Huddersfield 1

Ben Rhydding lls 2

Ben Rhydding Men's second XI completed their shortened build-up to the beginning of the league season with a convincing 2-1 victory away against Huddersfield first X1.

It was a good workout for the Ilkley side who have persevered with their policy of giving youngsters experience at this level, though the availability of several members of the first XI squad for the league match at Hull next week will mean one or two of the youngsters return, hopefully the wiser, to the third XI.

Chris Borrett and Tom Zilleson in particular are unlucky to have to step down after some encouraging performances but their time will come again.

Sam Charters has made an impressive start in the right-half position with some fearless tackling, and he manages to retain that position for the first league match playing alongside another youngster, Graham Bevington, who is returning from a week's injury.

Another player who will feel himself unlucky to be placed in the third XI is Liam Mulligan who is new to the club, and impressed with his speed and stick skill against Huddersfield.

Andrew Jolley also had a solid game against Huddersfield in place of Bevington, and will certainly strengthen the third XI defence.

One or two of the old stalwarts put in good performances, with Ian Cousins in particularly belying his lack of training and Andrew Locke looking somewhat sharper than in previous weeks.

However, it was another experienced campaigner, Andrew Gibson, who stole the Man-of-the-Match honours by bagging a brace of goals following up the short corners.

For the first league match away at Hull, skipper Mark French has been able to bolster his side with the availability of several first squad members, including Ricky Harmer who has looked increasingly impressive at sweeper in the first XI and is rapidly becoming a short corner expert.

He is also able to call on Danny Foster, a no nonsense defender, and the redoubtable James Laxton returns from some warm weather training to lead the attack.

Ben Rhydding will be satisfied with nothing less than a win in their first League game, though it is a tricky fixture against a usually quite accomplished side.

Badgers 0

Huddersfield 5

The philosophy of the Badgers team is to introduce youngsters to mens hockey.

Results don't matter - the emphasis is on fun and on getting a good grounding in the basics.

Many of the current first team started their career in the Badgers - others play in lower teams but still enjoy the fun and camaradie which comes from playing for Ben Rhydding.

Happily Malcolm Birdsall is once again in charge with Robert Jackson as his vice captain.

Last years youngsters have all been promoted to higher teams so this season gives an opportunity to blood the next batch.

And despite the scoreline in this match the signs are encouraging. Thomas Roberts made several timely interceptions at full back, Callum Connor showed some clever skills in midfield and Alex White was a constant nuisance up front.

It was also pleasing to see the mature approach adopted by debutant 'keeper Oliver Musgrave. The older colts - Ryan O'Keefe, Leon D'Abundo and Andrew Garrity - all look ready for promotion once there are spaces in higher teams.

It will be a good test of the youngsters progress to see how they get on when they play Huddersfield later in the season and they have a few more games under their belts.

Badgers 1

Sheffield 3

Despite the scoreline in this match there were several encouraging signs for the Badgers.

Simon Timperley, made several timely interceptions at full-back, Kieron Borrett showed some clever skills in midfield and Matthew Timperley and Daniel Pitcher proved a constant nuisance up front.

Although Sheffield were the stronger side, the Badgers defended very well and half-time was reached with neither team able to score.

However, early in the second period the fitter Sheffield team quickly found their shooting range and went two up.

A third soon followed and it was little more than a consolation when Peter Grummitt was able to pull one back with a simple tap in after good work from Andrew Gibson and Andrew Cussons.

Ben Rhydding Vllls 0

Huddersfield Vlls 0

Ben Rhydding Eighths held Huddersfield Sevenths to a 0-0 draw in their second friendly match of the season.

In a bagatelle of a game, hard hitting from both sets of backs meant that much of the action took place in the centre ground field while younger forwards found scant scoring opportunities on the slower grass pitch.

For Ben Rhydding, the quartet of St John, Mathews Lane, Meredith and McIlveney were the stokers for the midfield mele.

New boys McMillan, Brown, Steve and old hand Laycock took the game to Huddersfield and forced a total of eight short corners. Although they were well taken by Mathews Lane the side failed to convert.

This was despite a dramatic goal scored by Laycock, which owed more to Tim Henman than Dan Kelly, and was unbelievably disallowed by umpire Birdsell.

This was a promising performance by the Eighths and bodes well for the forthcoming season. Youngsters O'Connor, Butland and Roberts all showed great potential and the team was anchored again by the indomitable Richard Terry in goal.