BUBWITH'S second team have set a new record in the IT Sports Mixed Tennis League, winning more games in a season than any other team in the history of the league.

Despite injuries to two women players, which threatened the team's chances of fielding a side at all, the squad won 1,222 games and remained unbeaten throughout the season to take the division ten title.

"We are delighted to have set this record. I don't see it being easily beaten," said team captain Liz Bramley, herself a victim of a dislocated shoulder which kept her out for much of the season.

Vice-captain Alison Fletcher added: "The secret of our success is team spirit. We've only been together for two years but we get along really well."

Success for the small village club did not end there. Of the other 160 teams playing in local leagues this summer, the next two highest totals were 1,050 and 1,035 - by Bubwith's first mixed team, who won division five, and their ladies' team, which topped Fulford Ladies' League division two.

Only one other team managed to top the thousand mark this season - IT Sports Men's League division one champions Poppleton with 1,012.

The Bubwith club, who won a National Lottery grant four years ago to build a new pavilion and floodlights, are hoping to get more Lottery cash with which to build a third court next year.

"Our facilities are second to none," said club chairman Shaun Pinchbeck.

"But the secret of our winning ways in my view is consistent fortnightly training for all teams by LTA registered coaches, which has become increasingly popular as we have been seen to reap its rewards."

Anyone wanting to join Bubwith Tennis and Petanque Club should contact secretary Shirley Leak on 01757 630440.

PICTURE: BUBBLING BUBWITH: Bubwith's mixed second team, from left, back row, Alastair Yellop, Chris Cobley, George Morley; front row: Anne Wottge, Viv Williamson, Alison Fletcher