LEAGUE leaders City of York II were beaten 2-1 by title rivals Thirsk in the Yorkshire Women’s Hockey League premier division.

Only goal difference is now keeping York in pole position after this second defeat in three league games.

Corinne Wray scored for York and Jess Pidgeon was player of the match.

York III drew 2-2 at Airedale I in a game played in snow, sleet and rain. The hosts took the lead and great saves from Catherine Whitworth kept York in the game. Caitlin Rore equalised but Airedale regained the lead. Player of the match Kate Roberts kept a route open down the right and York fought hard. Rore equalised for the second time after good work by Molly Petherbridge.

In division one, Tadcaster Magnets I suffered a 10-0 defeat at home to leaders Ben Rhydding III.

York IV drew 1-1 at Kington-upon-Hull II. After a strong start, Hull took the lead but Abby Collins equalised following a sprint down the right from Emily Cooper. An ambulance was called when a York player was hit on the side of the head by the ball. York stayed strong and some good saves from Leeha Cox secured a point.

There was also an injury scare in the division four north game between York V and Batley I.

A Batley player suffered a nasty facial injury and lost a tooth which took the gloss off the home side’s 3-0 victory.

York VI secured an against-the-odds victory over Cleckheaton in the ‘battle of the basement’. Unable to field a full side, York showed great team spirit to win 2-1 and move three points clear of their fellow strugglers.

Sarah Pritchett, making her debut in goal, could do little about Cleckheaton’s opener but Lucy Crowther put York level despite colliding with the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation. Elle Young bagged the winner with a deflected shot.

Tadcaster Magnets II won 3-0 at Leeds V in division five north.

York I remain bottom of the North Hockey Women’s League premier division after a 2-1 defeat at Neston South Wirral.