THE title race is hotting up in division three of the Fulford Ladies Invitation Tennis League.

Table-toppers Cawood edged out Poppleton 59-49 thanks to a couple of wins and a draw from Sue Matchett and Monica Jenkinson. Team-mates Ann Talbot and Lesley Savage drew twice and won once.

The win leaves Cawood three points ahead of Dunnington, who have a game in hand.

Dunnington appeared to be cruising to victory over Cliffe as they led by ten games going in to the last round.

But Jane Hinchliffe and Jill Barker hit back with a 10-2 win only for Margaret Jenkins and Kate Longbottom's 7-5 victory to earn Dunnington a narrow 56-52 win.

Wistow beat Riccall 70-38 with Pat Lyons and Pam Huggins winning 25 games.

Sheriff Hutton finally earned their first division four win of the season by beating Pockington 66-42 with 28 games from Ellie Batty and Sandra Meads proving vital.

Alison Smethurst and Judith Simpson won 10-2 12-0 9-3 as Strensall swept to a 62-46 victory over Wheldrake.

Fulford inched closer to the division six title as they crushed Selby 84-24, Pat Brisbane and Jean Haw taking 29 games.

Next Generation look set to join Fulford in promotion after beating Dunnington 73-35.

At the foot of division one, Civil Service lost 62-46 and Bubwith were beaten 62-46 by Dunnington.

Bishopthorpe gave themselves a lifeline by defeating Tadcaster 56-52, Sue Yoward and Fran Critchley having a match-winning return of 26 games.

Copmanthorpe beat relegated New Earswick 75-33 to go third in division two, all three couples winning 23 or more games.

Entry for the IT Sports tournament on September 6 closes in three weeks' time.

Updated: 10:01 Tuesday, July 29, 2003