Ben Rhydding Ladies win county title (From Ilkley Gazette)

Ben Rhydding Ladies win county title

8:09am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Sport

Ben Rhydding Ladies started the new season in style by winning the Yorkshire Cup for the first time.

They came through the five-team tournament at Wakefield with a 100 per cent record.

It was the perfect tonic for the National League North Conference programme which starts on Saturday with a trip to Durham.

Despite being without Rachel Doherty, Sarah Clarke, Holly Crank, Sophie Atkinson and Rebecca Dallas, Ben Rhydding impressed.

They defeated Wakefield 1-0, Doncaster 2-0, Sheffield 4-1 and York 5-1, and delighted coach James Ross with their play.

“The girls played good hockey throughout and showed that we now have some depth in our squad.

”He added: “Obviously the loss of Jo Ellis at the end of last season was a blow, but we have new players this year who will give us extra options.

”The newcomers include Jo Mason, Emma Rogers, Jen Wilson and Abbie Brant, while forward Kate Hesketh has returned after a year in Australia.

Ben Rhydding’s men have received a boost after being relegated to North Division One .

Former international Will Musgrave has returned and a new Australian player is due to arrive at the club later this month.

The team also has a new assistant coach, Jono McMillan and a new manager in Warwick Smither.

The team warmed up for the new campaign with a 6-3 win over Harro-gate in a friendly.

Musgrave who set his stall out by scoring two goals in his first appearance.

Talented youngsters Harry Sher-lock made a dream debut, scoring a hat-trick and delivering a performance that complemented Musgrave up front and set them apart as formidable pair.

Craig Smith looked as steady as ever at the back on his return after a season out through injury.

Kieran Borrett added fire to the midfield and is another exciting and influential player to return to the club after finishing his degree at Newcastle University.

Apart from conceding an early goal through a foolish penalty stroke, Rhydding dominated the play.