Defending champions Dunnington opened their division one campaign in the IT Sports Mixed Doubles Tennis League with a win against Fulford 2.

Dunnington welcomed back Paul Birch, who missed the 2010 season through injury, and he remained unbeaten in tandem with Emma Loten.

York’s Gareth Adams was another player who was sidelined for the whole of last year and he also slotted straight back into winning ways with partner Wendy Stirke against Poppleton.

The pair won their vital second rubber 10-2 to ensure the points for York 1 against one of the sides who will be chasing the silverware.

Fulford’s youthful first two pairs proved too hot to handle as they did not drop a set against York 2.

Rufforth entertained Wetherby Castlegarth in their first foray in the top division but found Jamie Perkins and Sarah Woon in unstoppable form.

In division two, John Anderson and Hilary Spencer were Poppleton’s match-winners against York.

Despite the best efforts of Copmanthorpe’s Graeme Butcher and Rhian Scott, they went down to Wigginton, for whom league sponsor Ian Tooms and Denise Crane starred.

Brother and sister Patrick Atkinson and Dominique Morrissey ensured promoted Fulford took the points against relegated Bubwith.

Dunnington, promoted with Fulford, also opened up with a win, led by the unbeaten Alex McLean and Nicola Loten at Wheldrake.

Division three newcomers Stamford Bridge kicked off with a win against Sutton-on-Derwent with Anthony Downing and Natalie Muir unbeaten, while new duo Richard Corrigan and Helen Halsall were Bishopthorpe’s winners against Sherburn.

Kevin Davison and Sandra Pauw led Rowntree Park to victory in a close encounter at Manor Civil Service, just outscoring team-mates Ed Martin and Ronnie Davison.

Paul Adams and Sarah Smelik were David Lloyd’s match-winners at Fulford in division four.

Poppleton had three husband and wife pairings in division five, but narrowly lost to Castlegarth.

Paul Harrison and Pauline Belt secured the points for Appleton Roebuck against Cawood in division six, while John Latham and Gerry Screeton won 29 games as they beat Wigginton.

The week’s top scorers were 31-game Bishopthorpe duo Jonny Kay and Jane Parkin, who saw off Dunnington in division seven.

Stuart Turner and Anna Fell top-scored as Sutton-on-Derwent beat Fulford in division eight.

George Lintott and his sister, Faye, helped Riccall to a division nine win at Stamford Bridge.

Nick Thurlow and Maxine Gordon won 30 games for David Lloyd as they beat Heworth.