Poppleton Panthers, Poppleton Tennis Club's under-8 Yorkshire Mini-Tennis League team, began their league programme with a narrow defeat at Harrogate Howarts despite sterling performances from Tom Craddock, Emily Garland, Hannah Chambers and Emma Loten.

The Panthers are one of a series of junior teams that will represent the club in regional or national tournaments.

The Panthers have just completed a sponsorship deal with Turnbull Mazda, York's main Mazda dealer, to kit out and run the team which is drawn from players in the club's own six division strong mini-tennis league.

For further details about the club's junior programme contact coach Belinda Turnbull on York 750778 or 07977 331117.

Updated: 11:53 Thursday, March 14, 2002