CITY of York Hockey Club's Men I began their first season back in the North Hockey League premier division with a 4-2 defeat at Whitley Bay & Tynemouth.

The Minster city outfit had won promotion from division one at the first time of asking last season, finishing second, while Whitley Bay ended the last campaign 10th in the higher tier.

There was some good interplay in the opening exchanges as both teams probed for weaknesses, and York drew first blood 10 minutes in as Tom Feasby's reverse hit into the 'D' following an assertive left-wing run was finished by Danny Elwood.

But Whitley Bay began to create more chances and equalised after a sustained period of pressure with a well-worked goal.

Both teams continued to have chances and City reacted well, ending the half in the ascendancy.

Whitley Bay came flying out of the blocks in the second period and two quick-fire goals left York shell-shocked.

The visitors finally responded and, during a purple patch, Alex Cockram and Feasby combined for the latter to slot home a short corner and get York back into the game.

It was not to last, though, as a soft short corner saw Whitley Bay get another goal and put the game beyond York's reach.

The Minster city men travel to Timperley on Saturday looking to bounce back.

City of York II got their Yorkshire League premier division campaign off with a 4-3 comeback win over Huddersfield Dragons - captain James Fitton the hat-trick hero.

York, featuring several new players which led to a disjointed opening 20 minutes, trailed 2-0 before pulling a goal back through Fitton. He quickly took a free hit to capitalise on a sleeping defence and fire home past the flat-footed keeper.

City dominated the closing stages of the first half, but Huddersfield restored their two-goal cushion early in the second.

However, Zack Pierson reduced the arrears and Fitton equalised from a penalty corner.

With Huddersfield tiring, City completed the turnaround when Peter Bennett, who had earlier been denied by a good save, fizzed a ball to the back post where Fitton diverted it home.

City of York III lost 1-0 to Leeds Adel II in Yorkshire League division one.

City IV drew 3-3 at Wakefield III in division two, Chris Dutton, Matt Tipper and David Rodgers the scorers.

City V lost 4-1 at Huddersfield Dragons II in division three.

City VI and City VII drew 3-3 in division four north. Henry Cadogan, James Hogg and Richard Tanner-Smith were on target for the sixths, and Philip Cook, Henry Wilson and James Wilson for the sevenths.

In division five north, City VIII came from behind to beat Bradford III 2-1, Luke Harbord and Ali Birch the marksmen, while City IX's game at Thirsk III was cancelled.

City X Badgers beat Halifax V with a hat-trick from Jamie Clarke and a Sam Barrett goal.