Ben Rhydding Ladies warm up for league return

This was a match that this time last year would have been the closest of contests. Timperley were the team which Ben Rhydding narrowly pipped at the post to claim their National League place.

This meeting however, was a completely different encounter with the home side dominating from the outset. Timperley are definitely not the side they were last season but Rhydding have stepped up a level since their entry into the National League.

The game always belonged to the Ilkley side and it was not long before they took an early lead with two goals from Rachel Doherty.

The midfield were continuously feeding balls to the forwards, and Melissa Reynard converted one of the passes to put the ladies 3-0 up. A couple of rare mistakes in defence saw Timperley pull two goals back but Rhydding increased their lead again shortly before half-time.

The second-half saw the pace of the game drop and the standard of hockey from both sides deteriorated. However, Catherine Sluter scored twice thus ensuring a convincing victory.

Timperley did convert a penalty stroke but their fate was concluded in the final seconds of the game when defenders Jackie Barrett and Ismay MacDonald provided an attacking move which Sluter managed to get a final touch to as the ball thundered into the goal.

This Saturday sees the final friendly game before the League resumes on January 31when the ladies will be entertaining Bradford at home (1.30pm).

B R Ladies lls 3, Harrogate lls 0

It didn't take Rhydding long to realise that their opposition were taking this friendly fixture very seriously indeed and were hungry to topple this prestigious side.

Harrogate are top of the league below Ben Rhydding and were keen to assure themselves of their ability not just to cope in the Premier League but to threaten the leaders.

After a flurry of zealous attacking play which forced a display of flawless goalkeeping from Clare Britcliffe, the ladies slowly began to take control of the game.

Dot Mainwairing and Laura Beardsmore patiently kept strong possession in the right hand corner as Harrogate persistently smothered their avenues of release. Some intelligent switching set the ball free finally for Rhydding to whip up a storm going forwards and Catherine French scored a screamer of a goal, undercutting it into the top corner.

Emma Bunton was everywhere and gained much good ball from well read interceptions and linked well with Demy Dowley on the right who found Robin Still in the D with a huge cross for her to slap home.

Helen Fisher gave a good account of herself in various roles and Hayley Fitzgerald made some evil tackles on the left hand side. Clare Oates at sweeper confidently put the ball about especially making the most of Karen French who was available for some great build up play from the back foot.

It was the adventurous Catherine French who put the game to bed, bravely going into the 'keeper to poach a Dowley shot off the line.

The men's first team game was cancelled but the second team played Boston Spa and lost 2-1. Their goal was scored by A Gibson.

Mens Thirds 1, LA Metros 1

THIS was a top-of-the-table clash with some fine hockey. A strong start from Ben Rhydding saw them hitting, stopping and controlling the ball well.

Defending from the front kept the home team at bay whilst the Rhydding defence swept up any threat leaving the 'keeper little to do.

The midfield was outstanding with Skinner, Priestley and Baker on the right controlling the flow giving attacking play at its best.

Rolling subs including skillful Jamie Metcalfe with Till and Dawson gave fresh impetus leading a pass from Baker to the tireless Sutherland who beat several defenders on the back line passing to Till who scored from close range.

Consolidation and strong pressure from LA Metros produced a tighter game in the second-half. Holloway cleared and Woodhead swept well but Rhydding tried to use the long ball and were less effective.

The game opened up and a run down the left allowed LA Metros to level. Sutherland and Baker continued to press leading to a run by Dawson down the middle which drew the defenders producing a wonderful chance for Till who struck first time.

Although the 'keeper did not see it he managed to save well. Till had a similar chance later after close passing to be denied again.

Hughes tried and nearly repeated his epic goal from last week but for the timing.

Towards the end the 'badass' league beckoned for Sutherland after appealing to the umpires for consistency he collected his second card and was dismissed.

With ten men Rhydding closed down with Hugh Lambert using his calmness and skill to press the opposition and win several short corners resulting in a clear penalty flick being turned down.

The Booths Man-of-the-Match was John Skinner

Mens Sixths 7, Normanby Park 0

Any manager worth his salt knows you don't win the championship at Christmas. Unfortunately Rhydding's chances of winning the title disappeared in October but the same phrase applies to relegation.

The need to beat the teams around you is paramount and Rhydding, having beaten bottom club Scarborough the previous week, faced a team just two points above them in the league.

With the chance of moving out of the relegation zone at the forefront of their minds the Rhydding players dominated the game in all areas of the pitch.

There was a welcome return to action for Oliver Harlen whose cutting edge and link up play with Charlesworth spearheaded Rhydding's attacks down the right wing.

Some fine crosses from Charlesworth produced a hatful of chances for left wing Woodhead and striker Hall.

Woodhead lacked some serendipity in front of goal and also failed to realise that you actually need to hit the ball to score.

Kendall put the ball in the net early in the game but his strike was ruled out because the umpire had already blown for a short corner.

Rhydding opened their account after 15 minutes goal from Harlen and added two more before the break. Captain Whitworth berated his team's complacency during half-time and urged them to be first to every ball in the second-half.

Rhydding scored early after the break and continued to dominate proceedings. Goals from Pitcher, Blackburn, Hall and a fine strike from Charlesworth took Rhydding's tally to seven.

Everyone wanted to score late on in the second-half leading to what seemed like a 0-0-10 formation, but the players would have taken this scoreline before the match started.

The win saw Rhydding move out of the relegation zone for the first time this season and a vast improvement in their goal difference.

The mens eighth team earned a 2-2 draw on Saturday with Kingston upon Hull and their goals came from Oliver Musgrave and P Monkman.

The men's fourth team game against LA Metros was abandoned.