Simpson helped Sutton-on-Derwent forge into the lead.

Tom Hitchenor and Romauda Plewes ensured Sutton of the points at Fulford, while unbeaten Zac Los and Jane Pearson made it three out of three against Poppleton.

Tadcaster bounced back against York to go second, with Poppleton just behind on games difference after Edwin Knighton and Fiona Smith stormed to a 12-0 win against Wheldrake.

York still top division one after a hard-fought draw against Poppleton.

The leaders were unable to beat Poppleton’s Nick Turnbull and Claire Smith.

Govind Baker and Jill Rounce kept Fulford in touch with a big win against Dunnington 2.

An 11-1 victory in the final round by Fulford’s Paul Ruff and Wendy Cook consigned division four leaders Dunnington to their first defeat of the season.

Dunnington are now only two points ahead of Stillington, who edged out Cliffe and Wilberfoss.

The top two are opening up a gap, while the other six teams are covered by only two points heading into the second half of the campaign.

It was all change in division five as York took over as new leaders with a win over Heworth.

Former leaders David Lloyd went down to Wetherby Castlegarth, who followed their first win with another against second-placed Cawood.

Heworth are now third as they leap frogged beaten visitors Cawood and the high scoring Jason May and Louise Haritakis won 31 games against Rowntree Park.

A good team performance by Stamford Bridge ensured they took the points against Wigginton to maintain their four-point cushion at the top of division eight.

Second place has been taken by Copmanthorpe following a win at Tollerton. Cop’s Rob Abbott and Cath Wilson also took the honours at Appleton Roebuck.

Rex Pocklington and Sue Shouksmith kept Riccall in the promotion race by inspiring them to a win at Wigginton, while Paul Elmhirst and Julia Todd won an impressive 29 games against Fulford.

Games difference separates the top three teams in division nine.

Long-time leaders Stamford Bridge head the title race after wins against Strensall and Wistow, with Brett Carter and Kim Lees top scoring in both fixtures.

David Lloyd stay third after defeating Strensall.

In division ten, Dunnington were pushed all the way by visitors Stillington, winning by only two games.

However, James Todd and Barbara Plummer helped them to an easier win against Wilberfoss as they took over at the top of the table, a position bolstered when Todd partnered Carol Martin to ensure the points at Bubwith.

Division 11 also has new leaders in the form of Rufforth 3, who picked up three wins.

Dan Russell and Claire Hildreth won 29 games against the club’s fourth string and the pair then top-scored against Cliffe.

Top scorers of the week were Rufforth’s Ian Frame and Kate Lewis, with an impressive 32-game haul against Alne.