Warrington 1

Ben Rhydding 2

Ben Rhydding travelled to Warrington last Saturday with high hopes of hitting the top of the league ladder for the first time in three years.

The side was strenghened by the return of Craig Tiffany but unfortunately experienced backman David Cutter had to once again postpone his return to the top flight after aggravating his shoulder injury at training during the week.

Rhydding began in sensational fashion. Musgrave scored after just five minutes with a calm finish from a tight angle. Three minutes later Rhydding found the back of the net again, as prolific Aussie striker Dan Kelly netted yet another fine goal.

The two early strikes seemed to shudder Warrington into gear, and Ben Rhydding soon lost their free-flowing game mid-way through the first half. An older, more experienced Warrington chipped away at Rhydding's defence, eventually scoring after a scrappy goal-mouth exchange just before the half-time whistle.

The second-half however belonged to Ben Rhydding and they were unlucky not to score on a number of occasions.

Young full-back Ricky Harmer missed his second penalty stroke in succession, careering the ball over the crossbar. Dan Kelly also had one of his efforts deflected onto the bar.

As the game drew to a close, the tempo of play really started to heat up. Warrington lost one of their men with ten minutes to go, as he bowled over Rhydding's star midfield recruit Stuart Haslam after a few unsavoury words were exchanged in the attacking circle.

The umpires were hard-pressed to keep control of the game at that point, but once calm had returned, Ben Rhydding surged again.

Rhydding capitalised on Warrington's loss of composure, and all that was left for the away side to do was keep control of the ball for the remainder of the game - a task the boys were easily up to.

So after six rounds Ben Rhydding have moved to the top of the table and are in ominous form going in to the this week's clash against Sheffield Bankers. With three wins from the last three matches, pre-season favourites Rhydding are now showing signs of that premiership potential placed on them before the season began.

Ben Rhydding lls 3

Brigg 1

Ben Rhydding men's second XI took on the league leaders Brigg and came out comprehensive winners as they gave their best display for the season - final score 3-1.

It was a display full of selfless running off the ball, constant harrying of the opposition and some wonderful passing movements. The approach was epitomised by the young Tom Zilleson who, on his League debut, impressed with his work rate and narrowly missed scoring a debut goal when he hit the post.

The experienced Neil Horsman, who has been impressing for the third XI, opened the scoring with a smartly taken short corner. A further two goals were added by the young and increasingly impressive Luke Lambert, but it was really an all-round team performance which won the day.

This week sees the Ilkley team travel to the new League leaders, Chapeltown, and although they welcome back one or two experienced campaigners, Ben Rhydding will sorely miss Matt Bull and Jon Horsman, two of the young guns who have stood out in the recent weeks.

Old Malton 2

Ben Rhydding Badgers 1

In the cold and driving rain, the neat skills of the Ben Rhydding youngsters were again in evidence against quicker and more muscular opponents but the boys still lack the ability to turn pretty passing movements into shots on goal.

This happens every year a new crop of boys get used to men's hockey.

In this match the partnership on the left hand side between Kieren Borrett and Matthew Timperley continued to grow and one day soon they will turn possession into goals. Patience is needed. As it was, the Badgers should probably have drawn or even won if their routine at set plays had been better.

They were unable to convert several short corners and a penalty stroke after taking the lead in the first half through a trade-mark Monkman-Grummitt combination.

In contrast Old Malton converted one of their few short corners to level the scores and then scored a fine individual goal to take the spoils.

Ben Rhydding Vls 3

Boston Spa 2

Grey, overcast skies greeted the two teams for this eagerly awaited Yorkshire League Division Nine clash. Rhydding with their potent mix of youth and experience (but mainly experience) faced a resolute Boston Spa side determined to leave the Wharf Valley with a positive result.

Early exchanges were cagey to say the least but Boston Spa took the lead after ten minutes. The rest of the half turned into a war of attrition in the middle of the park, Rhydding failing to make use of the width and only creating a few half chances.

After an inspirational half-time team talk Rhydding turned round with a fresh determination to get back into the game winning 50:50 balls and attacking down the flanks.

They drew level, Adrian Hall continued his impressive scoring record with a cricket style pull shot, he volleyed the ball into the net from five yards. Duncan Fletcher may be giving him a call.

With renewed spirit, Rhydding went looking for the win. Oh bugger Boston Spa re-took the lead a minute later. The Rhydding boys are made of strong stuff and equalised with a shot from Tony Hart who was delighted to add to his gallery of goals.

The Boston Spa defence was now tiring and Rhydding were attacking and creating chances. They took the lead with five minutes to go, young goal machine Simon Timperley on hand at the back post to fire Rhydding into the lead. The final whistle blew, the relief clearly etched on their faces.

Full credit to Boston Spa for a battling performance, Rhydding contiune their impressive start to the campaign.

Ben Rhydding Vllls 3

Team B Leeds 1

Ben Rhydding fielded a strong turn out for this match, in fact the best turn out of the season so far. At first the match was a little frenetic as the pitch had seen a lot of rain and conditions meant that well aimed shots seemed few and far between. However, the Rhydding attack was soon under way. A well constructed run up the right wing, hit in hard and fast was deftly dealt with by the welcome return of Adam Butterfield.

This seemed to rock Team B but they levelled. The second-half was much the same. A second goal came from Leo D'Bundo and then Martin Peacockmade it 3 -1.