IT is all systems go at Ben Rhydding Hockey Club, as they gear up for the start of the new season.

The men’s first team kick off their Conference North campaign at Sheffield on Saturday evening, with that game getting underway at 6.30pm.

And they will do so under a new head coach, after David Birch was forced to leave his post due to taking up a job role in Newcastle.

Chris Simcock has been appointed to replace him at the helm, having previously been at Fylde and Timperley.

The women’s first team are back in league action themselves on Saturday, as they visit Buckingham in Division One North.

They have warmed up for the campaign nicely, after competing at, and winning, the Yorkshire Elite Cup last weekend.

In total, 10 Ben Rhydding sides are in action this weekend, five at home and five away.

Anyone down at the club on Saturday can take in action from the women’s seconds, fourths and sixths, while the men’s third and fifth teams are also on home soil.

Off the pitch, and Ben Rhydding have paid tribute to a departing member of staff.

The popular Karen Sheard, who has run the club’s catering operation for the past 19 years, has decided to hang up her apron for the final time.

Ben Rhydding are choosing to mark the occasion with a celebration for her next Saturday, while they have brought in Claire Brooke to head up the club’s catering going forward.