Double dose of defeat for Harrogate Hockey Club's Men's 1s, while Ladies 1s remain deep in trouble

Joe Horne’s team had been in good form since the turn of the year, winning both of their opening two Yorkshire & North East Premier Division fixtures of 2026.

But, they were beaten 5-2 on the road at Durham City 1s on Saturday, then went down 3-1 at home to Sheffield University Bankers just 24 hours later.

The Ainsty Road outfit got off to an extremely encouraging start up in County Durham, scoring twice in quick succession through Tom Gugan and Charles Edmondson to seize a 2-0 lead by the 27th minute.

They remained in control of the contest until not long before the hour-mark, but disaster then struck as the hosts rattled in five goals in the space of just 12 minutes to wrap up a convincing victory.

On Sunday, Harrogate once again got their noses in front after Edmondson netted against Sheffield Bankers with 13 minutes on the clock.

However, they once again lost their way during the latter stages, conceding three times to finish up empty-handed.

Those results ensure that ‘Gate remain eighth in the table after 16 rounds of fixtures, well clear of the drop zone, but some six points shy of seventh place.

This Saturday, Horne and his men entertain derby rivals City of York 1s (3pm).

In Yorkshire Division Two, Harrogate’s Men’s 2s consolidated their position at the top of the table courtesy of their second 1-0 success in as many matches.

Will Rogers popped up with the only goal of the game on 10 minutes as Wakefield 3s were edged out at Hockey Centre.

That triumph was Harrogate’s 11th in a row and their 12th in 15 league matches thus far.

Next up is a trip to second-placed City of York 3s (4pm).

Harrogate Ladies 1s remain deep in trouble at the bottom of the Yorkshire & North East Premier Division following Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Durham University 4s.

That defeat leaves Evie Barnard’s team propping up the rest of the league and seven points from safety with seven fixtures left to play.

Doncaster 1s are the visitors to ‘Gate this Saturday (1.30pm).

Harrogate Ladies 2s also endured a disappointing afternoon as they were edged out by Scarborough 1s on home soil.

That 1-0 reverse leaves them in ninth position, where they sit only four points above the relegation places.

Next up is an away day at Doncaster 2s (11.30am).