Ben Rhydding Ladies 6,

Blackburn Ladies 1

Ben Rhydding Ladies avenged an early season defeat by Blackburn winning in emphatic style on Saturday.

In a return totheir pre-Christmas form, the Ilkley side took control of the game early and soon took the lead through the in-form Rachel Doherty.

She bagged the first of her hat-trick of goals when she latched onto a loose ball in a goalmouth scramble and fired home.

Ben Rhydding produced some trademark flowing hockey, mounting repeated attacks on the opposing area.

It therefore was no surprise when Jo Skirrow extended Ben Rhydding's lead with a thunderous short corner strike - a textbook finish.

The home side maintained their discipline in midfield, playing two-touch hockey and coping admirably with their defensive duties to block out their opponents efforts.

Jackie Barrett enjoyed a fine performance in defence, making several forays forward to support her teammates in style.

Shortly before half-time Jo Skirrow put her side into a commanding lead with a neatly converted penalty stroke.

The first-half momentum was always going to be difficult to maintain and Blackburn came out fighting in the second- half, determined to get themselves back into the game.

As they pulled a goal back, Ben Rhydding suddenly found themselves in disarray, losing their grip on the match for a brief period.

They hit back however and it was Rachel Doherty who restored confidence with a spectacular solo goal.

She ran half the length of the pitch to beat a couple of defenders before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball home.

The Ilkley side's nerves were duly calmed and the side was delighted to claim two more goals before their victory was confirmed.

Doherty completed her hat-trick with a second solo effort, which the opposition had no answer to.

In a final flourish Aussie Kate Bradley sealed the day for Ben Rhydding with a stylish reverse stick shot which rattled the backboard shortly before the final whistle.

This was a satisfying day for the Ben Rhydding Ladies who now look forward to a visit to Roseberry on Saturday.

They will be seeking to continue their good form in the Northern Premier League when they face a side from the lower reaches of the league table. Ben Rhydding are the current leaders.