DEFENDING champions IT Sports Wigginton suffered their first defeat in 39 Yorkshire League games at the hands of Chapel Allerton from Leeds.

The York side, fancied this year by many to successfully defend their crown, were let down by the last-minute withdrawal of players, so called upon local star Jonny Duffield to accompany fellow stars Ian Tooms, Jamie Hopwood, Matt Lowery and Irish international Jon Rooney.

Playing out of order, Wigginton were always going to struggle against an impressive Chapel Allerton side who had already beaten Queens (Halifax), who finished third last season.

Chapel Allerton were one of the league's whipping boys last season but have done remarkably well to put together an impressive team with limited resources.

The match got off to the best possible start for Wigginton with Jamie Hopwood, playing at No 3, grinding a comfortable 3-0 win over Neil McKinnon.

However, Matt Lowery, playing at No 2, eventually went down 3-0 to the impressive Chris Ryder.

Next on for Wigginton was Ian Tooms, who, playing at No 4, led in every game but failed to finish off his athletic opponent and lost 3-0.

Number five Jonny Duffield, making only his second appearance at this level, lost 3-0 but played well considering the jump in standard.

The match was already out of Wigginton's hands when Wigginton's Jon Rooney squared up against Sam Millar at No 1, Rooney winning impressively 3-0 in a heated affair.

The lack of one professional was the difference between a possible 5-0 win and a 3-2 loss, giving management duo Matt Lowery and Ian Tooms food for thought.

It was Wigginton's first league defeat in two and a half years and the campaign is shaping up to be a lot closer than last season's Wigginton whitewash.

Wigginton were looking to get off to the best possible start in their title defence, having already defeated Abbeydale from Sheffield the previous week. They also know they will be facing some stiff opposition from arch-rivals Pontefract.

Wigginton's next match is against neighbours York on Wednesday, September 24 at Clifton Park and promises to be a real cracker.

Updated: 09:57 Saturday, September 20, 2003