Rotherham 1

Ben Rhydding Firsts 2

CLASS comes to the top. So it proved at Rotherham's Aurora sports Centre in their Men's North Premier League fixture.

In a wretched match, two moments of inspiration from Ben Rhydding Hockey Club's England schoolboy international, Andrew Parkes, were the only moments of quality in an otherwise undistinguished game.

First Parkes gave Rhydding an early lead with a neat deflection from McClive's accurate centre.

In the second-half Ben Rhydding doubled their advantage when the flaxen-haired Parker combined with David Burke and Matt Bell to set up Lambert who made no mistake in front of goal.

Rotherham scored a late consolation goal and pressed for an equaliser, but Rhydding's David Cutter used his experience to waste time in the closing moments.

Rhydding's other hero was goalkeeper Phil Weaver who proved once again a formidable barrier.

Ben Rhydding captain Neil Sugden commented: "To play badly and win is a promising sign."

Under-14s are unbeaten

Ben Rhydding Under-14 Boys maintained their unbeaten record on Sunday. Rotherham, second in the table behind Ben Rhydding, proved to be a stern test.

In defence Stuart Raw and James Jordan were strong in the tackle, assisting the less experienced Neil Wilyman and Alex Ickringill, who both grew in confidence as the games progressed.

Struan Connor and Will Knox tested the Rotherham defence but it was Harry Appleby, again making a good impression at this level, who finally beat the 'keeper to score the only goal of the game.

With the scheduled opposition of Boston Spa and Old Malton unable to fulfil their fixtures, Slazengers, whose own fixtures at Thirsk had been cancelled due to snow, were pleased for the extra games.

The Ben Rhydding boys once again looked threatening and Will Knox pounced on a loose ball to open the scoring after some good work down the left wing from Matthew Jackson.

Stephen Timperley distributed intelligently from midfield and a slick passing move with Thomas Copland created Knox's second goal.

At the other end Thomas Mountain had little to do on a very chilly morning but made two saves to ensure that Ben Rhydding maintained their record of not conceding a goal this season.