IT was a long minibus journey to Ilkley, with consumption of ample quantities of energy foods and renditions of the Mamma Mia soundtrack.

After Alnwick's run of unlucky results running up to Christmas, everyone was determined to start the New Year on a high and turn the season around.

Ben Rhydding are in the top half of the league, so it was always going to be a tough match. But their league position did not deter Alnwick's motivation and eagerness to get the game under way, despite the blustery conditions.

It was an equally matched first half. The midfield worked constantly hard, consistently winning the ball in the tackle and setting up an attack by the forwards. However, a slight loss of concentration allowed Ben Rhydding to score an easy goal.

Alnwick were awarded a penalty corner after constant attacking in the circle. Lincoln's straight strike hit the right corner of the goal, fractions above the back-board and was therefore unfortunately disallowed.

Despite this, it boosted the players' morale and soon led to Howey's spectacular goal – a blinding run down the left wing resulted in a one-on-one with the goalie. Unphased, the ball flew towards the goal, while Howey was taken clean out.

The second half seemed to last for hours, as the defence were constantly bombarded by Ben Rhydding's attack force.

They worked extremely hard and conceded a substantial number of penalty corners under mighty pressure. The penalty corner match tally could have been 15, however the strength of Alnwick's backs from Suzanne, Naomi, Ruth and Kathryn's speedy running denied Ben Rhydding scoring for a second time.

Jenny Ryder performed a long line of super saves to keep the game tied at one all.

A well-deserved result and a great display of teamwork and determination by all.

Team: R Howey (c), J Stephenson, N Richardson, R Allen, S Horn, S Ryder, L Lincoln, A Cook, K Moralee, C Britton, A Lincoln, L Robson. Player-of-the-match: K Moralee. Match sponsor: Rapid Reaction.

Alnwick...0 Newcastle Uni...3

IT was a chilly three degrees on a Saturday afternoon for the Alnwick girls.

Alnwick dominated the game and successfully retained possession in the first half.

Fierce pressure by Alnwicks' attacks forced Newcastle errors and they were awarded a number of penalty corners but unfortunately were unable to convert any. The scoreline at half-time (0-1) did not reflect Alnwick's outstanding performance.

The second half started well, although playing into the sun proved difficult for both the umpire and the players.

Newcastle's ever-changing forward formations proved difficult for Alnwick's defence, and despite their hard work and some great saves by Jenny, Alnwick conceded two more goals.