CITY of York Hockey Club opened their veterans' campaign for national glory in style.

They beat bogey team Hull in the first round of the England Hockey Veterans' Plate competition.

York had lost to Hull in the last two Veterans' Cup finals but this time made no mistake with a 3-1 victory.

Graham Cook gave York an interval lead and, with Phil Hamilton keeping Hull's play-maker Dave Bailey quiet, it was no surprise that York went further ahead when Cook latched on to Dave Rowland's pass to deflect it into the roof of the net.

Martin Parrot made a fine parried save but the Humbersiders did pull one back only for Hamilton to wrap up York's victory with a clean finish.

The second round will be held on February 14.