SUE YOWARD and Christine Place's 27-game haul saw Rufforth edge past Boston Spa in the closest match of the first round of Fulford Ladies Invitation Tennis League fixtures.

The pair's efforts saw Rufforth win the division two contest 55-53.

Newly-promoted Wigginton also beat Dunnington seconds, while Castlegarth and Fulford overcame Cliffe and Pocklington seconds respectively.

The two teams returning to division one, Bishopthorpe and David Lloyd, top the table after resounding wins over Poppleton and Starbeck.

Bish’s Laura Rhodes and Ellie Page achieved perfection in scoring 36 games.

Defending champions York won the battle of the heavyweights in defeating Dunnington 1, while Pocklington overcame York seconds with Rebecca Hill and Victoria Bland top scoring for the winners.

Fulford seconds are the first leaders of division three following a 72-36 win against Knaresborough. Tollerton also made a good start recording a 63-45 victory over Appleton.

In division four, Boston Spa’s Margaret Lindley and Anne Milne bagged 30 games in their team’s 71-37 triumph over Riccall, while Bubwith started with a win against Poppleton seconds.

Cawood enjoyed a comfortable division five victory over newly-promoted Wilberfoss and Wigginton seconds beat Heworth 67-41.

Despite Jeanette Bowden and Mary Riley claiming 29 games for Knaresborough seconds, meanwhile, it wasn’t enough to overcome Copmanthorpe seconds with their team losing out 60-48.

Appleton and Fulford thirds top division six after both recorded 67-41 victories against Stamford Bridge and Poppleton thirds respectively.

Elsewhere, Sheriff beat Dunnington fourths 56-52.

League newcomers Rufforth seconds began their division seven campaign with a win against Copmanthorpe thirds, while fellow debutants Wilberfoss seconds went down 63-45 to Bubwith seconds.