Ben Rhydding's under-18 boys have knocked holders Beeston out of the EHB National Cup.

With all the boys apart from three being a year young, any result in this prestigious tournament would be a good one.

However, this talented group of boys seemed to take it all in their stride beating Brooklands 5-2 then Preston 5-3 and finally Lichfield 6-2 taking them into the quarter-finals to play the favourites and reigning champions Beeston.

The boys started off a little slowly - taking a while to settle and to get used to the pitch. Beeston were the first to score but five minutes later Rhydding pulled one back. Then Beeston scored again just before half time to make it 2-1.

However, here is where things started to change - the boys had nothing to lose and just started to fly.

They played some incredible hockey, and were confident in themselves and in their team mates.

It was a real team effort and a joy to watch. Their true grit and determination shone through and they were in fact the better side in the second half and were unlucky not to have won in full time with a few near misses.

Down to penalty flicks and an incredible run from both teams saw all 5 boys from each side score making it 5-5.

At sudden death Rhydding went first to go 6-5 up, then keeper Alex Johnson made an outstanding save and victory was ours.

Ben Rhydding have a home tie against City of Peterborough on April 3.

Coached by Demy Dowley and Richard Terry - most of these lads have been playing together for nearly ten years and now as one of the top four teams in the country let's see what else this wonderful group of boys can achieve.