BEN Rhydding welcomed top of the table Oxton to their home pitch and took three points off them in an exceptional game of hockey.

Rhydding had the lion’s share of the ball for the first fifteen minutes of this North Hockey League Premier Division encounter, so it was a cruel blow that Oxton claimed the first points against the run of play.

However, the hosts replied almost immediately. Max Helme executed some textbook baseline work and slotted the ball to skipper Rob Ramsden, who seized the opportunity to level.

Once again, after a period of prolonged possession for Rhydding, Oxton broke hard and converted from an easy counter attack to take the lead.

Great work from Matty Bairstow in the first line of defence then won the ball high up the pitch and fed the ever hungry Ross McMillan, who converted beautifully on the post to draw the contest back level at 2-2.

It was McMillan again who connected with a ball in from Will Musgrave to edge Rhydding into the lead just after half time.

Oxton came right back at them with a corner to even the scores again at 3-3. In such an end to end game, it was a real test to see which team could find the winner.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, Myles Locke delivered an unstoppable corner to put Rhydding ahead. Now, all that was left was for the home side to close the game out, and they did so with patience, composure and resilience.

That win sees Rhydding up into third place, with Oxton dropping down to second. The University of Durham's second team are the new leaders, after they edged out Neston 4-3.