ELVINGTON 4 emerged top of the pile in the new North Yorkshire Netball County Championship competition.

The divisional winners of the leagues in Harrogate and York took part in a round robin handicap score format which proved to be an enjoyable challenge.

Eight teams competed with the York League represented by Haxby 1 (division one champions), Stamford Vikings (division two champions), York Phoenix (division three runners-up), Rawcliffe 5 (division five champions), Hemingbrough Hawks 1 (division six champions) and Elvington 4 (division seven champions).

Flying the flag for the Harrogate League were Phoenix 1 (division one champions) and Phoenix 6 (division two champions).

Eventual winners Elvington enjoyed a 15-goal start on top teams Haxby 1 and Phoenix 1. That goal allowance was reduced accordingly each time they played and was dependent on the division in which their opponents had competed during the season.

None of the other teams managed to beat that handicap although Rawciffe and Hemingbrough were within a goal of achieving that. Phoenix 6 were just two goals away from overhauling Elvington and Haxby 1 scored 13 goals without replay against Elvington in their nine-minute match.

Elvington dug in and managed to hold off the rest as the handicapping system ensured matches were close.


Final placings: 1 Elvington 4, 2 Rawcliffe 5, 3 Phoenix 1, 4 Hemingbrough Hawks 1, 5 Phoenix 6, 6 Haxby 1, 7 Stamford Vikings A', 8 York Phoenix.