WITH only a third of the season gone, Poppleton have emerged as definite favourites to win the Tyke Petroleum Men’s Tennis League division one.

A crushing victory over Rowntree Park last weekend has seen Poppleton dislodge their opponents at the top of the table.

Rowntree, however, will cite mitigating circumstances in the absence of their captain, one 'no-show', and the need for two second string call-ups.

They duly took a battering (89-19) to leave Popp now two points clear at the top with a match in hand.

Academy kept up the chase with a comfortable victory over Wigginton. Mark Coombes and Mat Parry were class with 3-25.

David Lloyd scored a last gasp win at York. Despite Jan Dyl and Ben Orton again bagging Lloyd half-a-match, it was debutant James Harrison who won the tie for them, partnering Dave Thompson to a crucial 9-3 final rubber after York stalwart Paul Blackett had pulled up injured.

In division two, Racquets enjoyed a cosseted morning as guests of David Lloyd 2. Always comfortable on carpet, Jim Haddleton and Ryan Lonsdale swept up for the leaders with 3-27.

Fulford’s hopes of winning the division two crown were dented at Starbeck where a 61-47 defeat saw them drop to third in the table. Starbeck supremos Ryan Carrick and Simon Dickinson hit them for 3-30.

Poppleton 2 moved into the top half with a whitewash of Sutton-on-Derwent; Paul Turnbull and Robbie Greenall breezing to 3-31.

Boston Spa claimed top spot in division three after seeing off all but Paul Adams and Ed Martin (with 3-27) against winless Rowntree Park 2.

Despite having no match, Racquets 2 stay top of division four thanks to neighbours Starbeck 3’s comprehensive victory at second placed Copmanthorpe 2.

Division six champions Academy 2 completed their club’s double after a double-pronged assault at Wigginton 3. Chris James and Alan Cunningham claimed the maximum three points from 28 games won.

Wilberfoss claimed197 from 216 games against Bishopthorpe across two matches.

Wilberfoss 1 lead division five after a 95-13 victory at Bishopthorpe 1. Alex Gurnell and Dan Jacques one of three 'top guns' returning 3-35.

Wilberfoss 2, meanwhile, are third in division eight despite a home trouncing (102-6) of Bishopthorpe 2 where John Huffington and Adrian Shakeshaft and John Latham and Iain Webster both joined their first team clubmates on 3-35.

It was the first time that one club had three joint top scorers on the same morning in the Men’s league.

Alne & Tollerton moved themselves into contention in division five with a battering of Boston Spa 2. Steve Broughton and Callum Gration settled for a modest 3-30.

Cawood crept closer to the top of division six, beating Bubwith 2 with Chris Abbott and Terry Savage excelling with 3-28. They were helped by the fact the other four teams were involved in hard-fought draws.

David Lloyd 3 stayed top of division seven with a comprehensive ‘away’ win at David Lloyd 4.

Phil Rigby and Richard Doughty showed the youngsters the depth of their experience with 3-29.

Fulford 2 got themselves back into gear with a full strength defeat of Heworth 2; Alex Herriott with Paul Ruff returning 3-33, narrowly pipped brother Pat partnering Pip Cook.

David Hull and Andy Frank (3-30) narrowly edged Sheriff Hutton to victory at Wigginton 4.

Strensall had the beating of hosts Wheldrake to stay top of division eight - averaging a staggering 11 points per match. James Whitwell and Mark Howarth hit 3-30.