PAUL Blackett has made a successful return to York after a spell with Bubwith.

He teamed up with Louise Lister, who was making a rare appearance in the IT Sports York and District Mixed Tennis League, to help their team to a crushing 90-18 victory against Tadcaster in division one.

Paul Turnbull made his debut for Poppleton and, along with his wife Belinda, won half the games in their win over Wigginton.

Unbeaten Howard Pallister and Helen Leach ensured Civil Service stayed at the top of division two with victory at Stillington. Selby moved up to third place with a win against Poppleton in a match which included three members of the Cantrell family for Poppleton and four Godwins for Selby.

Fulford and Copmanthorpe, the only two unbeaten teams in division three, are due to meet tonight. Copmanthorpe dislodged Fulford from top spot on games difference after their winning trip to the carpet courts of Civil Service and Fulford extended their record at Wheldrake.

Wigginton II lead division five on games difference after wins against their third string and New Earswick. James Walker and Julie Noonan heading the scoring against the thirds while Simon Drake and Kate Rorrison won all three at Earswick.

Cawood won at Tollerton without dropping a set.

On paper Cliffe looked to have a close 56-52 division six victory against Rufforth but the final round included two 11-1 victories, one to either side. Cliffe then had the first draw of the season against Appleton Roebuck.

Nestl were stung back into winning ways at Sutton on Derwent in division seven, led by stalwarts Clive Christison and Kerry Rafton.

Don Grant and Judy Hennessey won the extra couple of games needed for Wheldrake in their fixture at Rowntree Park to join Wilberfoss, Nestl and Tadcaster in a four-way tie at the top.

Dunnington's Sheelagh Stephenson was back in action after a long illness and teamed up with Nick Holbeck to help beat Escrick and ensure top spot in division eight.

Andrew White and Pam Campbell helped Selby to their first points in division nine with a win at Stillington, while leaders Sheriff Hutton piled on the agony for Strensall with Edward Marsden and Suzanne Eastwood leading the way.

Sheriff face the division's only other unbeaten team, Stamford Bridge, tonight.

Bish Forrest and Pat Lyons won all three rubbers for Wistow against Wilberfoss in division ten but

Despite the best efforts of Sutton on Derwent's Julian Pheby and Dorothy Fell, Poppleton won their first match in division eleven led by Colin Robinson and Fiona McKay.

Updated: 09:19 Tuesday, May 31, 2005