Bradford Ladies 4

Ben Rhydding Ladies 2

This derby was always going to be a tough match as Bradford are top of National League Division Three. In the first ten minutes they showed why they hold this top spot with a fine display of hockey which left Ben Rhydding penned in defence with few attacking opportunities.

They coped well with the pressure but then Bradford went a goal up when an unusual lapse in marking gave them a scoring opportunity which they confidently took.

The Ilkley ladies then began to settle and now they too were testing their opposition's defence. Catherine French and Rachel Doherty worked hard up front and Kate Bradley and Sarah Male were able to continually feed balls through to them.

The game now became more even with end to end action and Rhydding were put back in the game when Melissa Reynard equalised from a penalty stroke.

Bradford, however were going to show why they are the top team in this League and they pushed hard and won numerous short corners.

Great defensive play by Leanne Brook and Issy MacDonald, who twice saved certain goals by clearances off the line, could not prevent the home side increasing their lead by adding a further two goals before half-time.

The second-half saw an excellent game of hockey with both teams determined to dominate. Rachel Laycock worked well with Karina Kilner and Catherine French up the left, and Jackie Barrett with Anne Thornborrow on the right to keep the pressure on their opponents.

An unfortunate goal towards the end of the game extended Bradford's lead and with both sides missing a penalty stroke, the match was entertaining throughout.

Minutes before the end Selina Reidy scored a spectacular goal and Rhydding pressed for another but it was not to be. A good game which the ladies will gain confidence from - they never gave up and kept Bradford working to the whistle.

On Saturday they are back at home against Southampton (1.30pm).

Southport 2

Ben Rhydding 4

BEN Rhydding men's hockey team clinched their second consecutive victory in the Northern Premier League with a hard-fought victory over fellow strugglers Southport.

This was a feisty affair with both teams having two players sin-binned.

Rhydding started badly and a series of defensive errors led to Southport taking an early lead. This setback galvanised the Yorkshiremen who replied with three goals in eight minutes.

First Matt Bell converted a penalty stroke after Lambert had been fouled in the penalty area then with Southport at sixes and sevens Rhydding's striking partnership of Wood and Lambert grabbed a goal each to establish a 3-1 advantage.

Southport were by no means finished. Inspired by their three Egyptian players the Seasiders reduced the arrears with an emphatic penalty stroke conversion.

After the interval Rhydding were put under intense pressure and it was only when Wood flicked the decisive fourth goal that the three points were finally secured.

On Saturday Ben Rhydding welcome City of York.