CITY of York Ladies I were hit by a late sucker punch as they opened their North Hockey League division one campaign with a 2-2 draw at home to Lancaster I.

York came from behind to take the lead but their Roses rivals equalised in the last two minutes.

Aside that disappointment, though, York showed plenty of promising play and teamwork, which bodes well for the season.

The first 10 minutes were full of action, with York putting the Lancaster defence and keeper under pressure, Lily Rowntree and Celia Wright in the thick of it.

Lancaster continuously showed strength on the break, though, and they took a 1-0 lead into half-time.

York nevertheless had more to give and, with Lancaster having only the bare 11 players, the hosts looked likely to last the pace longer.

The equaliser came when a cracking cross from Hannah Smith was superbly picked up by Rowntree and slotted home by Ali Couttie.

York were on the up and, with consistent hard work from midfielders Faye Garland and Holly Millar creating plenty of opportunities, Couttie soon struck again to make it 2-1.

However, Lancaster were not giving up and some dangerous play put York’s defence, in particular Heather Macdonald and Emily Gee, under immense pressure.

York’s stand-in keeper, Lucy Scott, played her part too in keeping the Minster city side ahead.

Nevertheless, Lancaster were awarded a late free hit inside their attacking 25, and they took full advantage, lifting the ball over the keeper and in.

In Yorkshire League division one, City of York II had no fixture on the opening weekend, while City III lost 1-0 to neighbours Acomb.

Lucy Tate scored as City IV won 1-0 at Louth I in division three.

City V lost 2-0 to Thirsk III in division four north while City VI drew 0-0 at home to Leeds V in division five north.