Ben Rhydding’s talented under-19 squad were rewarded for their fine season when they were crowned as Yorkshire champions.

They clinched the title after a gruelling day of hockey in unfamiliar, hot conditions.

Facing Boston Spa in the first match, Rhydding took a while to settle but soon began to produce lengthy passages of possession.

There was a real flow to their play and they showed that they had the ability to find space.

Josh Sykes eliminated several players in one swoop as they tried to run him down and George Sweeting connected with Elliot Dowley to pull Boston Spa all over the place.

Fourteen-year-old Sam Stewart made his debut in this tournament and he is an exceptional talent.

A penalty stroke was deftly slotted by Sykes to put them ahead followed by a great strike from Sweeting and a third from youngster, Robbie Studholme to make the final score 3-1 after a late consolation from Boston Spa.

Charlie Austin and Callum Hodson stroked the ball patiently around the back against Wakefield awaiting opportunities to pene- trate a frantic defence.

The Wakefield goalkeeper was sent off for coming out of the D to play the player. Rhydding popped two away during his suspension, courtesy of Harry Sherlock and George Sweeting. They slammed two more in on his return.

Harry Sherlock deflecting Dowley’s shot into the roof of the net and then Dowley himself undercutting the last one into the goal.

Going into the last group game knowing they had a place in the final gave Rhydding the chance to slow the pace down against York.

An outstanding tournament for Ali Jordan resulted in him getting through from full back and scoring. George Sweeting slotted another to secure a 2-0 win.

Rhydding and York faced each other again in the final. and after their previous meeting the Ilkley side went into the match as clear favourites.

The Rhydding side seized the initiative from the start and executed an effective press that immediately choked their opposition of attacking opportunities.

Ross McMillan’s safe hands on the left kept the inside channel free from danger and Stewart was relentless in his support play.

Goals came from Studholme, Dowley and Judkowski sealed a 3-0 win and the Yorkshire Cup was Rhydding’s.

Captain Callum Hodson led his men well throughout and was rewarded when it was announced that he was the player of the tournament.

The cup triumph was achieved with some fine hockey and a determined approach.