IT was a tough weekend for Ben Rhydding Hockey Club as both their men and women’s teams fell to defeat on the road.

On Saturday the women had the long trip down to Gloucester, who subsequently sat just below Rhydding in the league.

Beth Cordukes scored first for the visitors from a penalty corner, but it was Gloucester who went into the half-time break with a 2-1 lead.

The hosts extended their lead in the second half before Rebecca Birch pulled one back with a penalty flick – but it was not enough to gain any points as Gloucester finished 3-2 winners.

The men had a shorter trip to Manchester on Sunday to play Brooklands, but the score was unfortunately the same - a 3-2 defeat. Goals for George Gamble in the first half and Ben Pickles (a first National League goal for Pickles) were not enough as Brooklands scored a late winner.

Men's coach, David Birch, commented: “Despite a disappointing weekend at Brooklands, we did have some junior achievements to celebrate seeing Archie Normington make his National League debut and Ben Pickles scoring his first National League goal.

“They’re both fantastic players who have worked hard over the season and it is excellent to see them excelling at performance level."

This Saturday both first teams are at home as the women play Sutton Coldfield at 1.30pm and the men play Belper at 3.30pm.

Entry for both games will be free of charge.