Cawood have taken over the top spot in division five of the IT Sports Mixed Tennis League after two wins against Sutton-on-Derwent and promotion rivals Stillington.

Eddie Burton and Sue Matchett won all three rubbers for Cawood in their encounter against Sutton-on-Derwent with Terry and Lesley Savage backing up well at Stillington, winning their final rubber 10-2 to seal the 62-46 victory.

Adrian Shakeshaft and Judy Marriott scored heavily for Appleton Roebuck against Cliffe to stay in third place, but then lost in another close fixture at Heworth, whose Keith Scoullar and Louise Haritakis sealed victory with 24 games.

Heworth took themselves out of the relegation area with a 67-41 win at Riccall to leave three teams trying to avoid the drop.

York had another win in division one in a bid to retain the title, beating Poppleton II for whom Steve Smith and Wendy Stirke just outscored Gareth Adams and Wendy Shepherd.

Fulford were the only movers in the division with a 65-43 win against Wigginton. Poppleton returned to winning ways with a big 80-28 win against Civil Service.

York won the encounter of the top two teams in division two with a narrow 56-52 win at Fulford.

The match was as close as the scoreline would indicate with York's top scorers, Paul Whurr and Claire Taylor, winning 20 games.

Stillington are still close behind the leaders with an 79-29 win at Sutton-on-Derwent. Sutton and Civil Service swapped places at the foot of the table after Sutton beat them 76-32.

Wheldrake are one of the handful of unbeaten teams in the league and swept aside York fourth team in division three with Dave Fenton and Helen Roe amassing 30 games.

York thirds are still in the promotion hunt with a hard-fought 63-45 win against Sherburn for whom Bob Audsley and Kate Rorrison were unbeaten. York play promotion rivals Castlegarth in their final match which may prove to be the promotion decider.

Selby are now in the second promotion place behind Fulford in division four with a draw at Riccall and a 71-37 win against Poppleton. Francis Milivojevic top-scored in both fixtures with partners Kirsty Godwin and Pam Campbell.

Division six leaders Wistow lost their first match against Cawood whose David Welsh and Lorraine Bishop won all three rubbers. Wistow then bounced back with a 72-36 win at Poppleton.

Martin Evans and Pam Mason ensured Fulford stayed in third place with a 62-46 victory at New Earswick. Dunnington sealed the points led by Bob Burbridge and Carol Martin with their win against Civil Service.

Division nine looks to be heading to a final week showdown for all teams in promotion and relegation battles.

Selby won their last matches against Fulford and Dunnington with Andy White and Debbie Godwin proving too strong for their opposition.

Nestl moved into one of the automatic promotion places led by Clive Christion and Caroline Parkin in their 69-39 win at Wistow.

Updated: 09:46 Tuesday, July 08, 2003