Vastly-improved Bees just lose out (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Vastly-improved Bees just lose out

2:30pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 in Hockey By Sports Desk

Despite having lost 10-2 the last time the sides met, Bingley Bees' first team started confidently at home to York University Thirds in Yorkshire Men's Division Six North.

Solid play from Simon Woodhead, Mark Greenbank, Stephen Booth and the Manning brothers, Joe and Robbie, gave York's midfield and defence plenty to think about.

With the strong winds making playing conditions difficult, both teams managed a good number of positive moves.

When York were awarded a dubious penalty corner, they took full advantage and scored from a well-worked routine.

The visitors then doubled their lead when a rebound fell kindly for the centre forward but the Bees were still very much in the game, having their fair share of possession.

Joe Manning reduced the deficit when he pounced on a deflection to hammer past the keeper, although York came out strongly in the second half and scored a third.

The Bees pressed hard and excellent midfield play put Robbie Manning in behind the defence, and a superb rising shot from the edge of the D beat the keeper comprehensively.

They kept up the pressure but York held out for a 3-2 win.

Bingley Bees' women's first team drew their second successive match in the Yorkshire Women's Premier Division, this time by 2-2 at Ben Rhydding Seconds.

The same clubs met in Yorkshire Women's Division Four at Bradford Grammar School as the Bees' second team drew 1-1 with Ben Rydding Fourths.

A number of regulars players were absent from the Bees squad this week but they welcomed back Emily Lawrence in midfield.

Within the first two minutes of the game, the Bees were ahead as Sian Porter scored from a Lawrence cross.

The Bees continued their dominance, giving Ben Rhydding players little opportunity to test the home defence.

A huge contribution to the Bees' stable and constructive hockey came from Lesley Brian at left back, which earned her the player of the match.

Hard work and maximum commitment also came from midfielder Janice Reid, who on many occasions found herself under attack from the opposition.

The Bees were exhibiting excellent team work and were clearly back on form.

However, towards the end of the game they made a defensive slip which allowed Ben Rhydding to equalise.