Bingley Bees Ladies had a top-of-the-table Yorkshire Division One clash at home to Halifax, who had replaced them at the summit the previous weekend.

The Bees were determined to retain the kudos of being the only undefeated team in the league and reclaim top spot.

However, Halifax took control in the first half and were rewarded with a goal from a short corner.

But Bingley equalised before half-time thanks to a first-time strike from a short corner by their player of the match Jo Geldard.

Bees captain Cath Burgess changed their formation to try and thwart the relentless Halifax attacks, but the visitors were determined to pay the Bees back for their defeat earlier in the season.

Halifax’s persistence was rewarded when they scored from open play to make it 2-1.

However, the Bees retaliated minutes later when Mel Burgess picked up the ball and drove towards goal, beating two defenders before playing the ball to Nancy Moore, who was running in on the far post unmarked to score.

The game was now end to end but a rare defensive error by the Bees allowed Halifax through to score their third goal.

The hosts continued to press but were unable to capitalise on their chances, Halifax scoring again near the end to make the final score 4-2.

The second teams of the respective clubs also clashed in Yorkshire Division Three, with the Bees again at home.

Wind and rain did not help the match to flow, but the hosts, who played a strong defensive game, were put under pressure from a well drilled and youthful forward line.

Man-to-man marking by the Bees defence minimised the shots on goal, although goalkeeper Rachel Fuller had a tremendous game, saving a number of shots to be man of the match.

Jane Sharkey put Halifax’s keeper under pressure but mostly the play was in the opposite direction as there was a large gap between the Bees forwards and defence.

In the 31st minute of the first half, Halifax scored the only goal of the match following a goalmouth scramble.

With a minute to go, the Bees were awarded a short corner and Sharkey slipped the ball to Cath Gallimore, who shot just wide.

Halifax’s superior fitness told in the second half, al-though the score remained at 1-0.

Bingley Bees Men turned in a disappointing display at Thirsk Seconds in Yorkshire Division Six North, losing 9-1.

Playing on a muddy, wet surface, the visitors struggled to play find any flowing hockey, Thirsk adapting much the better.

Benjamin Clough scored the only Bees goal and their man of the match was goalkeeper Jonathan Higgins.