The under-10 boys had their hopes of making it to the national finals shattered by defeat to old rivals Harro- gate on penalty flicks.

The two teams had fought out a goalless draw in the Northern Championship final, before Harrogate won the shoot-out 2-1.

It was tough luck on Ben Rhydding who performed well throughout.

The team won convincingly in their three pool matches.

The first match, against Alderley Edge, was hard-fought The defenders Will Ogden and Robert Elsworth were made to work hard while keeper Josh Walsh made some good saves.

Repeated runs forward by Tom Hagan and Jamie Sykes on the left and right wings eventually forced a gap through the Cheshire team’s defences.

A superb cross by Harry Jackson led to a well-deserved goal, powered in by Barnaby Walsh, a lead which Ben Rhydding successfully maintained to finish 1-0 winners.

The next two matches saw some beautiful hockey from the young Ben Rhydding players.

Durham City’s inexperienced side was hammered 10-0, while battling Preston were beaten 4-0.

Bowdon put up fierce resistance in the semi-final, but stout defending by Ogden and Elsworth, ably assisted by Anthony Clark, and classy goals from Sykes, Walsh and Hagan saw Ben Rhydding ease through to the final, 3-0.

The final was a repeat of last year’s encounter. Ben Rhydding, the reigning Northern champions, had several chances and looked to be the stronger team but couldn’t quite find the winning shot.

Harrogate held them to a 0-0 draw and then won through on penalty flicks, 2-1.