The opening game of the season brings excitement but when it starts with a local derby the excitement turns to nerves.

Otliensians ladies 1sts have worked hard in the closed season to recruit new players, hosting back to hockey sessions and supporting Prince Henry's Grammar School with hockey skills but there was an added incentive to start the season with a bang and quash the rumours that they were going to fold.

Utilising a full squad of 15 players, Otliensians stepped on to the pitch against Ben Rhydding Ladies 3rds confident and quickly settled in to the game.

Otliensians broke the goal-line first after some fine midfield play by Julia Ratahi and Sue Mott, who fed the ball through to captain Jodie Rocket, who found Tori Doherty in space on the left. Doherty took two players on, slipped the ball on to her reverse stick and slapped the ball in to the back of the net.

Goalkeeper Kat Jury made a diving save and Joy Jones saved the follow-up shot off the line but Ben Rhydding eventually capitalised on a rebound shot that just trickled out of reach and over the line to give a final score of 1-1.

This week Otliensians travel to Doncaster.