Ben Rhydding ladies deservedly took their place in hockey's National League after a nailbiting climax to the play-off competition at Belle Vue, Manchester last weekend.

Ben Rhydding faced the remaining three games in the competition knowing that after a win and a loss prior to the weekend, they needed to win all their games to have a real chance of National League qualification, in a contest where only two out of six teams would qualify.

Losing top scorer Rachel Doherty to injury, and the unavailability of two further squad members might have demoralised many sides but Ben Rhydding's determination saw them rise to the occasion in style.

First up were Epsom, top of the table with two wins and confident of a top two finish.

Ben Rhydding had other ideas, and Sarah Male started her weekend with a goal after just five minutes, from a well-drilled short corner routine.

Despite a barrage of pressure, the Yorkshire side failed to increase the lead, however, and Epsom were lucky to equalise after the break with a dubious goal allowed by the umpire, much to the dismay of the Ben Rhydding supporters.

In the end Ben Rhydding had to settle for the draw.

So with just two games remaining, the Ilkley side languished at the bottom of the table on just two points. Letchworth provided the opposition the following day, and for the first 20 minutes Ben Rhydding failed to settle and relied on some stoic defending from Leanne Cashion and captain Ismay Macdonald, who led by example throughout the weekend.

Gradually Ben Rhydding got into the match and began to produce some flowing hockey.

Aussie Kate Bradley fired her side into the lead from a short corner and Ben Rhydding piled on the pressure to increase the lead but saw a penalty stroke saved and several other shots go astray.

Letchworth responded well, and defenders Jackie Barrett and Vicki Winters stepped in to keep the attacks at bay.

The Yorkshire nerves settled when Ismay Macdonald's fine defensive clearance found Jackie Goodwin on the left wing, who passed to Melanie Scott to fire the ball home from the edge of the area.

Just two minutes later Melissa Reynard increased the lead from another short corner, and Ben Rhydding were back in the reckoning.

The final match saw Ben Rhydding needing a win and a few goals to improve their goal difference, if they were to have any chance of qualification.

Despite conceding an early goal, the Ilkley side delivered a 4-1 victory, as players forgot the aching limbs and tiredness to ensure their last match of the season saw the success they deserved.

Strong performances from young Karina Kilner and Jo Skirrow set the scene, and Bradley capped a fine weekend with two smartly taken goals, including a stylish reverse stick sweep.

Male demonstrated why she is now one of the side's key players with yet another strike, and young Amy Askew, just 15 years-old, bagged the all-important final goal with a cracking strike to leave Ben Rhydding with a plus three goal difference.

A fine defensive performance had seen them concede just two goals in three games, thanks to some excellent goalkeeping from Vicki Prigg.

An agonising two hour wait followed as the Ilkley side awaited the result of Epsom v Rover Oxford. An Epsom victory would have relegated Ben Rhydding to third place.

A Rover Oxford victory by more than four goals would have done the same.

In the end the 1-1 result saw Ben Rhydding claim second spot and National League qualification by just one goal.

The Yorkshire side's success this weekend owes much to the commitment of the players in the squad, as well as support from all at Ben Rhydding Sports Club.

Manager Pam Gibson has developed the side over the last few years into a strong, skilful squad who finally believe in their abilities at this level. Ben Rhydding men's second XI provided crucial play-off practice prior to the weekend and the numbers of travelling supporters made a huge difference, cheering on their side throughout the weekend.

Everyone in the squad played their part over the season and throughout the play-offs, and can now look forward to National League hockey next season.

Ben Rhydding squad members for the season were: Vicky Prigg, Claire Britcliffe, Ismay Macdonald (Captain), Jackie Barrett, Leanne Cashion, Vicki Winters, Jo Skirrow, Melissa Reynard, Kate Bradley, Sarah Male, Karina Kilner, Jackie Goodwin, Melanie Scott, Catherine French, Amy Askew, Rachel Doherty, Katie Richardson, Rachel Smith, Anne Thornborrow.

Final standings:

Worcester Norton (Midlands) 11 pts (GD +7, GF 15)

Ben Rhydding (North) 8 pts (GD 3, GF 13)

Epsom (South) 8 pts (GD +2, GF 8)

Rover Oxford (EHL) 6 pts (GD -1, GF 8)

St Austell (West) 4 pts (GD -6, GF 7)

Letchworth (East) 3 pts (GD -5, GF 6)