Joy of six puts Ben Rhydding back on the winning trail (From Wharfedale Observer)

Joy of six puts Ben Rhydding back on the winning trail

5:53pm Thursday 3rd November 2011 in Ben Rhydding By Sportsdesk

Ben Rhydding 6, Whitley Bay 2

Ben Rhydding first team got back to winning ways on Saturday in the North Women's Premier League with a stunning 6-2 victory over old rivals Whitley Bay and Tynemouth second team.

After the disappointment of losing the previous week at Kendal, Rhydding were determined to put in a better performance.

Traditionally this has always been a close, hard-fought fixture, and leaders Ben Rhydding were prepared for the same again this season. In the absence of their head coach, assistant coach Izzy MacDonald stepped in.

After a rousing pre-match team talk, the home team flew out of the traps and from the first whistle had the opposition stunned with their fast pace – on and off the ball.

Rachel Doherty opened the scoring after just three minutes from an early ball down the line from strike partner Jo Ellis.

A second goal was added just five minutes later with a superbly-struck penalty corner from Rachelle le Bourdon.

The Rhydding girls continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded with a third goal – an impressive move of two-touch passing down the left, started by defender Helen Fisher through Amy Wilson in midfield and fired into the D for Doherty to finish off.

It was only after le Bourdon added a fourth goal in the 17th minute from another tremendous penalty-corner strike that the visitors woke up, forcing deputy keeper Hannah Topham into producing some excellent saves.

Whitley Bay scored but Ben Rhydding made it five just before half-time from a penalty corner, Jo Ellis netting. The visitors got a second but Ellis added a sixth.

On Saturday, Rhydding are at Univrsity of Durham Seconds (1.30).