NORTHALLERTON'S firsts got 2015 off to a winning start with a 3-1 victory away to Harrogate thirds on Saturday.

Both sides struggled to get to grips with the blustery conditions early on, but it was Northallerton who took the lead when Victoria Howard ran onto a through ball to slot a first time effort past the Harrogate 'keeper.

Harrogate hit straight back and equalised following a quick break but Northallerton retook the lead when Sally Hunt found Rachel Holden from a penalty corner and she made no mistake.

Holden scored Northallerton's third minutes later with another pin-point strike.

Harrogate came out fighting in the second half and put Northallerton's defence under pressure. Player of the match Rachel Swain made a series of fine saves in the Northallerton goal and the whole side battled well to run out 3-1 winners.

Northallerton's seconds played their first game for almost two months on Saturday due to bad weather before Christmas, securing a tough 1-1 draw away to Ben Rhydding fifths despite having just ten players.

Ben Rhydding took the lead in the first half, but Northallerton got back into the game after a positional reorganisation for Ellie Hore and Abby Robinson.

Sandra Horner equalised after strong work on the left, while player of the match Rachel Walker and Jo Hutchings worked hard on the right as Northallerton pushed for a winner.

However the Ben Rhydding defence stood firm and the points were shared.

THIRSK'S firsts registered their return following Christmas with a victory against Bingley Bees.

Hayley Maxwell opened the scoring for Thirsk before Holly Oldham and Karen Skipings completed the scoring.

Meanwhile, the men's firsts also encountered Harrogate, slipping to a 2-1 defeat despite the best efforts of Dan Lawson who opened the scoring for Thirsk.

The thirds came from behind to register a 3-1 win over Wakefield, with Joe Shannon equalising and Jake Bowers' brace completing the win.

Thirsk's U12 Girls D played in Leeds. Harriet Strachen starred in match one scoring to give Thirsk victory against Selby. Halifax was next and despite Thirsk playing well, they lost 1-0. Sheffield saw Thirsk dominate running out 5-0 victors with goals from Jemima Green, Alice Simmerson and Millie Poppit. In the final game Wakefield scored first but a goal from Millie and then a second from Charlotte Munns struck Thirsk to a 2-1 victory.

FOR the first game following the Christmas break, Richmond Roses seconds faced visitors Hartlepool Caledonians.

Bex Sadler opened the scoring for Richmond, but could not extend their lead in the first half.

Hartlepool began the second half with increased determination but the defence worked hard to keep their two dangerous players out of the game, and Richmond eased home.