DIVISION one champions York opened their defence of the IT Sports Mixed Tennis League title with a comfortable win at runners-up Fulford.

Fulford’s Richard Parker and Eleanor Crooks pushed York’s Gareth Adams and Louise Marshman all the way and won their other two rubbers in defeat.

Poppleton’s new pairings proved too much for Dunnington, with John Anderson and Lauren Cockbill scoring heavily.

They were well supported by Nestlé Family men’s doubles champion Nick Turnbull and mother Belinda.

Promoted Copmanthorpe hosted Bubwith in division two and were on the wrong side of a 55-53 defeat, with Paul Blackett and Liz Bramley top-scoring for Bubwith.

Ian Tooms and partner Denise Crane were top-scorers for Wigginton in a win over newly- promoted Dunnington.

Poppleton and Civil Service had a close tussle, but Service won 55-53 thanks to captain Phil Sinton and Anne Jackson winning their final match 11-1.

In division three, Sherburn’s Phil Bremner and Helen Haywood drew 6-6 with Appleton Roebuck’s Adrian Shakeshaft and Judy Marriott, but Sherburn edged the victory.

Rufforth’s Christine Place and Andy Ivel starred in a win over Wigginton.

Bishopthorpe’s Simon Watson and Fran Critchley were too good for promoted York in division four.

Ben Leftwich were Heworth’s match winners in a 55-53 win against Cliffe, but could not beat their opponents’ top scorers, Ian Crowther and Jane Pemberton.

Josh Beavers and Pauline Craddock scored almost half of Fulford’s games at Appleton Roebuck in division seven.

Tollerton have made a strong start to the division nine season and they beat Strensall, led by Robert Parry and Ed Hope.

Bishopthorpe’s Alistair Scott-Somers and Andrene Watson won 26 games against Civil Service, while Copmanthorpe’s Ben Macleod and Laura Jones starred at Fulford.

Unbeaten Max Loss and Dorothy Fell helped Sutton-on-Derwent to victory over David Lloyd.