POPPLETON continue at the top of division one of the IT Sports Mixed Tennis League after beating main rivals York.

Poppleton’s Nick and Rebecca Turnbull won 31 games to establish themselves as the top pairing in the league. Wigginton seconds felt the backlash last week as York’s Gareth Adams and Louise Marshman won 34 games with both other couples winning 30 or more games.

Dunnington are still third with good wins against both Wigginton teams. Brad Swainston and Emma Loten were the top scorers in both matches.

Fulford stay in fourth place with the division now splitting into two. Govind Baker and Wendy Wong were unbeaten against York seconds and Chris Thompson and Eleanor Bradshaw were the leading scorers at Wigginton.

John Anderson and Hilary Spencer closed the gap at the top of division two for Poppleton as they ended York’s perfect record in a very close match. It was a win which sees them go second on games different - just ahead of David Lloyd.

Rufforth are just one point behind after unbeaten James Edmond and Christine Place narrowly outscored team mates Ed Ziegler and Sue Yoward against Bishopthorpe.

Bubwith are favourites to bounce back after relegation last year after following another two wins in division three as they remain unbeaten.

The new pairing of Mark Harris and Jill Rounce won 30 games against Stamford Bridge and were well supported by Jon Longthorp and Anna Airaksinen against Stillington.

Dunnington are in second place with two hard fought wins against Sutton on Derwent and a timely final round 10-2 victory by unbeaten Dan Hall and Alex Bolam against Sherburn.

Division four is building up for an exciting finish.

Copmanthorpe are top on games difference after Jonny Kay and Laura Atkinson won all three rubbers 9-3 at Riccall to seal the win. The previous week, Kay had teamed up with Maggie Zhang to win 30 games against York.

Dunnington are level on points after victories against David Lloyd, spearheaded by Kevin Todd and Denise Bolam and Tom Loten and Sue Sumner consolidating their record against Wilberfoss.

Wetherby Castlegarth are the new leaders of division five after wins against Wigginton. Dave Hazel and Angie Bell ensured the victory at Sutton on Derwent and Oli Boyes-Park and Rachel Butterworth won 27 games against York.

Twenty five games from Bishopthorpe’s Chris Sharples and Julia Sykes at Fulford proved vital for the points with Appleton Roebuck unable to beat Mick Miller and Fran Critchley.

James Chantry and Sandra Robinson led Rowntree Park to victory at Copmanthorpe as their team opened up a big gap at the top of division six.

Alne are their closest rivals after beating Rufforth with Dave and Angie Pearson winning 11-1 in a very close encounter. Leo Knighton and Ellie Caley remained unbeaten as Poppleton had their first win against a useful Wilberfoss team.

Dunnington have replaced New Earswick at the top of division seven on games difference following two competitive wins against Sutton on Derwent and Bubwith. New Earswick are still unbeaten after wins against Bubwith and a high scoring second rubber grabbing the points at Stillington.

There were big changes in division eight after Bishopthorpe lost their unbeaten record with defeat against Cliffe.

Only a handful of matches, meanwhile, survived the weather in the Fulford Ladies Invitation Tennis League.

The top two teams in division three, Wistow and Wigginton, both recorded 69-39 wins against Fulford and Poppleton respectively. Wig captain Denise Crane and partner Sandra Burley led the way with a 28 game haul. Meanwhile, Rowntree Park continue to climb the table after beating Riccall.

Despite a 25 game score from Ann Murray and Sue Lister, Dunnington were unable to prevent division six league newcomers, Bubwith 2, from claiming their first ever victory. Wilberfoss remain top and undefeated after a comfortable win over Sheriff Hutton.