Bradford pay for losing their shape (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford pay for losing their shape

1:19pm Wednesday 14th October 2009 in

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Bradford Hockey Club, who have made an impressive start to the season, suffered a 4-0 defeat against fierce rivals Ben Rhydding Thirds.

Aiming to complete a hat-trick of wins, the early start in Ilkley clearly didn’t suit Bradford, who, during the first half, were a shadow of their former selves.

However, Bradford could easily have taken the lead twice before they conceded their first goal of the season.

Bradford then simply fell apart, completely losing the shape that had been worked on so much, and were 3-0 down by half-time.

During the second half, Bradford regained their composure and should have got back into the game but two glorious opportunities were spurned.

The introduction of Callum Hodson, along with fine performances from Martin Wright and skipper Richard Kent, steadied the ship somewhat and Bradford looked dangerous for much of the half.

Despite the pressure, however, Bradford didn’t convert chances and Ben Rhydding put the nail in the coffin with a breakaway goal.

Coach Stuart Harrison commented said: “The first-half performance was our undoing.

“Bradford showed they can play to a good standard and it is a matter of some annoyance that three points were not taken.”

Bradford Badgers were beaten 4-2 by a Rotherham Development side, who took the lead after Katrina Scott had saved a well-taken penalty.

Badgers equalised from their third penalty corner thanks to Mathew Stubley’s firm strike.

However, despite two excellent saves by Scott, they conceded two quick goals.

Bradford responded with a superb goal in the second half. Daniel Stubley took a self-pass from a free-hit and a lovely dummy beat his defender, Ethan Hodson ghosting in front of his marker to score from Stubley’s accurate pull-back.

But, Bradford, pushing up, left Scott and Bernard Greaves exposed at the back for Rotherham to score their fourth.

Bradford’s second team were defeated 3-2 by Scunthorpe, while the third team went down 6-0 against Driffield.

On Sunday, Bradford’s third team capitulated 11-1 at home to Lincoln Rose, but the under-ten team won two, lost one and drew one of their league fixtures at Park Lane High School.

Bingley Bees put three past Acomb Seconds in the first half of their Yorkshire Division Eight fixture, Matthew Clough (2) and Simon Hinchliffe scoring.

Acomb twice replied in the second half and the Bees were left hanging on for their win to stay third.

Bees Ladies' Firsts stole a 2-2 draw at Sheffield, Mel Burgess soon putting the visitors ahead with a clean strike from a short corner.

However, a couple of unforced errors meant that the Bees were 2-1 down at half-time.

Boosted by strong defence from Claire Richardson and Lucy Wilson, Bingley equalised from a deflected Gail Day shot.

Bees Seconds stayed on top of Yorkshire Three after defeating Sheffield 5-2, Cath Gallimore getting a hat-trick.