Slazenger 1st XI warmed up for the upcoming league season with an excellent 7-2 home victory against a strong Derwent 1sts outfit – inspired by the efforts of Richard Hutchings.

After withstanding some early pressure, Mark Swinden’s break down the right and pull-back was superbly converted by Hutchins.

Derwent continued to play well right up to Slazenger’s D, but excellent defence thwarted their efforts and set up a string of counter-attacks, which led to another goal from Hutchins and a fine reverse stick strike from Gavin Kay into the top left-hand corner of the net soon after.

Derwent pulled one back before half-time, but in the second-half, Slazenger gradually took control and a further two goals arrived from Hutchins to his take his tally to a fantastic seven in two games.

Another goal came from Sam Kaye, who finished Derwent off, although the Derbyshire side did manage a late consolation.

Slazengers 1st XI face Yorkshire 1sts this weekend, followed by a final friendly against Stockton, ahead of the start of the league in October.