CHAMPIONS Poppleton have hit the top of Tyke Petroleum Men’s Tennis League division one for the first time this season - but only by virtue of winning just two games more than Rowntree Park.

David Lloyd sensationally beat Poppleton indoors, restricting Nick Turnbull and Nikki Rohlfing to just 26 games, and the rest of the Poppleton team to just a half-point.

Tim Rawlings and Adam Rider were top-of-the-class with 3-30 as Academy walloped Racquets in their first top-flight derby.

Jasper Jacob was unbeatable for Starbeck, bagging three points and 25 games with Tom Collyer against York, who edged the rest of the points.

Big home wins for Bubwith and Copmanthorpe kept them at the the head of division two.

Bub supremo Rob Jackson and Daryl Young, with 2½-23, were one of two unbeaten pairs against Knaresborough. Jonny Kay and captain David Beattie netted 3-25 as Cop trounced Poppleton 2.

Fulford’s tennis school graduates are finally paying their dues, as Josh Beavers, Tom Craddock and Arran Tate all turned it on to pulverise a lacklustre Wigginton 2, who drop into the bottom half.

Rob Jones’ 2016 men's league debut proved decisive as he stole the bonus for Appleton Roebuck with a final 11-1 partnering Dave Bradley in a division three smash-and-grab at fellow cup chasers Rowntree Park 2.

Sherburn’s Tristan Gretton and Kevin Holdstock enjoyed a 3-27 romp against full-strength division five champs Heworth, as they took a giant stride into contention.

Fourth-placed York 2 continued their winning vein, easily seeing off Boston Spa, despite the visitors’ Will Parkins and Dave Aspland's maximum 3-22.

Poppleton 3 were perked up by Liam Parker’s confident debut, scoring 1½-18 with fellow Turnbull academy youngster Barney Baker, at home to Copmanthorpe 2 in division four. Fulford 2 rediscovered their chutzpah, scrapping to a gutsy win at Appleton Roebuck 2. Captain Paul Ruff led with an unbeaten 2½-21 with Alex Herriott.

Division eight champs Strensall became the latest team to be walloped at runaway division five leaders Wetherby 1.

Talent and consistency seems to be the watchword, with youngster Tom Boyes-Park meshing well with Roger Fawcuss to win every rubber 8-4, helping maintain their team’s average of over ten points per match.

Rufforth brothers Will and James Edmond’s unbeaten 2½-23 was nearly their team’s entire return from the trip to second-placed Wilberfoss. Starbeck 2 picked up the pace with a demolition of bottom team Sheriff Hutton.

Boston Spa 2 hit the front in division six with a comprehensive defeat of Bubwith 2.

Rare appearances by Will Ziegler and Matt Saxon afforded Spa two unbeaten pairs against the full-strength visitors.

Academy 2 drew level on points with two matches in hand.

After no wins for three years, two turned up at once for Pocklington after a happy excursion to Harlow 2.

James Eaglesfield and Sam Britten led the homeward celebrations after an unbeaten 2½-22.

Alex Trembath and Andrew Dunning top-scored with 3-34 for division seven high-riders Riccall.

With nearly half the season played, Riccall are averaging close to 11 points per match.

Amassing more points than both chasing teams, Riccall chief John Lintott is hopeful that building a big lead now will carry them to a trophy during the leaner holiday period to come.

Division eight leaders Wigginton 3 saw their unbeaten start abruptly ended by Wilberfoss 2. Dan Jacques and John Latham starred with 3-31.

Second-placed Alne & Tollerton 1 saw off David Lloyd 3 with Matt Fletcher and Rob Proudley chopping to 3-26. Dunnington 2's Alfie and Oscar Hubble joint top-scored with 3-34 in victory over David Lloyd 4’s junior newbies.