Every Monday, the Stray Ferret publishes a round-up of sports action in the Harrogate district, focusing on the first team results of local amateur and semi-professional sports clubs.

Here's what happened during the week of January 26 to February 1.

1. Harrogate Railway back to winning ways

Harrogate Railway got a much-needed win at home to Louth Town on Saturday after a four-game losing streak. Brad Walker, Harry Atkinson, Harris Eggleston, Alex Ingham and Oli Holt all scored in a 5-1 win. Having previously lost only one league game, the Rail lost three in January alone. They were also knocked out of the County Cup by Tadcaster Albion. Having dropped to fourth place, Railway’s win was vital to avoid being left behind by the top three: Dearne and District, Wakefield AFC and Worsbrough Bridge Athletic. They are 15 points behind the leaders with three games in hand, and could move back up to second if they win their two games in hand over Wakefield and Worsbrough Bridge.

2. Knaresborough Town Women through to League Cup semi-finals

Knaresborough Town Women progressed to the semi-finals of the League Cup with a 2-1 win over Silsden on Sunday. After a disappointing league loss a week earlier, the Boro dusted themselves off and got back to the winning ways they’ve been so used to this season. Sarah Parkes and Beth Padget both scored for Town. Knaresborough will go into the hat with Thackley, Halifax Friendly and Morley Town. The draw is yet to be made.

3. Boroughbridge AFC Ladies through to League Shield quarter-finals

Boroughbridge AFC Ladies also progressed in their cup competition, beating Brayton Belles 4-1 in the League Shield. Despite having a tough time in the league this year, Boroughbridge have turned up when it matters in the League Shield. They go into the quarter finals with Field, Pontefract Collieries Reserves, Ackworth, Brighouse Town under-23s, Rangers Athletic, and one of either Harrogate Railway Reserves or Leeds Hyde Park Sky and Bradford City under-23s or Eldwick Lionesses Reserves.

4. Hooker hat-trick helps Harrogate RUFC to all five points

Harrogate RUFC hooker Charlie Head bagged a hat-trick as the Aces beat Driffield in a 39-29 away victory on Saturday. Both teams took turns to go ahead, but a dominant second-half Harrogate display proved decisive. Having scored six tries, Harrogate were awarded the extra attacking league point, which proved vital in stopping first and second-placed Heath and Alnwick from extending their leads over the North Yorkshire side. Following recent wobbles against Blaydon and Alnwick, Harrogate desperately needed to take maximum points. Their next matches against league leaders Heath and fourth-placed Ilkley could be vital in Harrogate’s bid for promotion.

5. Ripon Rockets edge closer to league title

Unsurprisingly, given their form this year, Ripon Rockets beat Rebels 73-36 on Monday to make it 14 wins out of 14. With only four games left to play, it is looking increasingly likely that they will do the unthinkable – win every game. A narrow 50-49 victory for Storm on Wednesday prevented the Rockets from winning the league this week, but a victory against Galaxy tonight (February 2) would confirm it.

Results 

Men's Football

Harrogate Railway

Harrogate Railway 5-1 Louth Town

Knaresborough Town

Campion 2-1 Knaresborough Town

Ripon City

Ripon City 0-0 Wyke Wanderers

Harlow Hill

Postponed

Boroughbridge AFC

Kellingley Welfare 0-3 Boroughbridge

Women’s Football

Harrogate Town

Postponed

Knaresborough Town

Knaresborough Town 2-1 Silsden

Harrogate Railway

Harrogate Railway 1-1 Morley Town (Morley win 3-1 on penalties)

Boroughbridge

Brayton Belles 1-4 Boroughbridge

Rugby Union

Harrogate Rugby Club

Driffield 29-39 Harrogate

Ripon Rugby Club

Littleborough 23-7 Ripon

Knaresborough Rugby Club

N/A

Harrogate Pythons

Postponed

Men's Hockey

Harrogate Hockey Club

Durham City 5-2 Harrogate

Women’s Hockey

Harrogate Hockey Club

Durham University 2-0 Harrogate

Netball

Ripon Rockets

Ripon Rockets 73-36 Rebels

Harrogate Phoenix

N/A

Claro Netball

Sirens 41-46 Claro Netball