IT was a tough weekend for both Ben Rhydding Hockey Club’s men’s team and their women’s team, with both sides falling to defeat.
The men’s fixture was one of high quality and it remained a nail biter throughout. A draw might have been a better representation of events but Rhydding had to stomach a loss in a match they could have won. They now drop from top of the league to third but remain strong contenders.
In an end to end game, with nobody really settling into ascendancy, it was a harsh blow for Rhydding to go 1-0 down after Sheffield Hallam’s third corner of the game; a top quality drag flick, executed with speed and deception. Rhydding were in it and came close a couple of times before half time but a controversial corner was awarded to Hallam early in the second half and another stunning drag flick was released to give them a 2-0 gap.
Some impressive defensive work was on display from Rhydding with Dave McCollum and Matty Birch in particular, putting in exceptional performances. Mark Portnell up top caused most of Rhydding’s threat with George Gamble connecting everyone up brilliantly.
Rhydding had the upper hand for the last third of the game and Sheffield were visibly hanging on by their finger nails. Pulling a goal back with a superb corner from Matty Birch, Rhydding’s superior fitness kept them in the driving seat and it felt like another goal was just waiting to come.
Dave McCollum came excruciatingly close but was wiped out by the keeper to be denied the equaliser and George Gamble almost slotted in the dying minutes. It was not to be but Rhydding should be encouraged by their grit and stamina and their undeniable presence in this campaign, 2-1 Ft.
After the game, coach Demy Dowley said: "Hallam are definitely the strongest side we have played so far but we delivered an impressive performance. We were missing some margins that on another day would be ours so we can be hopeful to beat them at home."
Ben Rhydding women also lost by the same 2-1 scoreline after a long trip to Wales to take on Swansea.
It was 0-0 at quarter time, with the visitors having the majority of the ball, great start to the game playing with high intensity.
It was in the 29th minute when Rhydding conceded a short corner that led to a penalty flick where Swansea took the lead. This was completely against the run of play. The Ben Rhydding players did not allow this to get the heads down and continued to play well.
Despite a couple of short corner opportunities and some great play from Ben Rhydding went into the half time break 1-0 down.
Determined to set back off on the journey home with at least a point in the bag BR went into the final quarter with all guns blazing. Within five minutes the equaliser came from a well worked short corner scored by Kirsty Goodbold.
The winning goal for Swansea came five minutes from the final whistle after Rhydding conceded a short corner. Unfortunately for the visitors, that signalled the end of the fixture and Ben Rhydding had to make the long journey back after a harsh defeat.
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