Ben Rhydding men's first team continued their excellent run at the top of the league with this narrow 4-3 win over Sheffield Hallam.

All four of the Ben Rhydding goals were scored by Australian super striker Dan Kelly.

Ben Rhydding lls 1, Boston Spa 1

IF ever there was a game of two halves then this was it with Ben Rhydding performing way below par in a first-half dominated by the visitors who took the lead early on with a cracking set piece move and then had all the pressure until half-time.

Ben Rhydding then changed to a 3-3-3-1 formation and tore into their opponents and were themselves dominant.

Boston Spa, with the best defensive record in the league, held out against wave after wave of attacks until the last ten minutes. Then the redoubtable Cussons sneaked an equaliser through the legs of a 'keeper who had been outstanding.

Rhydding could have snatched what would have been a fortunate win but L Lambert, who suffered a season threatening knee injury, had a shot superbly saved. Zillessen was unable to convert a one-on-one after a brilliant run found him unmarked and the Ilkley side short corner routines, which were frankly woeful, failed to produce more than one save.

On the plus side Rhydding's young defender Bevington once again looked solid and the team welcomed back J Horsman, who although looking slightly rusty after a self-imposed six week break, began to show touches of form which will make him an invaluable asset.

With two draws in two weeks Ben Rhydding's title chances have probably gone but their main aim of bringing on youngsters remains as the likes of Zillessen, Birkinshaw, Bevington, Mulligan, Lambert and J Horsman continue to learn at this level and hopefully come to the notice of the first team management.

The third men's team lost 5-1 to York University while the fourth team drew 5-5 with King Cross. Goals came from D Birkinshaw, R Dawson, T Hatton (2) and J Perfitt. The fifth team lost 2-0 to City of York and the eighths lost 5-0 to Leeds University.

Badgers 0, York St John 0

York St Johns have won every league match this season and sit comfortably on top of the league. Several of their team are PE students and playing in a league well below their standard.

They completely outplayed a young Badgers side before Christmas so it was a delight to see that skipper Birdsall had his tactics spot on for the return match.

One or two more experienced players were included, the midfield was reinforced and the Badgers won a valuable point to secure their mid-table position. Martin Johnson looked very comfortable at sweeper and Simon Pantelli continues to impress in defence.

Energetic Club president Andy Cussons was on top form and his fantastic stick skills made all the difference as he continuously had the opponents on the defensive. A couple of mazy runs brightened a rather tedious match. Each of his team mates showed excellent commitment and contributed to a hard earned draw.