BEN Rhydding Men secured a 1-1 draw against derby rivals in close game at home on Saturday.

This was, as expected, a tense game with both teams playing within themselves.

Rhydding found their press was being pulled apart and Harrogate had scored before they could do anything about it, with a well-connected deflection after an aerial penetration.

A rapid tactical change brought stability for the home side but both midfields cancelled each other out and neither side was able to find any flow.

In the second half, Rhydding had more of the ball than Harrogate and came close to scoring several times.

Harrogate went down to ten men following a card and Rhydding seized their chance.

Myles Locke threaded a fantastic ball into the circle for Matty Bairstow to deflect into the goal for the equaliser.

Rhydding defended magnificently against a late flurry of corners for Harrogate and both sides had to be content with a draw.

Ben Rhydding Ladies also played at the weekend, and they also came away with a 1-1 draw against there close rivals University of Durham on Saturday.

Ben Rhydding played some entertaining hockey in the match and despite seeing Durham take an early lead, the Ben Rhydding Ladies had the lion's share of the play.

Eventually their hard work paid off as Laura Smith equalised early in the second half.

DEMY DOWLEY