HUDDERSFIELD Hockey club have written a new page in the club’s 109-year history.
A 3-0 win over Ben Rhydding at their Lockwood Park home saw Huddersfield win the Yorkshire Premier League title and step up to the North League for the first time.
Goals from Jimmy Swinden (2) and Mark Swinden secured the solitary promotion slot and club captain Rob Kelly admitted it had been the cue for a big party.
"Yes the party started pretty much straight afterwards, a few have lasted a bit longer than others," he smiled.
After making a flying start to the season, Huddersfield found their push for the title knocked slightly off track as Lincoln made a challenge and a 3-2 defeat to their main rivals two weeks ago put the pressure on.
However, last weekend’s double-success with wins over Brigg (1-0) and Sheffield Hallam (2-0) ensured that just a point from the clash with Ilkley side Ben Rhydding would bring the title to Lockwood Park.
Kelly said: "The wins at the start of the season really were the key, but we still had to ensure that we made that hard work pay off. Having made the good start we then found fixtures racking up because of the weather and the games have come thick and fast at the end of the season.
"The result against Lincoln made for a tight end to the season but we got ourselves sorted out and I have to say that Saturday was a very good day."
And the Huddersfield club are now setting out their stall for a new challenge at a higher level as they begin their 11th decade.
"It is definitely going to be a big challenge, but with the club merging with the ladies club as well, it feels like we are starting a whole new era," said Kelly.
Full match report and pictures in Wednesday’s Examiner Sport
