2nd Mar 2019 Mens 1st v Newcastle University(Home) 5 - 2 win
The game started with some strong pressing from Rhydding yielded an early goal against the travelling students; Robert Ramsden popping the ball through for Max Helme to time his goal to perfection, beating the keeper and slotting home. The game continued to be end-to-end as predicted and Will Jones had an excellent game at Full Back, picking off some great tackles and making good connections. Callum Franks had a highly influential game in midfield and came close to scoring on several occasions, but some great advantage played by the umpire, enabled Will Musgrave to open up on his lethal reverse and make it 2-0. Rhydding showed exemplary patience in outlet, picking their moments to penetrate and generally playing great passing hockey.
It stayed at 2-0 until the final 15 minutes of the game when after a period of prolonged pressure, George Gamble mopped up after a corner to stretch the lead. However, the students came bouncing back and scored almost immediately. 3-1. Will Musgrave then scored a sizzling, solo goal to raise the tempo at 4-1. Will McHugh added to this when Neil Sugden floated a lovely ball through for him to smash home a reverse for 5-1. Newcastle scored a consolation goal in the dying embers when Rhydding lost a man at a defensive corner but on the whole it was an excellent team performance from Ben Rhydding which sees them now in a strong promotion position.