IT was another busy weekend of action for those at Ben Rhydding Hockey Club, with both the men and women’s teams in action.

For the latter, it was a trip to Buckingham, and they played out a tense 1-1 draw.

The first success came from a miscued clearance and a quick play by Rebecca Birch resulted in England Masters legend Rachel Doherty burying a shot beyond the reach of the home side’s goalkeeper.

Going into the second half the Rhydding team soaked up a lot of pressure from Buckingham’s advances, with Millie Jeavons stepping through the middle to deny their passes and huge clearances from Smith.

Ben Rhydding remained composed with some lovely connections between Jodie Bridger and Lizzie Gibbins storming down the left-hand side to win short corners. Rhydding worked hard to utilise the corners but were met with a goal line save from Buckingham.

Rhydding went into the third quarter with high energy, great interchange play and passing that caused chaos for Buckingham. However, Buckingham fought back, looking for the equaliser and with pressure continuing to grow from the hosts, the visitors were disappointed to concede a deflected strike from the penalty spot.

It sparked jubilant celebrations from Buckingham, while Ben Rhydding walked off with their heads held high taking a point from the best team in the league.

Sheffield Men 1 - Ben Rhydding Men 2

As for the men, it was another cold Sunday afternoon and another Yorkshire derby, this time on the road at Sheffield Hallam who were unbeaten at home.

Ben Rhydding knew it would be a tense battle and a game of fine margins. Imperfect sunshine came to mind with the number of injuries and illnesses floating about within the team. Nonetheless Rhydding battled through and started the game with a high tempo.

It wasn’t until seconds before half-time that Will Musgrave found the net, neatly slotting home from close range in open play.

Sheffield bounced back early in the second half to equalise.

A change in personnel in positions for the fourth quarter and change in shape saw Rhydding regain their goal advantage after some excellent work from the back line. George Gamble received the ball on the baseline to slot the ball home from an acute angle.

The rest of the game was well managed by Rhydding as they held on for a deserved 2-1 victory.

This Weekend both teams entertain Wakefield. The women play at 1.30pm on Saturday and the men at 2pm on Sunday in the last league games before the winter break.