Ben Rhydding kept at bay

Ben Rhydding made a nightmare start as they slipped to defeat against the old rivals.

A long ball up the pitch and couple of silly mistakes at the back allowed the visitors to take the lead.

However Rhydding composed themselves and began to play some strong hockey, building some excellent possession through defence and midfield.

Rachelle Le Bourdon and Rebecca Fox swung the ball across the back hoping to expose gaps within the Whitley Bay midfield.

The tactics appeared to work as Rhydding took control of the first period. and despite a few near misses from forwards Rachel Doherty and Abbie Brant, Rhydding continued to pile on the pressure.

They were rewarded with an impressive equaliser which was a real team effort of two-touch passing from back to front, skillfully finished off by Kate Hesketh.

Whitley Bay were the next to score against the run of play, taking advantage of a dip in concentration from the home side.

Captain Jodie Bridger led her team in determined fashion and helped gain control again in midfield. They had a goal disallowed from a penalty corner just before half time which would have given them a lift.

The second half was much the same as the first with both teams taking turns to dominate on the ball.

The home side had plenty of time to get back into the game, so didn’t need to panic.

They calmly kept possession, gradually gained territory up the pitch and pressured Whitley Bay back into their own half.

Bay sat back and absorbed the Rhydding pressure particularly some excellent attacking play down the left from Fran Holmes-Brown and Eleanor Trafford.

Jess Purvis and Jen Wilson also caused problems for their defensive unit and forced a number of penalty corners.

But once again Rhydding failed to convert any of their corners and with the clock ticking down Whitley Bay scored a third goal.

Rhydding are home to leaders Beeston on Sunday.