NORTHALLERTON’S Sunday team had a winning start to their season at the weekend, with captain Sandra Horner scoring a well-deserved hat trick.

The side beat Norton 3-0 at home, but the match started nervously and there was nothing between the teams for the first ten minutes.

The deadlock was broken when Victoria Howard broke free from the Norton defence and passed quickly to Becky Sadler, who in turn slotted the ball to Horner. She finished powerfully to make the score 1- 0.

The goal brought Norton to life, and they started to put Northallerton under pressure with a series of quick breaks.

But Northallerton’s backs, Stephanie Beckwith and Sara- Jane Craddock, held firm and cleared safely every time. They were helped by midfielders Jayne Stubbins, Jade Beckwith and Jo Lightfoot, who never stopped running.

Towards the end of the first half player of the match Claire Goacher created another attack for Northallerton when she ran clear of the Norton defence and took a brilliant strike on goal, which was followed in by Horner who finished in determined fashion.

Norton tried to claw their way back into the match in the second half, but could not find a way through the Northallerton defence.

The result was put beyond doubt when Jade Beckwith took a powerful free hit outside the Norton circle. After a series of shots on goal, Horner completed her hat-trick.

● Congratulations to Northallerton’s Nicky Norsworthy, who left England to live with her husband in Australia last year. She has just been named the season’s fairest and best player for her new hockey club, Carnamah, in Western Australia. Her sister Steph Race, who is also out there, won the coach award.