THE opening weekend of the Fulford Ladies Invitation Tennis League season saw many matches fall victim to the weather.

It was business as usual, though, for reigning division one champions York as they comfortably dispatched last season’s runners-up, Pocklington, Wendy Stirke and Louise Marshman starring in their 74-34 victory.

Fulford, returning to the top flight, faced a strong Wigginton side, with Wiggy captain Eleanor Bradshaw teaming up with Natasha Wiszniewska to contribute 29 games in a 60-48 win.

York 2 got off to a winning start in division two, Caroline White and Siobhan Gilfillin taking 26 games in their 72-36 defeat of newly promoted Wistow.

In division three, Natasha Quigley and Jeanette Bowden were unbeaten in Knaresborough’s 62-46 win at Bishopthorpe.

Elsewhere, Jo Earl and Liz Bramley took 28 games to seal a 68-40 triumph for Cliffe against Wigginton 2.

David Lloyd 3 inflicted a heavy defeat on Sutton in division four. Miranda Stephenson and Philippa Ashley scored nine games in each rubber to contribute to Lloyd’s 70-38 win.

Liz Paxman and Veronique Knighton top scored for Fulford 3 in their division six clash with Poppleton, to edge their team to a 59-49 victory.

The league, now in its 41st year, has new sponsors in sports clothing company Suitably Sporty.