DIVISION Eight of the IT Sports Mixed Tennis League looks set to go right down to the wire.

Even as the middle of the season approaches it continues to be tight at the top with four clubs tied on points at the head of the table.

Wilberfoss have clung on to top spot on games difference of three despite losing their unbeaten record at Cawood in a tight match. They managed to bounce back in style against visitors Bishopthorpe in emphatic style, winning 83-25. Dave Fenton and Ros Latham just outscored team-mates Patrick and Louise Wilkinson.

Cawood keep up the pressure after Andrew Dunning and Robina Anderson won 28 games to seal victory over Tollerton.

Chris Cobley and Justine Gray won 26 games for Bubwith at neighbours Cliffe to claim second place.

Nestl are the fourth team fighting for the two promotion spots after Tito Latoga and Delphine Ruet won 34 games in their victory against Strensall.

Poppleton stayed in second place in division one after their tough encounter with York 2nds and stay just ahead of Dunnington who had a narrow 55-53 win at Fulford.

Civil Service's Howard Pallister and Helen Leach won 26 games but could not secure their team's first win and went down to Fulford IIs.

Tadcaster are the only unbeaten team in division two after they defeated Dunnington while previous leaders Wigginton went down 55-53 to Stillington, despite the best efforts of unbeaten Ian Tooms and Denise Crane.

Helen Roe and Graeme Taylor led Wheldrake to a welcome win at Rowntree Park winning 26 games.

New Yorkshire Civil Service men's singles champion, Pete Moss, partnered by wife Chris, were unbeaten for Poppleton in division four but could not prevent their team losing to Appleton Roebuck for whom Adrian Shakeshaft and Judy Marriott won 27 games. Appleton took over second spot with another win at Tollerton with Joe Carter and Amber Hickman leading the scoring.

Cawood opened up a four-point gap at the top of division five after their win at Heworth although none of the couples could defeat Heworth's Keith Scoullar and Louise Haritakis.

Stuart Langley and Sue Espiner led Wigginton's charge to end Sutton on Derwent's unbeaten run with Stuart Robinson and Ann Mead matching the games won.

Cawood preserved their unbeaten run in division six but were pushed to the limit by Fulford and went home with a point after their draw. Fulford then lost their unbeaten record at New Earswick with Keith Pearson and Sandra Burley winning 24 games.

Rufforth maintained their division seven promotion hopes with wins at Tadcaster and Dunnington, Andy Ivel and Judith Evans leading the way at Dunnington. Wheldrake are second with Patrick Oliver and Jenny Grant winning all three rubbers 10-2 against Civil Service.

Next Generation continued their domination of division eleven by thumping Wheldrake 75-33 but the second promotion place is up for grabs with Fulford moving up after their win at Appleton Roebuck while Alne lost ground after their defeat at Wheldrake where John Duggleby and Lynne Morris won 27 games.

Updated: 08:45 Tuesday, June 15, 2004