THORNTON-le-Dale and Pickering Royal Oak, both promoted from division two last season, drew 3-3 when they met in their opening fixture in division one on the first day of the RJF Homes Beckett Football League season.

Mike Lealman scored twice for Thornton-le-Dale in the first-half but visitors Pickering Royal Oak levelled through Damon Cox and a Terry Davison penalty.

Thornton-le-Dale regained the lead in the second half when a corner by Lealman was forced into the net by Dwayne Young. Adam Hornby got Pickering Royal Oak's equaliser.

Kirkdale United won 3-1 at home to Sinnington. Phil Marwood gave Kirkdale the lead early in the game and Joseph Turnbull equalised.

Phil Charlton regained the lead for Kirkdale and seven minutes from full time Ashley Windress got Kirkdale's third goal.

Rosedale and Old Malton's third team drew 1-1 draw.

Kirkbymoorside Reserves began the defence of the championship with a 3-1 win at home to Aislaby United.

Nick Woodhead and Ian Greenbank both bagged hat-tricks as Black Swan Pickering thrashed last season's runners-up Duncombe Park 6-1.

In division two, Union Rovers, who were relegated from division one last season, won 5-0 at Gillamoor.

John MacLeod scored a hat-trick within 20 minutes of the kick-off and Peter Tiffany, making his debut for Union Rovers, scored either side of half-time.

Andrew Sellers scored a hat-trick as Heslerton Reserves won 5-1 at Slingsby. Chris Thornton and Ashley Cooke were Heslerton's other scorers. Fraser Land scored for Slingsby.

Bagby and Balk won 4-2 at Carlton United, whose Alex Wildash was sent off for using foul and abusive language.

Updated: 11:22 Wednesday, September 17, 2003