THE division seven title in the IT Sports Mixed Tennis League has been decided by the closest of margins - Sutton upon Derwent topping Copmanthorpe by just one game after the sides finished level on points.

Both clubs had outstanding matches to play - starting with a meeting between themselves, when Copmanthorpe's Ben McLeod and Juliette Neylon won 29 games to take the spoils at Sutton.

Rob Abbott and Rhian Scott were then unbeaten as Cop took another two points when beating Bubwith to go into the final fixtures in pole position.

However, they then came up against a strong Cliffe side and lost 55-53. Terry Savage and Jo Earl won 23 games for Cliffe, who finished third in the table just one point behind Cop.

On the same night, Sutton upon Derwent, needing to beat Rufforth to be promoted, were led to success by Dave Nowell and Sally Simpson - and they then learned their 65-43 win nicked the crown too.

In division one, Wigginton won their final match against a useful Wetherby Castlegarth side, Ben Walker and Eleanor Bradshaw taking 31 games, to bag third place in the table behind champions Poppleton and second-placed Dunnington.

In division two, Bubwith's Mark Harris and Jill Rounce took 30 games as their side beat relegated Heworth.

The highest scorers of the remaining matches were Max Los and Lucy Hodedson, who won 34 games for Sutton upon Derwent in their final outing at Dunnington. Sutton had also won their penultimate match at Fulford, Matt Ward and Vicky Bland the top-scorers, as they finished term in third place.

Division three champions Wigginton won their final match against Rowntree Park with Sue Espiner partnering younger Langley brother James and top scoring.

The last three matches in division four decided who would be promoted alongside Fulford - with David Lloyd taking that spot.

Despite not being able to beat Mike Connolly and Angie Bell, DL amassed enough games against Wetherby Castlegarth to take the two points. They then won at Cliffe to bag runners-up place, John Wroot and Rachel Woolley, with 27 games, just out-scoring team-mates Nick Sandham and Sharon Davidson.

Graeme Butcher and Laura Simpson finished with 31 games as Copmanthorpe beat Cliffe to confirm their relegation.

Rufforth finished third in division five after finally playing their twice-postponed match at Rowntree Park, 30 games for Andy Ivel and Emma Whiting heading their victory.

In division eight, Wistow beat Tollerton to end their hopes of staying up. Wistow's new pairing of Henry Hackwell and Sarah Huggins won 32 games to lead the way. That result saw Wilberfoss avoid the drop.

In division nine, Tim Mandle and Julia Sykes bagged an 11-1 win as Bishopthorpe finished their season by beating Appleton Roebuck.