IT was third time lucky for Jill Le Pla and Siobhan Gilfillan as they lifted the end-of-season IT Sports tennis pairs tournament.

The York duo were participating in their third final in a row and, having lost the previous two, there were no slip-ups this time as their determination and consistency saw them claim the trophy in a high-quality match against Rufforth's Sue Yoward and York’s Ilianna Evangliou.

The competition, for players from divisions one and two of the IT Sports Mixed League, along with the IT Too tournament, for players from divisions three to seven, was held at Fulford Tennis Club.

Seven couples competed in a round-robin format in the former.

Le Pla and Gilfillan dominated the group stages, only coming unstuck against team-mates Karen Retief and Kathryn Place.

Rufforth pair Christine Edmond and Judith Evans qualified for a semi-final against Yoward and Evangliou but strong serving and volleying saw the latter pair prevail.

The IT Too competition had a record entry of 17 pairs, split into three groups - with Fulford duo Jane Wallace and Elizabeth Mallory triumphing at the end.

There were strong performances from New Earswick’s Emily Broadbent and Nicky Georgiou, Wilberfoss’s Gerry Screeton and Ros Latham, and Tollerton’s Sandra Jennings and Mary Foster.

The semi-finals saw Wallace and Mallory narrowly defeat Cliffe’s Jane Pemberton and Kelly Holmes, and Copmanthorpe’s Jane Harding and Laura Simpson overcome Fulford couple Sarah Richards and Charlotte O’Shea.

The final was played in deteriorating weather. Wallace and Mallory lost the first two games but settled into their stride, making several winning volleys, to take the next five and secure the title.

Proceeds from entry fees and raffles held at both events raised £200 for Macmillan Cancer Support.