CITY of York Ladies I started the new season in the North Hockey Women’s League division one strongly with a 3-0 win at Lymm Ladies I.

Lymm started positively, piling the pressure on York’s defence, but York soon grew into the game, Charlotte Tuplin in particular posing the hosts problems in the middle of the pitch.

Lily Rowntree broke the deadlock, beating the keeper in a one-on-one after a superb team counter-attack.

York’s second goal came from a short corner strike from the top of the ‘D’ by Steph Wilkinson, who slotted the ball straight between the keeper’s legs.

The away team continued to dominate and Laura Horne rounded off the scoring four minutes before the break, driving into the ‘D’ and firing a powerful shot into the net.

The second period was a different story, as the visitors struggled to retain composure and control, but Lymm’s numerous advances were all rebuffed by York keeper Ella Deighton, and the half ended goalless.

Vicky Skilton scored four as City of York Ladies II got off to a flyer in the Yorkshire League premier division, thumping relegated Wakefield III 8-4 at home.

Wakefield took the lead three times in the first half, but two Skilton goals and a Fay Chapman effort meant the sides entered half-time level at 3-3.

In the second period, Chapman and Skilton netted early goals, and another fine shot Chapman completed her hat-trick. A superb solo effort from Millie Barnes and Skilton's fourth added to the impressive scoreline, before Wakefield netted a consolation.

City of York Ladies III were defeated 1-0 in their opening game of division three at Skipton I.

York gave a good account of themselves, and were unlucky not to come away with a point.

In division two, a newly-assembled City of York Ladies IV lost 4-1 at home to Thirsk II.

The visitors netted twice in the first half with two well-drilled goals, while York failed to convert their short corner.

The hosts came out stronger after the break, but another Thirsk goal put the game to bed.

Freya Lawrence notched the only riposte for the home side, before Thirsk netted a fourth in the final seconds.

Two York sides from division four north were in action.

City of York Ladies V lost 3-0 at Harrogate IV. The visitors performed admirably in the first half, keeping their hosts at bay, but fell to three second-half goals. York’s players of the match were Lily Dowdy and Sarah Davies.

City of York Ladies VI also lost, 5-0 at home to Bradford I. The scoreline was maybe a little harsh, as York held their ground but could not convert their chances.

City of York Ladies VII were forced to concede 3-0 at Halifax because of a shortage of players.