YORK III have marked their maiden season in the Fulford Ladies Invitation Tennis League by becoming the first team to be confirmed as champions in 2017.

Their 61-47 victory over Copmanthorpe means they now have an unassailable lead in division seven.

Rufforth stay second after a big win over a depleted Wilberfoss side, while Karen Anderson and Angela Rotherey racked up 26 games in Stamford Bridge’s victory at Appleton.

In division one, Dunnington maintained the pressure on title favourites York, with Charlotte Mitchell and Denise Bolam unbeaten in their 82-26 win against Bishopthorpe.

Castlegarth ensured their top-flight status after beating York II, while Fulford and Poppleton remain in deep trouble after losing heavily to Pocklington and York respectively.

Sue Yoward and Christine Place netted 24 games as Rufforth defeated high-flying Wigginton in division two.

David Lloyd stay top and moved to within touching distance of promotion, as captain Sheila Duxberry and Frances Mutter took 25 games in their 66-42 win against struggling Wistow.

A comprehensive victory over Dunnington moved Starbeck up to third.

Elsewhere, Lorraine Pearey and Lesley Hayley included a 12-0 as Boston Spa defeated Castlegarth.

Pocklington top division three despite going down 48-60 at Bubwith, for whom Liz Bramley and Anna Araksinen scored 28 games.

Each of David Lloyd’s pairs contributed 23 games in their victory at Rowntree Park, leaving Lloyd second and Park near the wrong end of the table.

Pam Campbell and Elizabeth Mallory were in form for Fulford, bagging 28 games as they downed Cliffe, condemning them to almost certain relegation.

Boston Spa look likely champions of division four.

Ann McCreesh and Sandy Clough took 28 games as Spa eased past bottom-club Poppleton to maintain their 100 per cent win record.

Heworth, Bishopthorpe and Tollerton are all equal on points in second place, with the first two securing comfortable wins over New Earswick and Appleton respectively.

In division five, Wigginton remain top after defeating David Lloyd 59-49.

Jen Tongue and Sophie Marshman starred for Riccall as they held on to second place after defeating Dunnington 65-43.

Meanwhile, Gerry Screeton and Nicola Ramshaw finished undefeated as Wilberfoss overcame struggling Cawood.

Poppleton III continue to chase leaders Copmanthorpe in division six, closing the gap to a point after victory over Bubwith.

Linda Parkin and Paddy MacJannette took 26 games for Knaresborough in their win at Sheriff, while Dunnington prop up the table after conceding their match to David Lloyd.