Fulford went top of newly-formed division six of the Fulford Ladies' Invitation League by beating Knaresborough 66-42, but they needed the help of three top juniors.

Pam Mason and Jenny Rowland had three good wins collecting 24 games, while Jean Haw had the help of junior Chloe McLaren, who won 22 games, before Margaret Hessay had the up-and-coming junior Jane Wallace to assist in drawing two rubbers 6-6 and winning the other 8-4 for 20 games to help to put their team on top.

Three teams are battling to avoid relegation in division four, in addition to Sheriff Hutton, who look doomed after losing to Castlegarth.

Leaders Cawood lost to Wistow, who needed the skill and experience of Jill Marsden and Pam Hugins, who were the only couple with three wins, collecting 25 games in a 63-45 victory.

Cliffe helped to put Sutton-upon-Derwent deeper into trouble when their number one pairing of Mary Pepper and Janet Jackson won 8-4, 10-2, 11-1 in a 67-41 win.

Dunnington and Poppleton changed places near the top of division three after a close match.

Margaret Jenkins and Judith Peeke-Vout were unbeaten winning 21 games and were part of a good Dunnington effort as Linda Molloy and Katie Milne collected 18 hard-fought games and Carol Martin and Jo Parkinson battled for 17 games in a 56-52 victory to put them one point behind leaders Cawood.

New Earswick look set for the drop back to division three after losing to division two leaders Wheldrake.

Appleton Roebuck had a good 59-49 win against Knaresborough. Marilyn Almgill and Anthea Brogden were unbeaten, winning 23 good games in a close match.

York's unbeaten run extended to 11 matches with Bubwith the latest on the receiving end, losing 85-23. York's Wendy Stirke and Louise Lister only dropped three games.

Bishopthorpe lost to second-placed Fulford. They just could not handle Jill McCreedy and Anna Baker, who only dropped two games as Fulford won 86-22.

Tadcaster had a good win, beating Civil Service 67-41, while Dunnington toppled Poppleton 64-44 in which Sue Sumner and Judy McHenry were unbeaten as they won 23 games.

Updated: 09:00 Tuesday, July 15, 2003