TOP club Poppleton faced off against second-placed Harrogate Academy in both divisions three and six of the Tyke Petroleum Men’s Tennis League.

Richard Bancroft and Jarrod Robinson were in form for Academy with 3-24 in division three but their team's 100 per cent record was ended by a balanced Poppleton 2 that was boosted by the return of Pat Evans, who scored 2-20 with Alex Larkman.

In division six, Poppleton 3 teenagers Robbie Greenall and Ben Crick exploited their topspin to good effect on their elective tarmac courts, bringing in a maximum haul with Andrew Greenall and Stephen Fenton respectively, as they comprehensively defeated challengers Academy 2.

Dunnington’s young all-rounder Alfie Hubble and Brad Swainston battled two former Municipal champions to a draw as visitors York fielded Steve Smith and John Moore as their second pair in division one.

But York kept up their championship aspirations by taking the remaining 11½ points, with coach Gareth Adams partnering Pete Hall to a maximum and 31 games.

Last year's Teesside Open quarter-finalist Dale Fawcett enjoyed a successful debut for leaders David Lloyd, scoring 3-28 with Andy Holmes in their big win at Knaresborough.

Racquets maintained their winning form in division two with Mark Hincliffe and Ryan Lonsdale taking 3-28 against second-placed Copmanthorpe.

Wigginton 2 lost the toss having to play three top pairs at Harlow, with Steve Shipley and Neil Simpson proving the week’s top guns with 3-32. Elsewhere, Fulford 2 couldn’t find a third pair to visit Bubwith and York’s Jack Lewis stepped up a level but still returned 3-24 with captain Richard Cranidge for York 2nds at Wetherby 2.

Bishopthorpe have found the missing piece in James Field, with all three pairs scoring well against Rufforth and taking them to the top of division four.

Appleton Roebuck 1 fetched out the big hitters for their visit to their own second team and Tom Shouksmith made a triumphal return partnering Rob Jones to 3-27. Geoff Bullock battered his former teammates 3-30 with Paul Dadvar.

David Lloyd 2 whitewashed Copmanthorpe 2 in division five. Mark Bland and Paul Gowland topped the scores with 3-28.

Leaders Heworth dropped vital points at third-placed Starbeck 2, although Jason May and Nick Fullick gained maximums with 8-4 in every rubber. Starbeck thirds, though, took 10½ points off Heworth 2 in division seven. Beck 3 captain Geoff King and James Rant led the celebrations with 3-27.

Back in division six, Wigginton 3 narrowly edged a close contest over a matching Cawood side, after play-up fourth-team captain Tony Howat won the crucial extra point with Andy Smith. At Wilberfoss, York 3’s fifth loss in a row sees them head toward peril.

After a poor first round, Wilberfoss 2 scored a big 9-3 turnaround win, with Dan Jacques and Jimmy Gaines bagging an unbeaten 2½-23, to challenge for second in division six.

The Lintotts and Crowthers proved unbeatable in division seven. George Lintott nailed 3-29 with Pat Woodward, while dad John claimed 2½-23 partnering Paul Elmhirst for Riccall at Pocklington. Cliffe’s Luke Crowther scored 3-30 with Dave Tomlinson, bettering dad Ian, who settled for 3-29 with Callum Hancox at home to Wigginton 4.

Alne & Tollerton 2 have all but ended their own first team’s chances of promotion. Josh Hunt has yet to lose a rubber for them, this time partnering Callum Gration to 2-21.