The top two teams in division two of the Fulford Ladies Invitation League clashed - and something had to give.

Defending their 100 per cent record unbeaten Castlegarth took an early lead due to the experienced Sylvia Johnson and captain Kate Durkin, who had a very good 9-3 win.

Dawn Steel and Rachel Evans won 8-4 and the number one pairing of Sue Jacklin and Dot Macintosh managed to hold York's in-form Philippa Ashley and Catherine Smithard 6-6.

York pulled a couple of games back in the second round and in the final round they collected 21 games.

But it was just short by one game to share the spoils enabling Castlegarth to prevail 55-53.

There was excitement too at Cawood, whose Ann Talbot and Lesley Savage won 10-2 in the opening match and Cawood's team kept going each round before beating Rowntree Park 57-51.

Wheldrake beat Strensall 73-35 to move into third place, while Appleton Roebuck got back into winning ways with a good team effort beating Selby 68-40. Sue Fish and Judy Marriott top scored as they won 25 games.

Dunnington stay top of division one after crushing struggling Knaresborough 83-25. Top scorers were Suzie Booth and Denise Bolam, who won 30 games.

There was a close finish as Bubwith visited Fulford and five of the rubbers finished either 10-2, 11-1 or 12-0, three going Bubwith's way going into the final round.

Bubwith had a 38-34 lead with top-class tennis played by all the players.

It was in-form Jill Schofield and Viv Williams who had a 10-2 win, then Jill McCreedy and Jackie Heels had a marvellous match beating Margaret Hall and Anna Airaksinen 9-3 in an exciting tussle in which all four players were in top-notch form.

Katie Hargreaves and Anna Baker took every point they could and ended up winning 11-1 to give Fulford a 56-52 win.

York had very little trouble beating Knaresborough 80-28. Helen Leach and Margaret Waugh teamed up to help collect 31 games. Tadcaster beat Poppleton 61-47, Sheila Stuart and Lorraine Pearey top scoring with 25 games.

Leaders Cliffe were rained off in division three enabling New Earswick to close the gap to two points. They beat Tollerton 57-51 and a late scorecard showed Wistow also losing 60-48 to the in-form ladies of New Earswick.

Riccall boast a big gap of six points at the top of division four. They beat Strensall 76-32, Michelle Hall and Sue Shouksmith top scoring on 29 games.

Strensall made a good show at Poppleton winning 60-48, again a late scorecard. Sue Tymon and Sue Raine were involved in three very close matches 7-5 6-6 6-6.

Sheriff Hutton and Dunnington had another close match, Dunnington holding on to their first round lead to win 57-51.

Division five leaders Pocklington are looking to move straight up into division four next season after forcing a five-point advantage.

They play second-placed Wheldrake next week and after crushing Stillington 96-12 remain in consistently good form.

Selby are anchored to the bottom after losing to Heworth and Knaresborough.

Updated: 12:54 Tuesday, June 26, 2001