Tadcaster have mounted a serious challenge for promotion in the IT Sports Mixed Tennis League second division after recording two impressive victories.

They leapt up to fourth place with good results against Sutton-on-Derwent and Poppleton to be one of the three teams on eight points behind the two top teams.

Tadcaster won 60-48 at Poppleton, led by the experienced Ian and Debbie Young who won 25 games. They then beat Sutton-on-Derwent 64-44 at home, dropping Sutton into one of the automatic relegation places.

Castlegarth won their first match at Sutton-on-Derwent with Roger Wright and Sue Jacklin winning all three rubbers for 23 games, well supported by Mike Park and Dot Mackintosh.

York added to Poppleton's woes by winning 58-50 in a close match in which Poppleton could find no answer to the unbeaten Nick Pears and Chris Place who won 24 games. They are now second, one point behind leaders Fulford.

Poppleton moved back to the top of division one with a 67-41 win against neighbours Civil Service. Top scorers were Michael Binns and Belinda Turnbull with 28 wins.

Fulford moved into second place with a much changed team, winning 65-43 against Stillington who drop to the bottom. Dave Bradley teamed up with Julie Reilly and won 26 games to top score.

Dunnington have moved out of the bottom end of the division with two good 68-40 wins against Wigginton and York seconds. Trevor Loten and Sue Sumner top scored against York with 27 games and Kevin Todd and Suzie Booth won all three at Wigginton.

Poppleton had the narrowest of wins in division three against Dunnington thirds, 55-53, to go back to the top. They had youngster Charles Bush, making his first appearance of the season, and partner Ros Wilson in splendid form, winning 22 games. Dunnington's Andy Peeke-Vout and Linda Molloy were unbeaten.

Civil Service lost ground on the two leaders after they also lost 55-53, to Tollerton. Nick Thompson and Wendy Stirke were Tollerton's match-winners, remaining unbeaten with 23 games.

Bubwith look to have already sealed the title in division four after yet another big win, this time 81-27 against Cliffe. It leaves the second promotion place up for grabs with Selby putting in a challenge after their 58-50 win at New Earswick.

Wheldrake stretched their lead at the top of division five with an 81-27 win at Stillington then a very tight victory at Sutton-on-Derwent 56-52. Wilberfoss have been caught in second place by Copmanthorpe who beat them 58-50.

Copmanthorpe's Graeme Butcher and Karen Hornby are having a good season and again top scored with 25 games, with good support from Carl Addison and Jenny Davis.

Fulford stayed in touch with their win against Stillington but lost the opportunity to go second after they lost at Sutton-on-Derwent 72-36. Sutton's Chris Hobson and Pam Lochman were unstoppable, winning an impressive 31 games.

Appleton Roebuck and Rowntree Park, who are a little adrift at the bottom, played each other with Rowntree Park taking the win 57-51 thanks to unbeaten Peter Richardson and Sandra Robinson.

Riccall are still top of division six after their 69-39 win against rivals Heworth, who lost a player through injury.

Cawood stayed in touch with the top half of the table by winning 61-47 against New Earswick, Mike Thurston and Lesley Savage being unbeaten.

Dunnington lost ground after their 56-62 defeat against Wistow who are now clear in second place. Six of the rubbers ended in draws.

Updated: 12:13 Tuesday, July 03, 2001