HEAD coach Daryl North has hailed York City Knights Ladies' improved showing at the weekend - and shoulders some responsibility for earlier shortcomings.

Despite a 62-0 home defeat to champions Wigan Warriors which leaves York rooted to the bottom of Women's Super League, North was pleased with their character following the previous Sunday's flat display against Wakefield Trinity.

Rachel Thompson (4), Georgia Wilson (2), Amanda Sibbald, Gemma Walsh, Sarah Harrison, Megan Grace-Holding and Victoria Molyneux all crossed to give last year's Grand Final winners their first victory of term. Kate McMullan added nine of her 11 goal attempts.

North said: "I've never lost by that many points and been happy before.

"I put a different emphasis on this week - with the lack of experience in the team, we just focused on reducing penalties and errors to give them the tools to play against the elite teams.

"Maybe there was too much pressure on them at times. Maybe it's my fault. I've put too much pressure on the newer and less-experienced players.

"So my message to them was that I'm not setting goals or targets, to go out and just be as good as you can be, and enjoy yourselves while you're doing it.

"It was really good to see them helping each other out. The team spirit was incredible.

"There's a lot to work as the years go by and it's going to get better and better."