SEVERAL Ben Rhydding players have achieved success in recent weeks while competing at the England Hockey Regional Competitions while representing North Hockey teams.

Danny Foster and Steve Mitchell represented the Over 45 North team at the Regional Finals in Reading. As captain, Danny Foster led the team to a convincing 2-0 win over the fancied South team before having to come from behind against the East to eventually win again by 4-2.

On the second day, needing just a draw to win the tournament, the North went into an early 2-0 lead against the Midlands.

The Midlands came back fighting in the second half and with six minutes to go pulled a goal back before scoring an equaliser in teh final minutes.

The North finished with a draw but were Champions and came away with the trophy.

Will Musgrave and Ian Thomas represented the Over 35s North team in a shorter than normal tournament. As with the Over 45s, the hockey was of a high standard and saw the ver 35s North team also take a 2-0 victory over the South.

A closer game against the East region saw that North win a 7 goal thriller by 4-3 and take the championship.

Ben Rhydding hosted an Over 55 tournament with a number of international Masters players from the North and South in a number of competitive games over the weekend.

Featuring camping, barbecues and high level hockey, the club hope that this will lead to more Masters Hockey

tournaments in the future in the Wharfe Valley.

The Ladies are also involved in Masters Hockey as Anne Rawlinson and Mary Pawson will be competing for the England Over 65 teams next month.

Meanwhile the main Mens and Ladies teams have begun training for the new season which starts in early September. Players from age 8 to over 70 are welcome - find out more at www.brhc.co.uk

By: Hugh Lorimer