Ben Rhydding are European beach hockey champions (From Ilkley Gazette)

Ben Rhydding are European beach hockey champions

12:20pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in Sport By Alan Birkinshaw, Weeklies Sports Editor

Ben Rhydding’s ladies are celebrating becoming beach hockey champions of Europe.

Seven members of their North Premier League title-winning side represented England in an international five-a-side tournament in Noordwijk, Holland and won it.

This was the third successive year that Ben Rhydding have taken part. On the previous two occasions they finished third.

The tournament was played on a round robin basis with Ben Rhydding playing two games against the other four teams who were representing Netherlands, France, Germany and Belgium.

Ben Rhydding dropped just one point in a draw against Netherlands when they were already assured of a place in the final.

It was Netherlands who provided the opposition in the final and Ben Rhydding won it 3-1.

The winning squad was made up of players who will feature in Ben Rhydding’s return to the National League next month.

The squad members were Rachelle Le Bourdon, Jodie Bridger, Rebecca Fox, Amy Wilson, Jess Purvis and Rachel Doherty.