Invited to play one of the opening ladies' matches on Durham University's new water-based pitch - one of very few to have been installed in the country - City of York Ladies won their friendly game 3-2.

Durham opened the scoring from a penalty corner but Karen Howells equalised from another corner just before half-time.

Lorraine Pearey, who had a fine game at right wing-back, then gave York the lead soon after the break before Sally Sleightholme added York's third goal, turning in Pearey's cross.

Durham set up a tense finish when they scored ten minutes from time but York's 'keeper, Dawn Hopkins made several excellent saves to give York the victory.

In division two of the Yorkshire League, City of York II lost 3-0 at Sheffield III, where only good work by 'keeper Lynne Gowland prevented a heavier defeat.

In division six, City of York III drew 1-1 at home to Slazengers II who equalised late on after Lucy Stubley had given York an early lead.

Also in division six, City of York IV had an emphatic 8-0 win at Sheffield VI. Steph Pearson led the scoring with four goals, Julia Lancaster, Becky Raper, Chantelle Barnes and Jess Barnes scoring one apiece.

In the Yorkshire Cup, a mixed side from City of York's lower teams were wholly outclassed, losing 11-0 at Wakefield I.

Updated: 10:12 Tuesday, January 21, 2003