CITY of York I beat hosts Warrington I 7-2 to ensure they stayed in the National Hockey League premier division.

City's task was not helped by fielding a number of 'flu-affected players and being without ace striker James Gilbert.

In Gilbert's place for his senior debut was Richard Jenkin who played well.

City of York took the initiative and a run down the right by Chris Wilson followed by a shot that was saved, led to a delicate flick over the 'keeper by Glyn Humphrey to put York ahead.

Warrington replied before half-time, but the York ranks were back in front after Mark Little brought the ball down the left flank, cut inside and fired home.

After the break City took control. From a short corner Chris Wilson found space to the right of the circle and scored the third.

Then, a dazzling passing movement from inside City's 25 culminated in a Humphrey volley.

A rehearsed routine at a short corner brought Little his second goal followed by a Warrington second as a mis-timed hit bamboozled City's 'keeper James Riley.

Olly Couttie was next on target from a text-book free hit outside the 'D' before Humphrey completed his hat-trick to round off a perfect day for City I.

With Brooklands beating Harrogate 3-2, City of York finished above their rivals in ninth position.

Needing to win, City of York II beat visitors Bradford I 4-1 in their last NHL Division Two East game of the season.

Despite woeful passing or no shape or pattern, City went into the lead through Graham Cook galloping into the circle from right-back. Then, a Bradford penalty stroke was saved by City 'keeper, Ashley Watson.

After a persistent run Alistair Brennan rounded Bradford's keeper to score with a reverse stick sweep. They went in at half-time three goals up thanks to Brennan.

An early short corner was put away by Adam Simpson and the result was safe.

City of York III drew 1-1 at Scarborough I.

The game was evenly balanced until the 20th minute when the hosts went ahead.

Martyn Parrott saved the initial shot but the rebound fell directly into the path of the initial striker who put it away.

After the break City began to play the better hockey and from a goalmouth scramble Jason Bemrose equalised.

In the last few minutes Eric Folliot's shot went inches wide and that summed up the day.

City of York III were scheduled to play a re-arranged fixture against Leeds University II but the students could not fulfil this arrangement so City were awarded a 3-0 win by default.

Depleted City of York IV beat Old Malton I 4-1 at home in YHL Div 5.

City played badly in the first half and trailed at half-time but after the break came back strongly.

From a Denis Hootton flick Jules Bellerby diverted the ball home. Alex Cockram scored twice and then Hootton scored from the penalty spot.

City of York V travelled to Boston Spa III with only ten men and were made to suffer for it losing 5-2.

After conceding three goals in the first half it was necessary for Pat Birch the skipper to deliver hard words at half-time.

City of York played much better and David de Silva pulled back two goals but Spa hit back with two further goals.

City of York VI had to beat Bradford III to be sure of avoiding relegation but it was Bradford who were the stronger and they also boasted a 'keeper who was unbeatable. Bradford finished 3-0 winners.

City of York VII were thumped 5-0 by visiting Hull University II as were City of York VIII by St John's College I, the latter's goals shared by Tim Murgatroyd, Tom Carter, Sam Baker, Marc Betts and captain Simon Gray.

Updated: 10:54 Tuesday, March 25, 2003