AIREDALE Hockey Club men's first team go into the Christmas break in second place in Yorkshire Division One despite a frustrating defeat away to Wakefield-based Slazengers.

The ladies first team are improving with every game in a tough Yorkshire Premier League, losing some very close games and still in a position to compete.

Last Saturday saw just two home games played, with the men's seconds defeating local rivals Ben Rhydding 2-0 at their Oakbank School base with a dominant performance and goals from captain Tim Hazelhirst and Sam Proctor.

The deserved win moved them into the top half of Division Five and in a great position to compete for promotion.

The men's fourth team took on Bradford and put in the performance of the season with a 4-1 success. Rising star Waseem Qureshi scored all four goals with a masterful display up front.

The under-12 boys had a successful day in Leeds, beating Brigg, Harrogate and Sheffield. A draw with Northallerton saw them finish second behind undefeated Bridlington in Division Three of the Yorkshire Youth League.

Airedale under-16 girls played in the same league on Sunday, beating both Leeds and Harrogate. The junior section is thriving and has a number of potential stars of the future.

Training resumes on January 7 at Oakbank School, when new players are welcome.