CHAMPIONS Poppleton began their quest to retain the IT Sports Mixed Tennis League title with a win against Wigginton.

They were unable to defeat Wiggy’s new first pairing of Ben Walker and Eleanor Bradshaw, however.

Angus Smith and Sasha Taylor included a 12-0 return for York as they too fielded a new-look first team against Dunnington.

Promoted Rufforth started against York seconds but were unable to defeat Alastair Johnson and Karen Retief.

Bubwith continued their winning ways after promotion to division two, led by Rob Jackson and Jill Rounce with 27 games in the visit of York.

The two relegated clubs met with Wetherby Castlegarth’s Joe Cawcutt and Angela Crossley sealing the points with a 11-1 second round win in a close match at Wigginton.

Unbeaten Greg Ashcroft and Rosie Todd ensured Dunnington, the other promoted club, the points against Poppleton.

Neighbours Copmanthorpe and Bishopthorpe met in their first match back in division three – Bishops’ Mick Miller and Ellie Page unbeaten.

Joel Hancox and Kate Reader ensured Cliffe took the points at fellow promoted side Wilberfoss. Adam Magson and Jill McCreedy were Fulford’s winning pair as they squeezed past Sutton on Derwent.

Promoted Rowntree Park won their opener in division five against Appleton Roebuck led by top-scoring duo Kevin Davison and Sandra Robinson, well supported by Dave Rogers and Laura Robson.

Andrew Dunning and Michelle Hall won 28 games for Riccall as they entertained Cawood in an otherwise close match.

Josh Hunt and Ellen Strabel won 26 for Tollerton but ended up on the losing side against Rufforth in division six.

Promoted New Earswick were unable to beat Poppleton’s top scorers of Edwin Knighton and Lauren Caley who won their first rubber 11-1.

A final round 11-1 by Neil Richardson and Sarah Huggins sealed Wistow’s win against Dunnington in division seven, supported by Dave Hearn and Jill Marsden.

Dave Knowles and Sally Simpson won 26 games for Sutton on Derwent as they beat Stillington without dropping a rubber.

Unbeaten Sam Hudson and Pam Mason ended with a match-winning 10-2 in Fulford’s close encounter against Dunnington.

John Latham and Aileen Hunt just outscored team-mates Charlie Dodds and Liz Walker when Wilberfoss met Bishopthorpe in division nine.

Mother and son Jenny and Adam Houghton were unbeaten for Wigginton as they edged Dunnington.

In division ten, Rufforth lost one rubber 12-0 but took the points with top scorers Simon Detheridge and Wendy Farnell finishing with a 9-3.

A good team effort and a strong final round saw Appleton Roebuck beat Wilberfoss led by Richard Barwick and Kath Temple and Geoff Steel and Julia Campbell.