Ben Rhydding Hockey Club's first men's and ladies' teams are itching to get back into league action.

The men, who lie fourth in the league, last played on December 9 when they beat Timperley 3-2. Their next league game is set for Saturday, January 13, when they will entertain Southport.

The men have won five of their 11 league games to date scoring 28 goals and conceding 25.

The ladies' first team lie fourth in their league. They last played on December 2 when they hammered Winnington Park 6-2. Their next league game is on February 3 when they travel to Blackburn.

One of the rising young stars from the first team, 17 year-old Jo Ellis from Guiseley, has been selected to tour South Africa with England Under-21s at the end of this month.

Good win for

Otliensians

Otliensians 11's.....6

Tadcaster...............4

THIS was an impressive start to the New Year by Otliensians Seconds. After the long lay-off they were hungry for goals and league points.

The teams were very evenly matched but eventually Otliensians broke the deadlock when Sue Mott linked up well with Hayley Robinson who hit the ball home. This was a confidence-booster for Otliensians who continued to pressure the Tadcaster goal and when Sue Trainor hit a ball down the back line Becky Calsley made no mistake in putting it in the net.

Tadcaster did not take this lightly and with seconds to go before the half-time whistle they broke through the defence and scored their first goal.

In the second-half the game was free-flowing with skilful end to end play. Di Coates, who was playing the rolling substitute, popped up and scored a fine goal. Shortly after winger Claire Brook put away Otliensian's fourth goal.

With the score at 4-1 Otliensians seemed to slacken the pace and allowed Tadcaster to penetrate their defence more than they had in the first-half and the opposition were rewarded with two goals.

Nevertheless, a buoyant Otliensians confidently played on and super sub Di Coates made the score 5-3.

Not to be outdone Tadcaster, who were always playing catch up, would not give in and due to an unforced error by Otliensians brought the score to 5-4. This was a nail-biting finish but with minutes to go and Otliensians determined to bring home three league points Hayley Robinson let loose and scored the sixth and final goal.

Sue Mott and Hayley Robinson were awarded Match Points for their excellent performance.

l On Saturday the second team entertain Huddersfield Ladies at Ben Rhydding. (Meet at the pitch at 9.45am).