Every Monday, starting today, the Stray Ferret will compile a round-up of weekend sports action in the Harrogate district. 

We will focus on the first team results of local amateur sports clubs.

Here's what happened on the weekend of September 20 and 21.

Men's Football

Harrogate Railway

The Rail continued their FA Vase journey at the weekend, edging past higher-tier Thackley on penalties. Goals from Harrogate’s Alex Ingham and Thackley’s Alex Washington tied the game at 1-1, before Railway won 3-2 on spot kicks. Harrogate goalkeeper Will Mitchell was awarded player of the match for three penalty saves.

Knaresborough Town

The Boro did not make it to the next round of the FA Vase, after a 3-0 loss to North-East side Whitley Bay FC. Whitley Bay play in Division One of the Northern League, the same tier as Knaresborough’s League, the Premier Division of the NCEL.

Ripon City

Ripon continued their fine start to the season, registering a 4-2 win over Knaresborough Town’s reserve team in the Premier Division of the West Yorkshire Association Football League (WYAFL) to put them in fourth place. City overturned a 2-1 deficit in the second half to win, thanks to goals from Kyle Fox, Adam Haswell, and two from Zack Gallimore. Max Barnard and Greveson Lenni were on the scoresheet for Knaresborough.

Harlow Hill

Harlow Hill continued their strong start to the season with a 4-0 win over Kellingley Welfare. Goals from James Buchanan, Scott Johnson, William Kemp and Thomas Warrington saw the side cemented at the top of Division One of the WYAFL, with 18 points from their first seven games. They have a game in hand over second-placed Otley Town.

Boroughbridge AFC

Boroughbridge did not play this weekend.

Women’s Football

Harrogate Town

Town progressed to the next round of the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday (September 21) with a 1-0 victory over Tyne and Wear side Washington FC. A second-half goal from Lauren Doyle secured the victory for the Sulphurites.

Knaresborough Town

After promotion last season, the Boro continued their unbeaten start to this campaign with an impressive 7-1 victory over Forge Way. An own goal added to strikes from Jess Flynn, Cass Lane, Rach Carmichael (2), Bella Richardson and Emily Crispin. Grace Adams was named player of the match. Knaresborough currently sit in second place in the Premier Division of the West County Riding Women’s League (WCRWL) after two games, with a maximum of six points.

Harrogate Railway

Harrogate Railway recorded a 4-1 loss to Thackley. It means that following a 2-2 draw against Silsden on the opening day, the Rail sit in eighth place in the Premier Division of the WCRWL, with just one point.

Boroughbridge AFC

Following promotion last season, Boroughbridge have also had a tough start, losing both of their games. Last weekend, they ran out 5-3 losers against first-placed Huddersfield Amateur. The Bridge currently sit ninth out of 10 teams in Division One of the WCRWL, with zero points.

Rugby

Harrogate Rugby Club

Harrogate got back to winning ways at home to north-east side Blaydon at the weekend. Overcoming a 15-0 deficit, the Aces clawed their way back to a 24-20 victory. Harrogate’s tries came from William Hill, Steve Maycock, William Pritchard, and Sam Brady. Two of them were converted by Rory Macnab. The Aces are currently fifth in the Regional 1 North East league after three games, with 12 points.

Ripon Rugby Club

Ripon registered a convincing 48-7 win over Whitley Bay Rockcliff in the first round of the Counties 2 Championship Plate. Tries came from Zak Kirby, Alex Riley, Max Webster x2, Elliot Davies Taylor, Charlie Britton and Niall Maddock. Morgan Clark converted six, including a penalty.

Knaresborough Rugby Club

Knaresborough did not play this weekend.

Harrogate Pythons

Harrogate Pythons did not play this weekend.

Men's Hockey

Harrogate Hockey Club

Harrogate registered their first win of the season against Leeds Adel at the weekend. Goals from Charles Edmondson x2 and Justin Metcalfe saw Harrogate to a narrow 3-2 win. Harrogate currently sit in third place in the Premier Division of the Yorkshire and North East Open League, with four points from two games.

Women’s Hockey

Harrogate Hockey Club

Harrogate continued their winless start to the season, losing 4-2 away at Morpeth. Late goals from Holly Oldham and Evelyn Wright weren’t enough to overturn the four-goal deficit. Harrogate currently sit 11th out of 12 teams in the Premier Division of the Yorkshire and North East Women’s League, with zero points.

Cricket

The cricket season ended on the weekend of September 13.

Netball

The netball season starts tonight (September 22).