Ben Rhydding Ladies go back to the top on goal difference

Ben Rhydding Ladies finally emerged victorious from a real 'game of two halves' against old rivals York. Shortly after the final whistle came the news that league leaders Timperley had been defeated at Chester, which meant that the Ilkley side move back to top spot on goal difference with just one match remaining.

On a slow, sandy pitch Ben Rhydding took time to get into their stride and were soon a goal down, as a resurgent York side enjoyed a well-taken breakaway strike.

They soon increased this lead, with Ben Rhydding mere spectators in a fine move which saw the ball passed the length of the pitch to be slotted home in fine style. This appeared to be the alarm call the Ilkley side needed and they soon reduced the deficit as Catherine French slipped the ball home from a real goalmouth scramble.

The first-half continued at a frantic pace however, and once again Ben Rhydding had no answer to their opponents' slick passing and running as they conceded a further goal before half-time.

To say that York enjoyed the best of the first-half would be an understatement and the only hope for the second-half was that Ben Rhydding could improve their game whilst York might fail to maintain their pace and determination for the second period.

A stern team talk from manager Pam Gibson reminded the players of the importance of the fixture, if hopes of winning the league were to remain realistic, and Ben Rhydding emerged for the second-half in fighting mood.

In the end a 20 minute period of sustained pressure saw them slot in four goals to secure victory but the half was not without further incident. Initially a fine run from defender Rachel Smith saw her slot the ball back to Anne Thornborrow unmarked on the edge of the area, and her accurate strike left the York 'keeper no chance.

Shortly afterwards Kate Bradley capped a sterling performance with a well-taken equaliser, latching onto a Rachel Doherty cross.

Bradley was in fine form and soon put her side into the lead for the first time in the match with a strike which the York 'keeper could only watch helplessly as she left it to go wide, only to see the ball slide in next to the post.

Finally Ben Rhydding began to take control of the game and Melanie Scott looked to have sealed the match as she slotted home a first-time strike from a Bradley cross.

Spectators' nerves were not allowed to settle until the final whistle, however, as somehow Ben Rhydding earned themselves two yellow cards, and played out the final 15 minutes with just ten players. They held onto their lead and with it moved back into top spot in the league.

Unless Timperley manage a real goalscoring feast next Saturday, Ben Rhydding now need a win at home against Colne Valley (1.30pm, Ben Rhydding Sports Club) to retain their league title and qualify for National League play-offs.

Ben Rhydding Men 7, Oxton 1

DAN Kelly netted four times as Ben Rhydding men's first team gained victory over Oxton.

Other goals came from Brad King (2) and Andrew Parkes.

The second team had a 3-3 draw with Boston Spa with their goals coming from Robbie Hatfield and Tim Zillessen (2). The third team drew 2-2 with Boston Spa thanks to strikes from C Borrett and L Mulligan.

The fourth team had a 3-0 win over Bradford University thanks to goals from J Hutton (2) and M Ketterman. The fifth team lost 2-0 to Harrogate while the sixth team lost 3-0 to Wakefield.

Badgers 1, Halifax 3

In their final league game of the season the Badgers were made to work hard by a strong Halifax side.

Indeed Halifax had the better of the play in the first-half but it was Tom Kendal who so nearly opened the scoring for Ben Rhydding. However, Halifax created most of the chances in the first-half and goalkeeper Andrew Funnel was called on to make several fine saves.

In the second-half Halifax took the lead. A well directed pass eluded the defence for once leaving two attackers clear to work the ball around the 'keeper. Once again the Badgers showed their resilience as they produced their best spell of the game.

The hard work was finally rewarded by a sublime goal from Hutton, a reverse flick going high over the goalkeeper and just under the cross bar.

As the league season closes for the Badgers, the team can reflect on good season.

There has been some tremendous results, not least holding the free scoring York St Johns to a goalless draw and twice beating Doncaster but most importantly we have seen half a dozen youngsters move on from this side during the season and progress up into the fourth, fifth and sixth teams. Much credit must go skipper Malcolm Birdsall and to his core of experienced players.

Ben Rhydding

U-16 girls

win league

THIS Sunday saw the final round of the Under-16 girls' Yorkshire Youth Hockey League. Having been second in the league for most of the year Ben Rhydding went into a one point lead after the matches played in February.

The girls knew that if they won all their games they could not be overtaken but they also knew that they faced stiffer opposition than their rivals Hull.

The first game was handed to them on a plate when Brigg were unable to field a team. This gave them the first win they needed.

Their biggest challenge was against Hull, who were third in the league, only one point behind Ben Rhydding. Both teams started nervously, realising that the winners of this game would probably be winners of the league.

Ben Rhydding were six of their regular players short due to county commitments and illness and so several positional changes had to be made. Laura Beardsmore starred at centre midfield with Jodie Bridger taking Laura's usual position at sweeper. The forward line of Beth Pawson, Amy Askew and newcomer Lucy Foxall put Hull under considerable pressure but fine play by their 'keeper kept the scores level.

The stalemate was broken when Amy Askew went on a powerful solo run from the half-way line to the goalmouth beating the 'keeper with a finely placed shot. The game was by no means over as Hull replied with some determined runs at the Ben Rhydding goal.

Some well-timed tackles from Ellie Banks, Vicki Sutherland and Georgie Brown in defence and confident goalkeeping from Hannah Topham kept the goals out.

Ellie, in particular, had a fine game as centre defence. The final whistle went much to the relief of the girls and the spectators. Ben Rhydding had chalked up their second win.

In theory Slazengers should have been the easiest game of the day but when great things are at stake nothing is easy. However, the Ben Rhydding girls played with great composure and soon opened up the scoring with a well-taken goal by Amy Askew.

Caroline Picken at left mid played with great determination and successfully marked their best player out of the game.

Caroline goes from strength to strength and has earned her place as one of the team's first choice midfielders. Laura Tweddle at right mid worked well with Beth Pawson as the team followed the coach's instructions to attack down the right.

The second goal came from one such attack when Beth's short pass found Laura Beardsmore at the top of the circle. Laura connected with the ball like only she can leaving the keeper with no chance.

To clinch the victory Amy netted a third goal getting onto the end of a shot from Caroline. Ben Rhydding had secured their third win of the day and the top league spot.

Their next challenge is on April 6 when the top eight teams face each other on finals day. Can Ben Rhydding do the double and be finals winners as well as league winners?