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TEAM INFORMATION
- Ladies 1st
Previous Fixture(s): 1st Apr 2023 Ladies 1st v Gloucester City(Away) 4 - 1 win A season of ups and downs ended with exactly the result the women’s 1st team were after. After a very early departure from Leeds the women were in high spirits despite the 5 hour bus journey down to Gloucester. The mix of youth and experience turned up ready and raring to take on, what was the biggest game of the season. A loss would see Ben Rhydding end their ten year stint in national league, a win would see them take it all on again next season. The game got off to a flying start, with what can only be described as a rocket shot on 3 minutes from Poppy Lawson, who seems to score worldie goals when it’s needed. The remainder of the first quarter went without either team scoring another goal, end to end hockey keeping the spectators entertained. Holly Pears caused all sorts of havoc running at the Gloucester defence but rhydding were unable to convert another chance. The second quarter saw much of the same with Rhydding having the majority share of possession and chances and Gloucester attempting the occasional counter attack. Half time, 0-1 to the visitors. The third quarter started with Gloucester getting a goal back after throwing players forward. Not a team willing to take a draw, Ben Rhydding reacted with true Rhydding grit and scored another goal to restore the advantage just one minute later. Young Lizzie scoring her first national league goal with a deflection on the far post. At this point it was all Rhydding and the women were keen to further the advantage. Just five minutes later, Rebecca Birch furthered the lead getting in on the Gloucester keeper who was unable to clear her lines. By this point Ben Rhydding showed no signs of letting up and defended gallantly putting a stop to any glimpse of an attack Gloucester had. The final goal of the game came in the final quarter with captain Sophie Davies, seeing out her tenure as leader with a no nonsense shot from top D that Gloucester could do nothing with. A few cards, for both teams, here and there and a brilliant performance from the Ben Rhydding women saw the game end 1-4, with many a jubilant celebrations carrying on early into Sunday morning. A performance of grit, determination and pride, supported by some committed Ben Rhydding fans was the perfect end to what has been a great comeback. From bottom of the league with just 3 points at Christmas, to ending the season on 18 points and 7th in the league. 25th Mar 2023 Ladies 1st v Leicester City(Home) 2 - 3 loss |
