SLAZ FIGHT BACK TO SECURE PROMOTION
Slazenger’s U12 entered their last tournament after a mixed season that has seen them move onto the C pitch of the Yorkshire league. The team were confident that skills worked on in training could be put to good use. In the end, a strong performance will promote the team back to the ‘B’ pitch next year.
Slazenger Boys U12 (1) vs. (0) Bingley Bees
In their first game against Bingley the team were a bit at sixes and sevens getting late onto the pitch as the game was about to start. After a frantic first few minutes the boys got into their stride with Nick Caldersly and Ryan Denton working well on the right. Pressure in the opponents half led to a short corner for Slazenger’s. Nick was fed the ball from Harry Gunning and confidently scored. Slazenger 1 – 0 Bingley Bees
Slazenger Boys U12 (2) vs. (0) Kirklees
Almost immediately Slazenger’s were back on the pitch to play Kirklees (Huddersfield Dragons). The boys played confidently and played well with Nick Caldersly again and Elliot Kaye taking their chances and scoring quickly. A scare at the back with a counter attack saw keeper Daniel Alderson work hard keeping out a consolation goal and being equal to any challenge on his goal. Slazenger 2 – 0 Kirklees
Slazenger Boys U12 (0) vs. (1) Doncaster
A third game against a well organised Doncaster side saw both teams attack and defend equally well. Late in the game Doncaster attacked down the wing and although tackled by Ben Stevenson the Doncaster winger got a cross away. Ryan Denton whose defending is always dependable scuffed a clearance and caused an uncharacteristic own goal as the ball sliced in the wrong direction. The whistle blew before any further response could be made. Slazenger 0 – 1 Doncaster
Slazenger Boys U12 (1) vs. (0) Harrogate
Keen to make up for an unfortunate mistake the U12 boys attacked Harrogate in numbers in their fourth game. Ethan Peel ran the length of the pitch and pounced on a clearance from the Harrogate keeper. He shot low and scored. Slazenger 1 – 0 Harrogate
Slazenger Boys U12 (1) vs. (1) Ben Rhydding
The final game against Ben Rhydding had the boys fired up as they are traditionally a strong hockey side. Changing formation saw Harry Gunning move to centre forward and Jacob Dennison move onto the left wing. Slaz again attacked in numbers and defended equally well. A counter attack from a lost ball saw Ben Rhydding move swiftly down the left wing and slot home what they thought was the winner, but grim determination and confidence from other games saw Slazenger attacking again without fear. Ben Rhydding saw their own short corner stolen off them by Harry Gunning at the top of the D who he ran a full pitch length run around three defenders and even though Nick Caldersly and Elliot Kaye called for the ball Harry rifled the shot and beat the keeper coolly in the final minute to force a draw. Slazenger 1 – 1 Ben Rhydding.
