BURY Hockey Club made a positive start to 2017 with two wins and a draw from their first three matches following the winter break.

The men’s second team put in a determined performance in their 2-2 draw away against City of Manchester's fourth team to maintain their grip on second place in Division Six North South of the North West Men's League.

The home side netted from a short corner to open the scoring in the 15th minute and Bury were unable to trouble the scorers before the break as they struggled to get their passing game going.

Bury went further behind two minutes into the second half after City of Manchester forced the ball home following a goalmouth scramble.

However, the setback galvanised the visitors to launch a comeback.

Vice-captain Rob Fogwill gave them hope as he latched on to Sameer Sheikh’s pass before firing in a reverse stick effort through a crowd of defender.

Chris Lowe then found the net from close range to level the scores.

Despite the home side pressing for a winner the Bury defence held firm, seeing off two last-minute short corners to ensure they remained three points clear of third-placed City of Manchester, moving into Saturday's game at Didsbury.

The ladies first team took another big stride towards the Greater Manchester title after winning 3-2 at rivals Prescot seconds.

Goals from Abby Barber, Beth Topping and Angela Shore ensured the first team opened up an eight-point gap over Prescot and a seven point lead over second-placed Salford University in Division Two of the Greater Manchester Hockey Association.

They face bottom side Glossop on Saturday, with the chance to extend their lead over Salford, who are not playing again until February.

Meanwhile, the ladies' third team cruised to a 7-0 win at home to bottom side County B.

A four-goal haul from Lauren McCloskey was the highlight of the game, with Emma Rodger, Simone Rothwell and youngster Rosie Greaves completing the rout.

The result consolidates Claire Makin’s team in mid-table with a difficult game against leaders Little Lever A to come on Saturday.