Due to their opposition cancelling Ben Rhydding Lladies did not play last weekend.

Instead they had a training session and a practice game against the men.

On Saturday their National League Season begins with a home fixture against Nottingham with a 1.30pm start.

B Rhydding Fourths 1

Huddersfield Thirds 0

The final warm up game of the season presented a great opportunity for the fourth team to consolidate its form before entering into the league maelstrom on Saturday.

Under the leadership of captain and goalkeeper Andrew Funnell, the team seized the game from the outset and impressed in all departments.

The use of a new formation for the first time not only helped to consolidate the defence but also allowed a sprightly Jono McDonald to support the attack from the top of the diamond. Meanwhile, seasoned campaigner Paul Barrett gripped the defence to ensure no man or ball leaked through.

In the first-half Huddersfield were a little slow to come to terms with the vagaries of grass hockey but soon raised to the challenge.

This allowed Ben Rhydding several opportunities to practice (successfully) their short corner defence routine.

In the second-half it was Rhydding who had the initiative more or less throughout. This resulted in four short corners which were not converted. Happily, McDonald was able force the ball down the centre of the pitch where he found Tony Hatton in the D. With a minimum of fuss, Hatton took the opportunity. From this point on it was a matter of consolidation, as Huddersfield looked increasingly impotent.

This was a spirited performance. The team appears to be very fit and fired by new talent such as the prodigious Callum Franks, there is plenty to look forward to from a well drilled team.

Badgers 1

Huddersfield 1

Ben Rhydding dominated for much of the game creating many good opportunities. The 'keeper made several excellent saves from open play and from penalty corners.

Rhydding's goal came in the first-half following some excellent passing between Alan Wileyman and Richard Poole, before crossing for Ian Shutt to score on his debut for the club.

The Rhydding defence coped well until they failed to deal with a cross and Huddersfield scored. Stuart Raw making his first start in senior hockey impressed.

Andrew Garrity produced two quality saves to save the Ben Rhydding blushes.