Barford Tigers 2 Ben Rhydding 3

PERHAPS unsurprisingly for a supervets team, the Ben Rhydding squad was depleted due to injury, illness and unavailability.

Therefore only 13 players made their way to Birmingham to play Barford Tigers - a team they have faced several times over the years.

Traditionally the Ben Rhydding veterans have an unwelcome habit of conceding early goals then battling back with their superior fitness.

Manager Robin Snook did not have a lot of options – especially against a home side with a squad of 16.

Battling back from early mistakes would be extremely difficult so a solid start was essential.

With Mark French showing his international class as sweeper and excellent defensive discipline being shown from Mark Westwood, Neill Moore and Hugh Lambert, the Veterans repelled a strong Barford attack.

The midfield of Rob Ward, Brian Kempson, Richard Pughe and Ian Cussons were highly competitive and released the dangerous David Cutter who smashed in two great goals. Lambert claimed a third goal just before half-time.

Tony Wing and Jonny Till put big shifts in to keep the opposition unsettled and keeper Richard Terry dealt comfortably with the limited threat that made it through in the first half.

The second half was tougher as Ben Rhydding started to tell. Neil Horsman replaced French for a spell to allow recovery from a blow sustained tackling a forward in the act of shooting.

Tiredness meant that passes were going astray and this allowed Barford back into the game with an open play goal and then a short corner goal.

The Vets held on to record a very satisfying away win and earn a semi-final place at home against Isca (Exeter Vets) on March 12.