CAPTAIN Kathryn Place returned to action as leaders York made rivals Fulford suffer in division one of the Fulford Ladies Invitation Tennis League.

Place teamed up with Karen Retief to help York record an 85-23 victory.

Winless Poppleton remain in deep trouble at the foot of the table after a heavy defeat by second placed Dunnington.

York 2 secured a valuable victory at Bishopthorpe whilst Rebecca Hill and Vicky Bland scored 30 games in Pocklington’s 75-33 win over Castlegarth.

Helen Larkin and Debbie Holman bagged 26 games as division 2 leaders David Lloyd claimed a 60-48 win at Dunnington.

Wiggington remain in the hunt after beating Starbeck 57-51.

Although they only had two couples, Rufforth made a valiant effort at Castlegarth, going down 57-51. Lesley Haley and Lorainne Pearey were undefeated for Boston Spa in their 59-49 win against Wistow.

Pocklington are top in division 3 after a narrow 55-53 win over David Lloyd II. Andrea Bland and Louise Wilkinson took a vital 20 games in Pock’s victory. Despite a 29 game haul from Jane Pemberton and Kelly Holmes, Cliffe were unable to capitalise, losing out by just four games to second place Copmanthorpe. Elsewhere, Bubwith got the better of Fulford in their mid-table clash.

Katie Pirie and Julia Barnes were unbeaten as Boston Spa overcame Tollerton to maintain their 100% record and remain top of division four.

Julia Sykes and Georgina MacKenzie were in form for Bishopthorpe who beat Heworth 59-49.

Appleton remain third despite going down 67-41 at New Earswick.

Riccall have climbed up to second spot in division 5 after a comfortable win over Fulford 3.

Suzanne Straw and Michele Cossey amassed 19 games as David Lloyd 3 beat Wilberfoss by the tightest of margins.

Dunnington captain Barbara Plummer and Liz Stacey chalked up 23 games in leading their team to a 57-51 triumph at Cawood.

Copmanthorpe and Poppleton remain unbeaten in division 6. Cop hammered struggling Dunnington 81-27, whilst Wendy Battle and Jo Allerton inspired Popp to victory at Sheriff Hutton.

Consistent scores from all three couples saw third place Knaresborough home against Bubwith 2.

The top two teams met in division 7 with leaders York 3 winning comfortably at Rufforth; Ilianna Evangliou and Becky Brunton finished the match undefeated. Wilberfoss beat bottom club Appleton 67-41.