City of York Men 1 - Ben Rhydding Men 5

IN uncomfortably warm conditions, Ben Rhydding took their game to York and patiently, ruthlessly claimed a convincing victory to remain at the top of the league.

The first half was cagey and chaotic at times until York began to tire, and the electric Ed Snelling in goal was called upon to recover several close calls. After a period of Rhydding pressure leading into half-time, a penalty stroke was clinically dispatched by Will Musgrave to give his side a 1-0 lead.

York were given the chance to equalise early in the second half with the controversial award of a penalty stroke after Ed Snelling came out to the top of the circle to make a save. This was only a brief glimmer of hope for York as Rhydding then took control of the game and played some fine hockey.

Charlie Smith was too hot to handle all game and put Will Musgrave in open water for goal number two. Callum Franks twice executed with technical genius from a corner to take Rhydding to 4-1 and it was only fitting that Smith was rewarded with the last word and a great goal to seal the win at 5-1.

Ben Rhydding Ladies 2 - Brooklamds Poynton 2

Following victory at the Yorkshire Elite Cup earlier in the month, Ben Rhydding started their league season as the sole Yorkshire representative at the second highest England Hockey League with a 2-2 draw at home to Brooklands.

After almost a year's break from League Hockey this was a feisty afair with numerous yellow cards, mainly for the opposition. Brooklands took an early lead from a rebounded penalty corner shot before Rachel Doherty converted a PC for Rhydding on the stoke of half time.

Brooklands took the lead in the second half before starting to lose players to yellow cards and eventually ceding the equaliser as Kate Wood managed to score in a goulmouth melee.

On Saturday the Ladies travel to Bowdon while the men head east to Brigg.     Report by: Hugh Lorimer