Ben Rhydding’s under-12 girls are heading for the national finals after being crowned north champions on Sunday.

They took the title by beating Wakefield on pen- alty flicks for the second time this season.

Rhydding’s first match was against Vikings HC from the Isle of Man and they won 4-1 with goals by Anna Pateman, Becky Hadfield (2) and Evie Malir.

A physical Morpeth HC side were their next opponents and Ben Rhydd ing made a great start with Hadfield scoring in the first minute.

Morpeth responded, but had a goal disallowed, before Rhydding took hold of the match.

Strong tackling from Nisha Cant and Rachel Scott allowed the midfield the freedom to play and two further goals before half-time from Malir and Pateman eased the press- ure.

The second half saw Rhydding play some of their best hockey.

Pateman was rewarded for her work rate with a second goal, before Hadfield added a fifth and Imogen Sunman a sixth, to finish the game comfort- able winners.

Deeside Ramblers were Rhydding’s final oppon_ ents in the group, with a draw enough to see Rhydding reach the semi finals as group winners.

Pateman opened the scoring in the first minute and Malir extended the lead before Deeside replied.

Goalie Sophie Dale found herself in the thick of the action as Deeside contin- ually counter attacked from deep.

After half-time, Rhydd- ing again showed their class and Hadfield added a third goal to seal a 3-1 win.

Rhydding’s semi-final opponents were Neston South Wirral.

Despite having to en- dure a tough test, Ben Rhydding came through 4-0 with goals by Malir, Had- field, Pateman and Cant.

Wakefield took the lead in the first ten seconds of the final and Kirsty McMillan had to leave the field injured.

Rhydding pressed hard for an equaliser but had to wait until the second half for Pope to find the net.

Rhydding pushed for a winner and Wakefield’s counter-attacking play brought out the best in Dale in the goal.

Even when she was finally beaten Hadfield was there to clear off the line.

At the other end Rhydding’s lack of luck in front of goal continued with Pateman, Malir and Had- field all having shots saved or cleared as the match finished 1-1.

And so to flicks, with Malir, McMillan nursing a tight hamstring, and Pate- man all converting and Wakefield also scoring their three, it went to sudden death.

After McMillan scored her second flick, Dale produced the save which meant the title was Rhydd- ing’s.

They become the first girls’ team from the club to qualify for a National Final and remain unbeaten this season, having played 39 matches, winning 33 and drawing six.

They have scored 81 goals, and let in just eight.