Poppleton, the holders of the IT Sports Mixed League division one title, lost their unbeaten record to their closest rivals York in a thrilling match, 55-53.

Poppleton won the rubbers count but York's Steve Smith and Kate Rorrison won their first rubber 11-1 to make the overall difference in the games tally.

Poppleton had to change pairings and played all three Moore brothers. Robert Moore partnered Belinda Turnbull and had the expected close contest with York's first pair of Andy Cooke and Wendy Shepherd which ended six all.

York also changed their third pair to good effect with Paul Blackett and Jenny Ashley overcoming the otherwise unbeaten John Moore and Megan Smith.

Fulford have moved into third place on the same points as York and Poppleton after their 67-41 win against Dunnington. In a very competitive-looking scorecard, Tom Baker and Jill McCreedy led the way for Fulford, leaving Dunnington in the relegation fight.

Fulford still top division two but lost their unbeaten record against Tadcaster who won 63-45. Tadcaster were led by newcomer John Rutherford and Lorraine Peary who won all three rubbers with their other two couples all having a winning average.

Sherburn moved up the table after they won 67-41 against Rowntree Park, who were previously above them in the table. Jonathon Sharpe and Heather Rotherham led the way, winning all three rubbers 9-3.

Dunnington seconds have gone to the top of division three after beating their third team and then winning against previously unbeaten Poppleton to dislodge Poppleton off the top spot.

Both Dunnington teams were at full strength and the second team won 82-26 with Mike Taylor and Denise Bolam winning 29 games to top the scoring, just ahead of Kevin Todd and Judy McHenry with 28. The latter pair were the top scorers in their 73-35 defeat of Poppleton, again scoring 28 games.

Bishopthorpe moved up only one place despite winning their last two matches against Dunnington thirds and Appleton Roebuck.

It was still enough to take them safely away from the relegation azone as Appleton Roebuck find themselves now adrift from the pack after they lost by the closest of margins, 55-53, to Civil Service who stay in third place.

There were no positional changes in division four after the latest fixtures except for the three clubs above New Earswick who all have four points and are only separated by games difference.

York are one of four clubs challenging for one of the promotion places as they started the second half of the season with a big 72-36 win against luckless New Earswick. Pete Sutherland and Carmel Parry just outscored Howard Pallister and Julie McNeill.

Wheldrake and Wilberfoss met in the clash of the unbeaten teams in division five with Wheldrake taking the honours and opening up a six-point gap at the top in a good solid team performance.

The loss for Wilberfoss has allowed the teams immediately behind them to close the gap with Fulford moving to within one point after they went to Rowntree Park and won 62-46, headed by Steve Price and Evelyn Atkinson who won all three rubbers for 24 games.

Stillington are on the same points after they entertained Copmanthorpe and won 56-52 thanks to top scorers Graham Cookman and Barbara Watson-Breeze. Copmanthorpe's Graeme Butcher and Kathy Pickard remained unbeaten on the night.

Updated: 12:23 Tuesday, June 19, 2001