A BRAVE bid to straddle the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Hockey Association 2nd XI Cup ended when City of York II lost 1-0 to Sheffield University Bankers II.

Sheffield played a faster game but York defended well without posing too many threats.

After 25 minutes Sheffield Bankers went ahead but York countered by moving the ball well, creating several fine chances only to be foiled by the Bankers' goalkeeper.

Goal-line clearances, three great saves by York's Ashley Watson and a disallowed reverse stick sweep goal by Richard Jenkin marked a frantic second half.

Updated: 11:04 Tuesday, March 25, 2003