9th Sep 2006 Harrogate 5th(Away) 3 - 0 win
HALL A, BLACKBURN P, HART T, HUGHES C (1), HUTTON N, JERRAM M, PITCHER D, KELLY A, WILSON P, JORDAN J, PORTNELL A (1), PORTNELL M (1), RAW S,
BRHC Mens 5th team started the season in style with a satisfying 3-0 win over rivals Harrogate, despite the loss after last season of several key players through injury and retirement.
The match started with Ben Rhydding taking quick possession and driving attack after attack on both sides of the pitch. A few hairy moments in defence were valiantly won by the indomitable Blackburn, the newly returned Hutton and colts Raw and Jordan. Working well together up the righthand side were Wilson and Jerram, supported ably by the centre mid work of Hughes. The first goal came from the eldest Portnell after a series of strong attacks. Another goal followed in the first half with a scrappy attack on teh Harrogate goal resulting in Hughes calming collecting the ball in mid D and scooping it over the keeper.
The second half saw reorganisation in the team and the fluent structure of the first half broke down a little, allowing Harrogate the space to attack. But these forays into the Rhydding D were ably, and occasionally luckily, repelled by the defensive line. Another goal, this time from the younger Portnell after many lightning fast runs from the talented brothers. The match ended with a short corner for the Home team, allowing the possibility of a consolation goal, but the defending Rhydding players quickly shut the ball down and left keeper Kelly celebrating clean sheets. Well done to all.
