CITY of York Hockey Club’s Men I remain third in North Hockey division one following their 2-2 home draw with Ben Rhydding.

The hosts opened the scoring within moments of the first whistle, when Jack Purrington won the ball deep in the opposition half and fed Alex Cockram, who ghosted past two defenders and rifled the ball into the net.

City continued strongly, and moments later, Danny Ellwood found himself in possession at the back post, but failed to convert.

A spell of pressure from the visitors eventually earned its reward, and Ben Rhydding equalised with a 25-yard effort that was deflected in via a stick.

City’s efforts on goal were limited as the half wore on, despite the hard work of Pete Newton and Tom Feasby through the middle and Oliver Couttie’s mazy dribbling.

At the restart, York remained solid but were only creating half-chances, before the visitors, from a half-chance of their own, won a cheap penalty corner and scored with a drag-flick to take the lead.

However, Ben Rhydding earned a series of cards as their discipline worsened and they committed some poor challenges, which handed the initiative back to City.

An excellent Alex Lake tackle and Jack Fletcher’s aerial set-up then forced the Ben Rhydding defence into an error and played in Jack Purrington, who slotted home the equaliser.

The hosts were in the ascendency, but time ran out before they could complete the comeback.

City of York Men V remain top of division three despite having their game at Doncaster IV postponed.

In division four north, City of York Men VII did not have a fixture this week, while City of York VI’s game at Bradford II was postponed because of a frozen pitch, as were City of York VIII’s division five north fixture at Harrogate V and City of York IX’s match at home to Scarborough II.

City of York Men X performed admirably in their 1-1 draw at Slazengers V.

The visitors started well, dominating the early exchanges through Jasper Richardson and Mitch Moisley, but the more direct Slazengers opened the scoring from a well struck short corner.

City responded well, and player-of-the-match Emil Waites received a threaded pass through the defence and finished well past the advancing keeper.

Playing with an increased sense of urgency, City improved their pace and pressure, but could not add to the scoreline.

City of York Men Over-40s recovered from a goal down to beat Stockton O40s 3-1.

There were few opportunities for either side in the opening 15 minutes, but as the game picked up, Stockton scored the only goal of the half with a reverse stick shot.

City played with greater fluidity after the break, and levelled the scores through Jono Scutt, sweeping in after his initial drag flick was saved.

Ben Foster put City in front with a deft touch from man-of-the-match Andy Kay’s pass, and Andy Richardson added the third as he collected a misplaced pass and beat the keeper at his near post.