Fulford Tennis Club are the early Tyke Petroleum Men’s League division one leaders after a third straight triumph.

A solid team show, topped off by 27 from Richard Parker and Dave Bradley, saw off Rowntree Park 73-35. York’s winning start ended in a 60-48 defeat, courtesy of 27 games from Rob Jones and Paul Cook, as Clifton Park hosted two Poppleton teams.

In the division six match, York 3rds avenged their senior ranks by thrashing Poppleton 3, 86-22 thanks to an imperious 31 from Howard Pallister and young gun James Pilmoor. Castlegarth beat visitors Copmanthorpe 58-50 in division two, while Pocklington ended the winning run of hosts Boston Spa with a 61-47 victory.

York 2 hit the front in division three with a huge win at unbeaten Sutton-on-Derwent. At home for the first time this season, Sutton seemed at odds with their own grass courts, as York surged into an unassailable 47-25 lead after just two rounds. Pete Finlay and Jez Catchpole posted a vital 24-game contribution for the visitors.

Copmanthorpe 2 head division four after ending Fulford 2’s early run, in a 59-49 turnaround, thanks to 26 from Ron Machen and Luke Blackburn. Phil Bremner and Jonathan Sharp were the week’s top scorers, with 33 games for Sherburn – half their team’s total against Starbeck 2nds.

Wigginton 2 are division five’s unbeaten pace-setters, gaining their third straight win, a 62-46 success at Bubwith 2nds. Civil Service 2 could again only muster four players, handing Sheriff Hutton a huge 92-16 away win, taking them to third. Cliffe beat Bishopthorpe, with five 9-3 rubbers, and a final 68-40. Ian and Luke Crowther coped well with the conditions, scoring 28.

A vital last rubber 9-3 win by Wilberfoss 2 skipper Darren Penrose and Ed Penfold thwarted York 4ths at the very last to lose 55-53.

A late 10-2 triumph for Jason Watson and Phil Williamson stole both points in a 55-53 win for Wheldrake at Dunnington 3.

Riccall are so far the most successful team with four wins from as many matches. The latest was an impressive 77-31 success at at Bishopthorpe 2.

Andrew Dunning for Riccall, was unpassable at the net, and, along with partner Joe Shepherd, notched up 29 games in blustery conditions. Harlow also remain unbeaten after beating Wheldrake 2 80-28.