City of York lls 4, B Rhydding lVs 2

Last Saturday, Ben Rhydding Fourths travelled to York to play their penultimate game of the season with once again key players missing.

In atrocious weather conditions Ben Rhydding started very slowly and were soon under pressure from a very determined York attack.

With the hail coming horizontally across the pitch at them Ben Rhydding's defence determinedly tried to keep the home team at bay but a free hit just outside the circle resulted in a deflected goal.

In minutes York were once again pressing and were rewarded with another goal.

This seemed to spur Ben Rhydding into action and some excellent passing moves on the left, between Hannah Drakard and Amy Barritt, saw Ben Rhydding force several short corners but these could not be converted.

After half-time Ben Rhydding came out much the stronger and constantly tried to get back into the game.

Amy Barritt was the outstanding player, showing great resilience against a very physical opposition and umpiring decisions which went against Rhydding.

Sweeper Janet Raw passed the ball out of defence to Amy who raced down the left wing, taking the ball into the circle and then scoring a fantastic goal.

This lifted Ben Rhydding who were awarded a number of short corners, one of which resulted in Sarah Pink's shot being flicked past the 'keeper by Tanya Fox, to bring the scores level.

At this time, Ben Rhydding definitely had the upperhand but were once again thwarted by umpiring decisions which resulted in York being awarded a penalty corner from which they scored. The match deteriorated with ill feeling between the teams and unfortunately for Ben Rhydding, York scored their fourth goal.

Having got themselves back into this match Rhydding felt they should have come out of it with at least a draw but came away bitterly disappointed.

This Saturday sees Ben Rhydding travel to Sheffield for their last match.

Ben Rhydding Ladies 1, Worcester 7

BEN Rhydding Ladies first team should retain their National League Division Two place despite this thrashing by Worcester on Saturday.

The league is set to expand to 36 teams with the inclusion of the five regional league winners as well as the winners of the Welsh League.

The final structure for the National League has yet to be announced.

B Rhydding Badgers 0, Sheffield Uni Bankers 8

Despite their lowly position in the division, the Sheffield University Bankers team included a very experienced and able midfield.

From the start the Ben Rhydding side were under pressure and Bankers created plenty of scoring opportunities and converted four goals in each half.

Despite missing some regular team members the Ben Rhydding side played enterprising hockey.

For a long period after half-time they more than held their own, with Connor, Franks and Wileyman pushing forward to support the front line from where Grummitt led by example while Paul Barrett endeavoured to close down the Banker's playmakers.

The defence must take plenty of credit as they stuck to their task.

In goal Oliver Musgrave made several excellent saves and at left back Jo Drakard, playing his first game and becoming the youngest player for the Badgers this season, settled into the position well.