City of York Ladies Hockey Club failed to baptise their new name with a win in the season's opening North League game as they disappointingly slipped 5-1 at home to Leyland.

The former York Ladies side, who merged with the City of York club this summer, missed three good scoring opportunities in the first half which ended with Leyland taking the lead on half-time with a goal from a penalty corner.

Sally Powell, returning after a year's absence, equalised for City early in the second half, also following a penalty corner, but York's hopes of going on to win the game were extinguished when Leyland scored twice in quick succession from right wing attacks.

A dispirited York conceded two further goals late on and will be looking to shake off early season rustiness in next week's game at Timperley.

City's second string also had a poor day in division two of the Yorkshire League, losing 4-0 at Wensleydale.

Although York had more of the attacking play they could not convert pressure into goals and were caught twice in each half, Wensleydale scoring each of their goals from breakaway attacks.

In division seven, City III recorded an emphatic 8-0 win against Leeds II with hat-tricks from Sara Hughes and Erica Papaglimis, with Becky Copperthwaite adding two goals, well supported by the player of the match Sam Clowes and youngster Rosie Evans.

Acomb Ladies had a hard battle on their hands against Sheffield and were pleased to come away with a 1-1 draw in Yorkshire League division one.

Acomb had to withstand early pressure before taking control and they gained the lead before half-time when skipper Jerry Grafton scored from close range.

In the second half Sheffield swamped the Acomb goal, but they failed to add to an equaliser plundered midway through the half and found Acomb 'keeper Kirsty Cooper in superb form.

Acomb Ladies II were also up against tough opposition in Ben Rhydding IV and were happy enough with a 1-1 draw in division six.