The last outstanding trophy in the Tyke Petroleum Men’s Tennis League has gone to Harlow. A narrow 56-52 victory at second-placed neighbours, Starbeck 2, has secured them the division four shield with a match in hand.

Starbeck looked favourites for a vital win, leading 3½ and 38. However, Harlow kicked on to take the final round 2½-22 to win the match for eight points.

This is Harlow’s fourth trophy in only four seasons playing in the Men’s League. John Berger and Grant Dorwood were unbeaten for Starbeck against the champs, with 2-21. Bubwith looked to be rounding off their season with a win at Boston Spa in division three. However, Paul Blackett’s late retirement after two storming rubbers, gifted Spa a 2-25 final round, and a narrow 7-5 victory.

Heworth narrowly missed out on the magic 100 points. In their final fixture, Dunnginton 2’s youngster James Todd and Greg Ashcroft notched a plucky and unbeaten 2-19, to deny their visitors the milestone total. Heworth ended their campaign on 99 points, which earns them only fifth place.

Division seven promotion-chasers Bubwith 2 had to settle for just two points in their final match as champions Harrogate Academy ran rampant for a 77-31 home win.

Bubwith 2 have only a 2½-point margin over third-placed Alne & Tollerton, who have a final match at Starbeck 3 to play. Academy have now won two trophies in two years since joining the York men’s league. Their dominance hasn’t run to remaining unbeaten however, with just one defeat this season – to Alne & Tollerton.

Richard Shannon and junior Bill Brown were the day’s top scorers with 3-33, as runners-up, Harrogate Racquets enjoyed the hospitality of Wilberfoss 2 in division eight.