BEN Rhydding faced a double header of the toughest proportions this weekend, playing third and fourth in the division.

The York game was an excellent, high quality game. Cagey and guarded throughout the first half -nobody scored.

Rhydding had the lion’s share of possession and looked very accomplished on the ball but did not find a way to turn this into goals.

The Ilkley side came out the blocks firing in the second half and they were finally rewarded for their efforts, with a sweet goal from Will Musgrave after a corner follow up.

York carried a counter attack threat all game, with some very fast players that connected well, so it was no surprise that they came back with a goal to stay in the fight.

Rhydding rightly edged ahead with a superb corner from Musgrave and they began to look like they were really on top. York came back to 2-2, but Rhydding were always the better side and Musgrave claiming a glorious hat-trick put the game to bed at 3-2. Another three points that leave Rhydding firmly top of the league.

With Stockton’s Saturday game having been postponed, they arrived fresh to the second of Ben Rhydding's double header on the Sunday, whilst the latter had a hard counter-defence game in their legs as they went into the tie.

Rhydding took an early lead after dominating the game from the whistle; Musgrave threaded a perfect pass into George Gamble who did everything right to find a way past the keeper.

They went 2-0 up after an exquisite Musgrave, Callum Franks corner and continued to play some gorgeous hockey.

However, a panic moment in marking led to a penalty stroke being awarded against Rhydding and despite Ed Snelling getting something on it, the ball made it into the goal and Stockton were back in the game.

Musgrave made it 3-1 before the half time break, executing a well deserved penalty stroke and it looked like the job was done.

Rhydding dominated most of the second half with strong, connected hockey but a turnover in midfield caught them out of shape and Stockton were able to nick a break away goal to bring it back to 3-2.

Rhydding settled back into their flow and the lethal combination of Musgrave and Charlie Smith provided the crowd with a spectacular goal as Smith melted a back hand to seal the game at 4-2.

Stockton kept going to the bitter end and clawed back a consolation corner but it was always going to be Rhydding’s game.

With a gruelling weekend of hockey, the warrior mentality shone through and six points sees them firmly top of the league.

Overall, a fantastic weekend of hockey for Ben Rhydding, showing their class once again between the two fixtures.

The standout performer being Musgrave, who claimed a hat-trick on the Saturday.

This coming Saturday sees another home game when the visitors are Brigg at 2.30pm.