YORK Ladies secured their third successive Fulford Ladies' Invitation Tennis League title by beating close rivals Fulford, who finished as runners-up.

Powerful hitting and serving by Louise Lister and Wendy Stirk proved to be the key factor for York, while Christine Place and Helen Leach won both their matches 7-5.

After the win over Fulford, York went on to beat Wheldrake 75-23 with Lister and Place in great form, winning all their three rubbers for 28 games.

They were well supported by Phillippa and Jenny Ashley (24 games) and Carla Pawson and Catherine Smithard (23 games).

The defeat consigned Wheldrake to relegation.

Also down are Riccall, who drop back into division four with Sheriff Hutton after a 64-44 defeat at division three leaders Rowntree Park.

Div 1: Champions - York, runners-up - Fulford. Relegated - Wheldrake and Appleton Roebuck.

Div 2: Champions - Bubwith, runners-up Bishopthorpe. Relegated - New Earswick and Tollerton.

Div 3: Champions - Rowntree Park, runners-up - Strensall. Relegated - Riccall and Sheriff Hutton.

Div 4: Champions - Wigginton, runners-up - Wistow. Relegated - Appleton Roebuck and Knaresborough.

Div 5: Champions - Dunnington, runners-up - Bishopthorpe.

The Millennium presentation dinner is being held in the Dante Suite at York Racecourse on October 14.

For further information or booking contact Pat Brisbane on 01904 633524 or Janet Hare on 01904 728493.

Entries for the City of York Tennis Championships close on Friday.

The draw and order of play will be published in the Evening Press next week.

It is anticipated that the men's singles will start on Saturday, September 9, and the doubles the following day.

For further information contact John Linfoot on 01904 470754.

PICTURE: CHAMPIONS: The York Ladies' tennis team who topped the Fulford Ladies' Tennis League, from left, Louise Lister, Christine Place, Alison Taylor, Carla Pawson, Helen Leach and Wendy Stirk