Riccall fend off David Lloyd 2 fight-back in Tyke Petroleum Men’s Tennis League (From York Press)

Riccall fend off David Lloyd 2 fight-back in Tyke Petroleum Men’s Tennis League

9:54am Tuesday 11th May 2010 in Tennis

Bishopthorpe 2nds’ Richard Corrigan sends down a belting serve to Richard Widnall of Boston Spa 3rds

RICCALL prevailed in a thrilling Tyke Petroleum Men’s Tennis League division seven duel.

At home to early leaders David Lloyd 2, Riccall’s Andrew Dunning and Joe Shepherd won the first rubber 9-3 as Riccall took early advantage for a 22-14 first round lead. The visitors stormed back to all but level the match, but a final round 9-3 by Lloyd’s unbeaten Paul Chappell and Chris Johnson could only square-up round three, giving Riccall a narrow 55-53 victory. Top spot was seized by newcomers Harlow, who, for the second week running, had a pair scoring a maximum.

John Shackleton and John Smail scored 36 as Harlow peppered Pocklington 2nds 91-17.

Bishopthorpe 2nds won their first match in nearly two years, beating hosts Boston Spa 3rds, 70-38. Wigginton 3rds got off to a flier against Wheldrake 2nds.

However, a second round collapse by the hosts handed Wheldrake the advantage, and a final round 9-3 by the visitors’ Martin Scott and captain Aidan Butterworth, sealed a 56-52 win. Appleton Roebuck hit the front in division three, where captain Gary Payne and Paul Kaye notched a final rubber 9-3 to secure a 56-52 success at Castlegarth. All eight of the other rubbers had been 7-5 or 6-6, before the Payne and Kaye display. There was a close call in division six. Dunnington 3rds’ home tie against Selby went to the last before a final 8-4 by Rob Rhodes and Nick Bentley snatched a 56-52 win for Dunnington to lead the table.