STRUGGLING City of York II suffered a heavy 9-1 defeat against top-of-the-table Brigg I in the Yorkshire Mens’ Hockey League premier division.

York struggled from the first whistle and, by half-time, were five goals down.

Michael Black picked up a yellow card in the second half and, although Tim Lister pulled a goal back, Brigg scored another four goals to underline their superiority.

York III lost 6-3 at home to Leeds Adel I in division one.

Things looked gloomy with Adel five goals ahead at the interval but York scored twice in quick succession through Dominic Firth and Ben Foster.

The visitors poached a sixth goal before City’s Russ Bowry wrapped up the scoring.

There was a fiery encounter in division two as York IV inflicted a 4-1 defeat on Ramgarhia I.

York had been determined to bounce back from last week’s 6-0 defeat at Doncaster III.

The midfield trio of PJ Hokki, Alex Herriot and Mark Little were dominant but, in the final third, a combination of poor decisions and poor execution left the game goalless at half-time.

York broke the deadlock when Callum Green scored from a tight angle.

Further goals from Green and Rob Prentice increased the lead before Ramgarhia pulled a goal back when a deflected short corner bobbled past the defence and goalkeeper.

Pip Cook restored York’s three goal cushion before the game degenerated into a flurry of green and yellow cards.

York V lost 4-0 away at University of Leeds I.

Once again, there were new faces in the team but the defence battled hard to keep the opposition at bay.

Unfortunately, Leeds scored when the York players stopped after hearing a whistle blow on an adjoining football pitch!

York VI are now five points adrift of leaders Harrogate IV in division four north after being held to a 1-1 draw at Ben Rhydding IV.

Pip Cook, making a rare appearance, gave York the half-time lead.

Poor lighting made good hockey difficult and York’s defence was also unhappy with the refereeing in the build-up to the equaliser.

Controversially, Moritz was also denied a penalty flick after being brought down by the Ben Rhydding goalkeeper.

York VII won 6-3 against bottom of the table Halifax IV in division five north.

Early enthusiasm and good attacking play paid off when Andrew Wilson neatly finished at the back post.

Andy Wilson and Joe Sumpner added to the tally before half-time.

Wilson and Rob Bradley-Consitt (2) scored again for York and Halifax scored three goals – all on the break.

The young players of York VIII were given a lesson in a 3-0 defeat by unbeaten leaders Halifax III.

Defender Andy Richardson returned to action after a four month injury absence but York lost Jacob Birch with a broken collar bone following a collision with his own goalkeeper.