Bingley Bees were in dominant form again as they won 8-2 at Ben Rhydding Sixths in the Yorkshire League.

With the top three teams in Division Five North tied on points, it was vital that the Bees recorded a strong win.

Bingley drove at their opponents from the off and got their reward after just eight minutes when skipper Ben Clough scored from a short corner, with Michael Crawshaw doubling the lead three minutes later.

Continued pressure pressed the home team back and Clough netted his second goal with ten minutes of the first half remaining.

Stephen Booth quickly added a fourth and there was still time for Ben Rhydding to pull one back just before the interval.

Clough completed his hat-trick early in the second half from another short corner and, with James Pearson and Simon Woodhead dominating midfield, there was little chance for the hosts to respond.

Ben Rhydding did gain another consolation after Booth had scored his second for the Bees but there was no respite as Clough added his fourth goal and Booth made it a treble.

Bingley’s ladies first team were handed a welcome bonus when mid-table opponents Hull University failed to turn up, giving the Bees a 3-0 win by default. But despite the three points, Bingley remain bottom of the Premier Division.

The second team claimed a hard-earned 1-0 win at Harrogate Fifths to remain sixth in Division Four.

Third-bottom Harrogate defended solidly as the Bees attacked frequently but could not find a way through, while it was a similar story at the other end.

Ciara Hynds excelled to win the player of the match award as she kept Harrogate’s key striker under control, while youngster Maddy Silberberg was instrumental in midfield.

The only goal came when a Harrogate free hit was misplaced and Sian Porter intercepted before setting up fellow striker Jane Sharkey.