RUTHIN Hockey Club's U-18s finished third in the local tournament on Sunday following a day of hard games and great teamwork.

Taking on Northop Hall in their first match, Ruthin showed a great improvement throughout the entire 40 minutes.

Llinos Jones produced a number of impressive runs from the halfway line and she only just missed out on a goal.

Although the defence - led strongly by Eurgain Roberts - showed excellent perseverance, Northop scored two goals by the end of the first half. Ruthin returned to the pitch full of enthusiasm, with substitutes Emily Howarth and Carys Grieve bringing some much needed energy to the match, but Northop seemed to match this and they scored two more goals.

Ruthin's second game was against Newtown and the blues earned possession for most of the first half.

Defenders Leah Davies, Llio Owen, Beth Evans and Emily Howarth showed great team work to stop Newtown's advances.

The first half ended on a low with Newtown taking the lead.

Ruthin responded after the break, with Carys Grieve and Llio Jones setting up Llinos Jones to equalise.

Newtown launched an offensive, but with Harriet Jones in fine form, it ended 1-1.

Ruthin's last game was against Colwyn Bay.

Great runs from forwards Evie Nelson and Jessica Ennever almost resulted in success, before a foot in the D from Ruthin resulted in a penalty flick award and Colwyn Bay went ahead.

Erin Wykes worked tirelessly in midfield and Caitlyn o' Garra showed fantastic perseverance in the middle of the pitch, resulting in a number of turnover balls.

However, Colwyn Bay's attackers were relentless and three further goals came.

The defenders were tested time and time again with countless short corners, but the Ruthin girls stood strong to not concede any set piece goals.

The final score was 6-0, with Ruthin showing a valiant attitude until the end.