Copmanthorpe 2 are the first team to bust the 100-point barrier in the Tyke Petroleum Men’s Tennis League this year.

They clocked up their fourth 12-point result in division eight after a 93-15 stroll over four-man Wilberfoss 2. A regular in the Lancaster University table tennis team, Luke Blackburn has frequently starred for Cop and puts his success at Tennis down to simply having a much bigger target to aim at. With just three matches to play and a 24-point lead, it’s hard to imagine Cop not winning the trophy.

Mal Pringle was on form again bagging a maximum with Dave Howarth for York 4ths at Sheriff Hutton. Pete Glanville and Kevin McKenzie were also unbeatable with 2½-25 as York 4 look set for the second division eight promotion slot. Starbeck 3 seem to have put paid to Strensall’s late challenge thanks to a rare appearance by the very capable Rowan Brookes and an unbeaten 2½-23 from Colin Lefley and Darryl Pawson. With a match in hand, Harrogate Racquets 2 still have a hope of promotion in their first season. Tom Mullen and Sam Essen returned 3-28 for them at home to Pocklington 2.

20 points in two matches against nearest neighbours David Lloyd 3 sweep Heworth 2 up to second in division seven. They lost only one rubber in the away fixture, to Lloyd captain Dave Pashby and Nick Williams, and were gifted a 10-point walkover in the home tie. At Harlow 2 both sides fielded 2 pairs, meaning only eleven points could be contested, with Bubwith 2 claiming all but three. Leaders Cawood with a full six pack this week, enjoyed the benefit of a home venue and all twelve points against Harlow 2, to move nearly 24 points clear.

Crunch time in division six as the top four all squared up. Fourth-placed Knaresborough 2 faced the week’s top scorers Geoff Bullock and Andy Howat with a crushing 3-32 for leaders Appleton Roebuck 2. David Luscombe and James Pittaway were also unbeatable with 2½-24, leaving Knaresborough with a long trip home and a big dent in their promotion hopes. Sutton-on-Derwent 2 looked in control, taking a 40-32 lead as the joint seconds met at Wigginton 3. But two final round 7-5s and an amazing 11-1 from Dave Roberts and Nick O’Keeffe stole the result and 8½ unlikely points for Wiggy, keeping them perched on Roebuck’s shoulder with a match in hand.

Cliffe were ‘Robbed’ 49-59 at home as they attempt to dodge relegation from division five. Alne & Tollerton fetched along a ‘Rob’ in each of their pairs, with Rob Proudley and Josh Hunt grabbing the goods for the visitors with 3-27. Rob Parry and Rob Brown provided look out and getaway for their 8-point haul. Wilberfoss took four second-teamers to Boston Spa 2 but still returned home with 10½ points. Dan Jacques and Ed Penfold were unfazed by level three with 2½-26 to take ‘Foss up onto the shoulder of promotion with two matches in hand.

A youthful 3-24 from Reuben Young and George Chambers against Starbeck 2 helped Poppleton 2nds pinch second spot in division three, but Pop 2 captain Dave Jones knows it won’t be candy from a baby in their next match – against Starbeck 1sts. Steve Shipley was indomitable once again, partnering John Shackleton to 3-29 for Harlow. The other two Harlow pairs found it hard going at division two Boston Spa who halved one and won four of the other six rubbers, taking full advantage of their home courts. Rowntree Park 2 remain ahead of Harlow thanks to an unbeaten innings of 2½-27 from captain Dave Rogers and Ed Martin at Sutton-on-Derwent.