CHAMPIONS David Lloyd missed the chance to climb out of the division one relegation zone as they lost to York in the Tyke Petroleum Men's Tennis League.

Rivals Fulford were mauled at leaders Rowntree Park, but David Lloyd captain Andy Holmes and partner Trevor Watson were thwarted 7-5 by wily adversaries John Moore and Olly Gardner, who went on to 3-25 in this smash-and-grab.

Copmanthorpe opted for youth with experience at Poppleton, but came unstuck against the Turnbulls, who each finished unbeaten. Jack Hannah and captain Nick Turnbull returned 3-24, and John Anderson with Paul Turnbull for 2½-22.

Harlow edged their match at home to division two trophy contenders Dunnington.

Stand-in captain Kevin Todd and Greg Ashcroft ended unbeaten after battling Harlow top pair Steve Shipley and Chris James to a draw. Harlow’s Gary Ede and Roland Hom took a vital ten games to nab the bonus by 55-53.

Bubwith notched a huge tally against crisis club Boston Spa, for whom only captain Jordan Gregory and Paul Kaye could win more than one game.

In division three, former first-teamer Pat Evans made a match-winning season debut for Poppleton 2, scoring 3-31 with Phil Sinton against Stamford Bridge.

Stamford Bridge 2 fared little better at home in the mirror tie with Poppleton 3, for whom Andy Greenall and Steve Fention did the damage with 3-29.

Starbeck 2 were gobsmacked to face the first team captain in a drubbing at Wigginton 2, but revenge proved sweet as they beat all three of Wigginton’s remaining men’s team captains in a tight return contest thanks to 2½-23 from John Berger and Dave Titchmarsh.

The day’s top scorers were Alex Kragiopolous and Andy Cousins with 3-33 for Knaresborough against player-strapped Pocklington.

All three Bishopthorpe pairs scored points in a plucky scrap at Academy’s regular team, who regain second spot in division four from Appleton Roebuck.

An extraordinary match at Boston Spa 2 in division five saw four-man Sherburn win all six played rubbers and just miss out on the team bonus by 55-53.

Sherburn debutants Kevin Holdstock and Michael Chiga won 23 games to add to their captain’s 30 in a remarkable 6-6 points draw.

Wetherby 2’s Paul Hill scored a match-saving 3-29 with James Landau on his debut at home to Wilberfoss.

Heworth swapped places with opponents Rufforth after a 57-51 home win.

Sutton-on-Derwent’s lead in division six is down to a point after visiting Appleton Roebuck 2 bolstered their batting order with newcomer Andy Cossins bagging two points with captain Geoff Steel at third pair.

Title-chasers Wigginton 3 were also saved by the cavalry as Joe Galloway’s debut bagged 3-23 partnering dad Andy at Bishthorpe.

Selby’s to Cawood proved fruitless as Chris Abbott and Eddie Burton added 3-26 to their captain’s 3-31 to maintain their 20-point lead.

Dunnington 2 avenged the division two mirror result, with a 10-2 drubbing of Harlow 2. Captain Rob Rhodes and youngster Jack Forsdike proved unbeatable with 2½-26.

Strensall turned around a dreadful start at home to Sheriff Hutton, winning 43 of the next 72 games to narrowly claim their third win in a row.

James Whitwell and Jack Cameron impressed with 3-29 for Strensall.

There was a clean sweep for division eight leaders Copmanthorpe 2 at home to Starbeck 3. Matt and Luke Blackburn with 3-31 were pipped by dad Mark, scoring 3-32 with Cop 2 captain Dave Dearing.