Slazengers Ladies 1’s started well from the first whistle this week. Despite playing the strong Boston Spa side, the Horbury team were undeterred. Within the first 5 minutes Slazengers were forcing the errors and for the majority of the first half, all the action was in the home sides attacking circle. Andrea Wallace, Frankie Tyrell and debut player Emily Chason linked up well throughout the game, creating many breaks for the team. In the first 35 minutes we were very unlucky to score, with Jessica Rudge and Ellie Page getting countless shots off, and Ailish Hendry and Tyrell both hitting the same post at a short corner. Half time started at 2-0 to Boston spa.

Slazengers lack of goals ended in the second half when an injection into the circle from Hendry was deflected by a diving Rudge. It was too late for the ladies 1’s though and the final score was 4-1. Boston Spa were a strong side but the ever improving Slaz team played a much better game against them than previously in the season. Man of the match went to Tyrell, and new to the team Chason had a storming match also. Minchella was strong as always at the back.

The team have improved no end from last season but there is still a long way to go!

It was a slow start for Slazengers Ladies 1’s at Boston Spa this weekend. The opposition quickly gained a lead at the start of the match. Despite some great teamwork Slazengers finished 3-0 down at half time.

The ladies team played much better in the second half, it was a shame to finish at 4-0. Lisa Minchella gave a solid performance as always, with some great passing from Frankie Tyrrell.

Sadly Slazenger Ladies 1st team were unable to curb a current run of defeats at Boston Spa this weekend.

Although the opposition appeared to start as the stronger team, Slaz defended well and eventually got into their stride mid way through the first half, playing some good hockey and unlucky not to score. It was unfortunate that a Boston Spa goal in the last few minutes saw Slaz 1-0 down at half time.

Further disappointment came for Slaz as Boston Spa managed to score again almost immediately after the start of the second half. Slaz often showed a lack of urgency and off the ball movement and were unable to contain this well structured team.

Boston Spa’s well practiced set pieces and fitness tested Slaz who conceded a further 4 goals (3 from deflections) with no reply despite having 11 short corners and numerous chances.

Despite what the scoreline suggested, this game was a lot more even than in previous defeats and there are positives which can be taken and worked on. Thanks also go to player of the match Andrea Wallace for stepping up from the seconds to help, due to what is becoming an all too familiar squad shortage for away games.

Next week sees Slaz take on Ben Rhydding 2s. Again this will not be an easy game as they are doing very well given their newness to the League.

A double header of hard away games was on the menu for Slaz this weekend. After being soundly beaten by Boston Spa at home, Slaz were not expecting an easy ride and losing key player Katie Firth within the first few minutes of the game did not help their cause.

Boston Spa took full advantage of the situation and managed to score first. It was an evenly matched battle however and with both teams having no subs there was no room for injury, so when Amanda Sowerby was felled and obtained what she thought was a back injury, she was forced to struggle on. The team had to be quickly re-organised in order to hold on until half time.

After the break Slaz almost immediately conceded their second goal and it looked like an uphill task for Slaz until a great strike by Sarah Hobbs was put into the goal by Hannah Field. After a bit of a discussion between the two, Hannah insisted that she should claim it as she ‘needed the money’. Fodder – are you bribing that child??

At 2-1 things were starting to look up for Slaz however not for long as Boston Spa managed to get a third goal. Again a spirited comeback by Slaz saw the injured Amanda Sowerby convert from a short corner to narrow the gap again to 3-2. Despite heavy pressure from Slaz in the last period of the game and a superb performance from player of the match Katie Browne rising to the occasion when Katie F was injured, the scoreline remained and Slaz went away disappointed but knowing that they had all tried their best.

The team wished good luck to their England Masters Triallists Eleanor Townend and Amanda Sowerby however as they drove home the jury was out as to whether they were looking forward to the Chapeltown game the next day!

Slazengers were up against Boston spa this week, always a close game between the two teams, but this week Boston got the win. They scored a goal early in the first half, but Slazengers came back strong, with some excellent cross pitch passing by Katie Firth, but Slazengers just couldn’t score despite some close chances from Sarah Cooper and Mandy Sowerby.

Boston scored a second goal before half time, but shortly into the second half Mandy Sowerby scored a screamer, the ball flew passed the keeper and into the back netting.

Slazengers then got a goal disallowed, Sarah Hobbs took on several players and put the ball in the back of the net, we are still unclear as to why the goal was disallowed. Shortly after, Boston finished the game off with a 3rd goal.

A disappointing results for Slazengers, especially when we had moments of excellent play. The Smeatons worked well together holding up the defence and creating chances for the inners, Claire Mills and Katie Firth. Sarah Cooper was really unlucky to put away her break away run, but the keeper for Boston had a good game and managed to keep us out.

Report from Saturday 26th February 2011 at Slazenger Hockey Club