Ben Rhydding Ladies 1

Not'ham Highfields 2

Last season Nottingham Highfields had provided extremely strong opposition and so Ben Rhydding Ladies were expecting a tough encounter on Saturday.

As it was, the game could so easily have been won by Rhydding and they were very disappointed at the outcome.

The home side started with confidence - Sarah Male and Kate Richardson in the midfield were strong and they supported play out to the wings where Fran Holmes and Melissa Reynard attacked well and they too provided support to Sel Reidy and Melina Scott up front.

Nottingham were always dangerous on the break with pacey forwards and early into the game they forced a short corner which was successfully converted to give the visitors a one nil lead.

The game was fairly even with both teams fighting for domination in the midfield.

A further blow occurred when Nottingham converted a second short corner to further extend their lead.

However, in the ten minutes before half-time Rhydding suddenly stepped up a gear and played some wonderful entertaining attacking hockey and although a goal eluded them, they certainly looked the more determined team.

After the break they carried on in the same vein. Strong goalkeeping by Clare Britcliffe and defensive play by Rachel Laycock and Ismay MacDonald prevented Nottingham increasing their lead and Jackie Barrett and Jodie Bridger assisted the waves of attacking play.

Michelle Eldridge and Gemma Ashwell provided welcome relief to the midfield and contributed well in Rhydding's fight back.

Rhydding were rewarded with several short corners from one of which Sarah Male perfectly slotted away to reduce the gap to one goal.

With 15 minutes remaining the ladies fought hard to try and level the scores and never gave up but despite their effort they were unable to scramble a point from this game.

Thanks must go to the Match Sponsor Sacco Mann who have provided the players with new home shirts for the season.

l On Saturday the Ladies have a derby match at last year's league champions Bradford.

Ben Rhydding lls 6

Kingston-u-Hull 2

When Rhydding went 1-0 down against the run of play in this gritty league confrontation it served the purpose of igniting the fire in their bellies. Hull's hopes were rapidly duped as the ladies launched a ferocious attack of urgency and determination.

Demy Dowley set the record straight with the first goal, guiding in a Goodwin shot. Rhydding continued to turn the screw and her comrades watched with confidence as Julie Boddy stepped up to ruthlessly convert a penalty stroke after the Hull 'keeper frantically shielded the ball illegally in front of goal. Going into the half-time break 2-1 up was a great recovery and manager Karen French had every reason to be pleased with her players.

Perhaps a period of complacency was inevitable and Hull came out and capitalised on it, putting away a well worked corner to unexpectedly reply and level the scores again.

Helen Fisher at left-back saw red at this and led by example with a second-half of top class hockey, strong and faultless throughout.

Jackie Goodwin bagged number three deservedly after creating so much exciting possession with her sublime stick control.

Julie Boddy got the chance for an action replay when she was called upon to execute a second penalty stroke after some frantic Hull defending turned ugly.

At 4-2 up the ladies responded to a capacity home crowd and put on a display of champagne hockey to finish. Raine Ellis and Dot Mainwairing a blend of raw talent and ripe tenacity held the back together allowing Hannah Topham licence to be the boldest of 'keepers.

Vicky Winters, ever lively at sweeper, played a commanding role and empowered Camilla Dyson who charged down the right causing all kinds of chaos for the Hull defence.

Jade Gartside played a crucial, selfless game, setting up many opportunities and bravely slipping the ball to Mel Scott who made no mistake with goal number five.

Ruth Jeayes who gave a good account of herself at centre mid was rewarded with the final goal after a sweet solo run and angled shot. This solid victory stands the ladies in good stead at the top of the league.