CITY of York II took a massive step towards premier division survival with a 5-2 victory over Sheffield University Bankers III.

Buoyed by the three points, COY were then narrowly beaten – 24 hours later – by Belper in the quarter-finals of the English Hockey National 2nd XI Plate.

Against Bankers on Saturday, Patrick Herriott scored a hat-trick in a vital win that lifted COY to within two points of safety.

There are only three games of the season still to play and one of those remaining fixtures is against Leeds IV, the team currently just outside the relegation zone. Bankers took the lead before Herriott bagged a double to put York 2-1 ahead. Ben Mould made it 3-1 and Stephen Paterson added the fourth.

Bankers reduced the deficit before Herriott completed his hat-trick and sealed the 5-2 victory.

On Sunday, COY travelled to the East Midlands in the Plate but lost 6-4 against Belper.

Goals from Alex Lake (2) and Dominic Firth gave COY a 3-2 lead however Belper scored three goals in quick succession to take control of the contest.

Lake completed his hat-trick to reduce the deficit but Belper added a sixth before the end to book a place in the semi-finals.

Relegated York I were no match for champions elect Leeds I in the North Hockey Men’s League premier division and suffered a 9-3 away defeat.

Freddie Heijbroek (2) and Jack Purrington were on target.

York III fought out a a goalless draw at Sheffield University Bankers IV in the Yorkshire Men’s Hockey League division one.

York V are now four points adrift of safety in division two after losing 6-2 at home to second-placed Brigg II. Josh de Silva and Andy Thompson on target.

In division four north, Tony Brimble was on target as York VI drew 1-1 against Scarborough I.

York VII are top of the table in division five north and were awarded a 3-0 victory at the weekend when scheduled opponents Leodis Leeds failed to raise a team.

Cameron Mackey’s goal gave York VIII a 1-0 home victory over Acomb II in division five north.

Goals from Andy Dent, Matthew Bedford, and Mark Gee saw York IX to return to winning ways with a 3-2 victory against Ben Rhydding V in division six north.

City of York’s development side, York X, maintained their unbeaten record in 2017 with a comfortable 3-0 win at Thirsk.

Emil Waits, Luke Harbord, and Tom Feetenby were on target.