READING won England Hockey’s Tier 1 Under-18 Girls Cup by defeating Ben Rhydding 5-3 at Lee Valley on Saturday.

It was an excellent game between two competitive sides, both showing a lot of skill and determination.

The Yorkshire youngsters made the better start, retaining possession well, and a fourth-minute penalty corner saw them take the lead through Raffa Brando-Lee’s drag flick.

But it took the Blues just two minutes to draw level when Gabi Dyer netted from a penalty corner.

Now playing with increased confidence, Manmeet Saundh put them ahead on 12 minutes and further goals from Emily Harris (17 mins) and Hannah Gilmour (22) saw Reading take a commanding lead before half time.

The scoreline stayed that way until the 42nd minute when Lauren Ellwood scored Ben Rhydding’s second and they reduced their deficit to just one goal when Nisha Cant netted after 67 minutes from a penalty corner.

But Reading, who were runners-up last year, refused to panic and put the issue beyond doubt in the last minute with a good team goal.

An aerial ball out of defence was carried on in midfield and a couple of passes led to Saundh’s scoring her second goal of the day, completing a deserved victory for the young Blues; Team manager Richard Dixon commented: “I am absolutely delighted these girls have won a national title as they have worked so hard all season.

Their success came a week after the club had lifted the Men’s Tier 1 title at the same venue.