BEN Rhydding Ladies 2nd XI have won promotion to the North Hockey Division One – the fourth tier of the national league structure and their highest-ever placing.

They gained this success through a series of play-off games which concluded with a 3-0 victory in a must-win encounter against Newcastle at Adel last Sunday.

Cheered on by a good crowd they started strongly demonstrating their passion and drive to secure the win.

Some controlling plays in the middle of the pitch from Sarah Clarke created early chances for forwards Abby Box, Alice Roscoe and Michelle Morris.

Newcastle were also clearly up for a battle as they skilfully managed to put pressure on the Ben Rhydding goal in the first quarter, but the strong defensive of Jo Skirrow, Raine Ellis and Kate Lambert cleared any ball that made it through.

After some good delivery down the lines from Katie Wales and Jackie Laycock, and then some quick and skilful attacking plays between Claire Lilley and Laura Smith, the crowd’s nerves were calmed by a well-worked strike from Mich Eldridge and a perfect deflection from Abby Box which put Ben Rhydding 1-0 up.

The second half saw more strong plays from both sides – but Ben Rhydding were too solid in defence. Goalkeeper Kim Robinson made some superb saves to keep Ben Rhydding on top.

The team stayed patient and after a period of slow and constant attacking phases, Laura Smith was quick on a rebound from the Newcastle keeper, sinking Ben Rhydding’s second goal into the back of the net.

Youngsters Beth Horsman and Grace Malir stole any stray or break away balls from Newcastle. After another phase of attacking play from Ben Rhydding saw Morris score the third goal with a cracking reverse-stick shot from the top of the D.

Captain Katie Wales said: “I couldn’t be happier. The hard work and dedication from the team has really paid off, and I am a very proud captain.

"I would like to thank our coaches Izzy MacDonald and Alain Le Bourdon for all their help this season – we couldn’t have done it without them."