In their last North League game before the mid-season break, City of York Ladies suffered their heaviest defeat so far, losing 6-0 at leaders Ben Rhydding.

The hosts led just 1-0 at half-time, Sarah Lawrence starring in midfield with York in the running until the last quarter.

Then, superior fitness prompted a goal rush. York conceded five in the last 15 minutes.

In division two of the Yorkshire League, City of York II also shipped goals, losing 6-1 at home to Wakefield II. Rachel Messias scored for York.

City of York IV returned to division seven winning form with a 2-1 victory at Tadcaster II. Jessica Barnes and Laura Taylor scored, while debutante Hannah Longster was impressive.

Acomb Ladies I signed off the first half of their Yorkshire League division one term locked in a 2-2 draw with Halifax.

Acomb could have been 2-0 up after five minutes but a couple of Kerry Rafton shots went wide.

Halifax took the lead against the run of play but Acomb continued to play the better hockey with excellent ball movement, quality passing and solid defending from Danielle Courtine, Sally Harrison and Gemma Hall.

Acomb eventually were rewarded an equaliser from a great finish from midfielder Karen Boddison.

Halifax regained the lead after the interval but Acomb fought back as centre forward Ann Hagyard snatched the equaliser on the line after the Halifax net-minder had originally saved a strike from a short corner taken by Rafton.

Acomb dominated the final 15 minutes but were unable to find a way past an in-form 'keeper.

Acomb Ladies II took all three points as they battled hard to a 2-1 victory over Sheffield IV.

Table-topping Tadcaster Ladies 1sts convincingly downed fellow division three title-chasers Doncaster 3rds 4-1.

A short corner converted by Sarah Pedder put the hosts ahead by half-time.

After the break Tadcaster's pressure was even stronger, Rebecca Cattle doubling the advantage before crisp passing led to a brace of goals from Karey Hooley. The only blip was a late penalty consolation from Doncaster's Jane Pain.

Updated: 11:44 Tuesday, December 11, 2001