Just six points separate the top five teams in division five of the Tyke Petroleum Men’s Tennis League, writes Ian Hillman.

With three matches to go, Riccall are the latest leaders. They top Fulford 2, by a point-and-a-half, after dropping a solitary rubber at Dunnington 2, who only fielded two pairs.

Riccall reckon their own Paul Elmhirst is the most senior player in the league.

At the age of 72, he certainly earns his place, having won 121 games and 11 points in his six outings this season. In division one, Poppleton moved on to the shoulders of the leaders after an 8-4 win at Wigginton.

Jonny Fisher made an admirable division one debut for Poppleton, with a vital 1½-20, partnering Tom Cantrell.

The new leaders in division six are Stamford Bridge 2. They took all but a half point at home to Heworth 2, in their final match-in-hand over previous leaders Cliffe. Richard Doughty and Neil Hilton were the Bridge top guns with 3-31.

It went down to the wire between Selby and New Earswick.

At 36-36, and 4-2 to their visitors, it took Selby captain and Dave Stewart in their last rubber to snatch the points after beating New Earswick captain David Latimer and Michael Griffin by 7-5, to win the match 55-53.

Appleton Roebuck scrapped to a keenly-fought 39-33, 4-2 lead at home to Wigginton 2 in division three. Inspired by captain Chris Burnham, Wigginton rallied to win a final 2½ points and 21 games to square the tie, 54-54 and six points all. Only John Long and Adam Gray remained unbeaten for either side, drawing all three of their rubbers.