A HOST of teams have left the York & District Netball League to join a newly-created North Yorkshire Netball Ambassador League.

The sides switching to the new venture include reigning York & District League champions Haxby 1 and Rufforth ‘A’, who have been runners-up for the past three years.

They have been joined by fellow division one teams Haxby 2, RI 1, Elvington 1, Rawcliffe 1, newly-promoted Osbaldwick ‘A’ and Scarborough, who joined the York League two years ago looking for stronger opposition than in their local league.

The other teams entering have decamped from the Harrogate League.

The loss of so many teams from the York League has resulted in a change from eight divisions to seven.

Several teams have been promoted one or two divisions to balance the number of teams in each tier.

A trio of clubs have entered for the first time – Acomb Angels, Royal Fe-Mails and Magpies – while established club Railway Institute have entered a new team.

The league started their 36th season last week with 64 teams, with Ladybirds ‘A’ and Panthers winning their opening games in the top flight.