Durham University 4s 2 - Ben Rhydding Men 3

After a short Autumn break, Ben Rhydding returned to Maiden Castle, the scene of their triumph a fortnight ago. This time, against a competent Durham University 4th string, Rhydding edged to a 3 2 victory.

Durham University expect all sides to play in exactly the same style, regardless of player ability. Throughout term time, hockey pupils listen to lectures on pressing, set pieces and game play and each match day, a festival of hockey occurs at Maiden Castle. From mid morning to early evening, Durham’s players robotically follow instructions frenziedly bellowed from the side lines. This significantly funded approach, which has produced plenty of success for the University, perhaps explains why there wasn’t much to choose between Rhydding’s 4th team opponents this Halloween and their 3rd team opponents a fortnight ago. What it doesn’t explain is Durham’s extraordinary failure to sort out an umpire for the game. It was left to a second year Philosophy student to stand in at the last minute.

Rhydding dominated this encounter for large periods. Their players, many of whom have benefitted from some warm weather training in the Algarve, were superior. Max Helme’s side dominated the midfield battle. Captain Rob Ramsden, one benefiting from the Portuguese sun, showed typical controlled aggression throughout. His relentless coverage of the pitch is reminiscent of an old car clocking up mile after mile without any hint of breaking down.

Rhydding twice led. Firstly youngster Hugo Bishop bundled home. Next, Rhydding’s best ever drag flicker Will Musgrave scored yet again. They were twice pegged back.

Going into the latter stages, treat after treat was offered by the students. Rhydding declined to fill their pockets as chance after chance came and went. They nearly suffered a nasty trick, but youngster Harrison Carter came to the rescue with an outstanding save to keep the game locked at two each.

As the game looked set to finish this way, it was left to Burnley fan Hugo Bishop to have the last laugh. With seconds to go, Bishop feathered a bouncing ball past the otherwise excellent Durham goalkeeper, providing Rhydding with a hard fought victory.

All this left Durham suitably grim and glum, perfectly prepared for their evening’s Halloween antics. Rhydding meanwhile, could enjoy the A1 south, ready to go again at training on Tuesday and play at home on Saturday against Leeds 2s - 4.30pm.

Ben Rhydding Women 1 - Bowdon 2s 3

An improved performance at home wasn't good enough to get a reward. Bowdon edged ahead just before the end of the first quarter and while Ben Rhydding held them to a single goal lead, Bowdon pressed hard in the second half and were 3 goals up with 5 minutes to go. Finally the Rhydding attack clicked to see Chloe Cundick pull one back. The home side continued to press but Bowdon were able to see out the game and take the points. On Saturday Ben Rhydding travel to Beeston to play at 2.30pm.