YORK Tennis Club Ladies still have a chance of being Yorkshire League division one champions despite losing for the first time in seven matches.

The Minster city side fell to a strong Thongsbridge outfit but could yet take the title if they can defeat current champions Huddersfield in their last away fixture.

York's men lost their latest division one match to likely champions Doncaster. However, having won three and lost three, their division one status should be assured.

Meanwhile, there was an all-host club final when York again staged the annual IT Sports Ladies Doubles Tournament - with Karen Retief and Fay Chapman coming out on top to take the title for the first time.

The competition involved nine couples from six Fulford Invitation Ladies League division one and two clubs, with players competing in two groups, the top two in each qualifying for the semi-finals.

Group match highlights David Lloyd’s Sheila Duxbury and Elaine Hilton's narrow victory over Jane Parkin and Katy Fowler, and Rufforth’s Chris Place and Sue Yoward’s 3-2 victory over Bishopthorpe’s Laura Rhodes and Katie Harvey.

The semi-finals saw York’s Jill Le Pla and Siobhan Gilfillan defeat Dunnington duo Emma Loten and Alex Bolam, and club-mates Retief and Chapman overcome Fulford’s Jill McCreedy and Jane Wallace.

A highly competitive final then saw some excellent tennis, left-hander Le Pla trading some fine cross-court rallies with strong backhander Retief.

In the tightest of finishes, Retief and Chapman showed slightly more consistency to edge their team-mates.

Entry fees and a raffle raised £122 for Breast Cancer Now.

The IT Too tournament, for players from divisions three to seven, was held at Bubwith and involved eight couples from five different clubs.

Dunnington’s Liz Stacey and Barbara Plummer and Bishopthorpe pair Andrene Watson and Jackie Mason qualified from the group stages, but lost in the semis.

The final saw young Fulford pair Sarah Richards and Charlotte O'Shea just lose out to experienced Wilberfoss couple Bev Tebbutt and Chris Oldfield.

This season’s Beryl Bean Over-55s tournament will take place at Wigginton on Sunday, September 25, at 1pm. To enter, email pwreglesworth@sky.com.