A LATE equaliser saw Ben Rhydding secure a 2-2 draw on a very wet afternoon at Wilmslow on Saturday.

Rhydding dominated the opening exchanges, but failed to capitalise on a number of clear cut chances.

Wilmslow struck first against run of play from a penalty flick after the ball was stopped by a foot on line from penalty corner.

Wilmslow then seized the initiative and some sloppy defending allowed them in for a second goal before half-time.

In the second half, Rhydding continued to dominate possession but could not find the opening they needed despite a number penalty corners.

Finally, they grabbed one on the rebound after well saved penalty corner - the scorer Dave McCollum with a rare goal for the defender who has become a key part of the team in his first season at Ben Rhydding.

Yet more sustained pressure saw Rhydding grab a late equaliser after great diving deflection by another newcomer Will McHugh.

With two games to go Rhydding, who currently sit in third place, play second placed Leeds on Saturday. With four teams to be promoted there is still all to play for.

Ben Rhydding Women secured at least sixth place in the Conference North on Saturday with a 3-1 win away at Fylde.

This position sees them go into the new Division One North next season in the reorganised England Hockey structure.

Early goals from Kate Wood and Amy Cordukes helped Rhydding settle their nerves before Sophie Crawshay pulled one back for Fylde just before half-time.

Rhydding held on to their one-goal lead throughout the second half with Rafa Brandao-Lee sealing the win with a minute to go.

The ladies play their last league game at home on Saturday against Sutton Coldfield at 1.30pm.

The ladies are also planning for their England Hockey Cup semi-final at 1.30pm on Sunday, March 31, when they host Hampstead and Westminster, who are flying high in the Conference East.

This is the first time in club history that the team have reached this stage of the competition and they are looking forward to welcoming the London team, who are coached by former GB captain and Olympic gold medal winner Kate Richardson-Walsh.