Hockey: City of York Men I in bullish opening (From York Press)

Hockey: City of York Men I in bullish opening

10:00am Tuesday 18th September 2012 in Sport

City of York Hockey Club first XI warmed up for their upcoming latest campaign in the North Hockey League by getting into the winning habit and seizing the Yorkshire Cup.

The competition, which is played over a round-robin format, includes the top seven teams in Yorkshire below those who play in the National League.

The six games are only 25 minutes long, but the format provides a great opportunity for teams to get some good match practice before the league season starts.

City of York started impressively, winning 3-0 against Harrogate, and apart from one slight hiccup when they were held to a 1-1 draw against Lincoln Roses proved themselves to be the strongest team on the day.

Overall their record was five wins and one draw, 11 goals for and only three against.

The scorers were Richard Jenkin (4), Richard Cockram (3), Chris Wilson (2), with Alex Cockram and Ben Bull each notching a goal apiece. Matt Birch, making his first competitive appearance for the first team after progressing through the club’s junior ranks, was named player of the day for his consistent work in defence.

Next week the senior squad take part in York’s annual dragonboat race to raise funds for the club alongside those of the organisers’ nominated charities.

To sponsor their fund-raising efforts visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/cityofyorkhockey The first team open the NHL premier division the following weekend hosting Leeds University at Huntington School .