Men’s 1st’s (4) vs. (1) Leeds 5th’s
In the penultimate game of a relatively productive season the firsts secured a promotion win at home to Leeds. Great news of course – unless you are one of the five players over the age of 40… Nevertheless Yorkshire Premier League it will be next season for Slaz 1’s! Although it’s fair to say that if they start games as they did last Saturday, next season will be a tough run.

Despite Tuddenham opening the scoring early through a keeperless short corner Slazenger lacked any real potency from the start. Movement off the ball was as dynamic as a McDonalds trainee, and players already appeared exhausted from their three minute warm up. Leeds however pressed time and time again through their pink gloved assassin who took apart Drake in defence to tap a soft goal past Loftus. With minutes to go in the first half Swindarln scored to put Slazenger into an undeserved lead. Queue the half time inspirational telling off from disciplinarian Captain JP White. The second half opened with some improvement, smooth passing play was evident from Dunstan and Chilton in particular. As if by magic the improved distribution (once again) lead to goals as Perry and man of the match Tuddenham found the back of the net. All in all it was a satisfactory performance from Slazenger that secured them a 4 – 1 win and promotion back to the more competitive realms of Yorkshire hockey.

Men’s 2nd’s (2) vs. (4) Driffield 2nd’s
Slaz travelled out to Driffield 2nd’s, expecting a tough battle with the high flying North Yorkshire outfit, and were not dissapointed. However, Driffield in turn did not get the easy 3 points they may have expected.

Both teams started quickly, and quickly found that while there was some strong attacking, both teams absorbed the pressure and the game was locked in a tightly fought contest. Eventually, Driffield took the lead, but it wasn’t long before Slaz hit back, Ben Graham setting up Ian Hedges to slot the ball away at the back post.

The game was similarly close, and when Driffield scored again, man of the match Hedges set up Asad Baig to net an equaliser.

Slaz pressed to take the lead, but infuriatingly several shots going wide. Worse stil, at the other end, Driffield were more clinical, putting away 2 goals in the final 10 minutes to take the points. Slaz will be somewhat disappointing that they couldn’t convert the pressure and take the 3 points, but another strong performance bodes well for the final few games of the season.

Men’s 3rd’s (2) vs. (3) Sheffield Uni Bankers 6
Slazenger hosted Sheffield in a bottom of the table clash that could go a long way to decide the future league for both clubs. The home side settled in early and was playing some lovely passing and moving hockey which resulted in a strong move down the right before a very well placed finish from Tim gave slazenger the lead, slazenger continued to play and after a good battle in midfield a quick break resulted in Scott finishing a well worked move.

Unfortunately for Slazenger, Al decided to try and save someone’s life by attacking a flea on the back of an opponent in the style of rumble in the jungle resulting in a yellow card, with the reshuffle and substitutions Slazenger seemed to struggle and despite continued running from man of the match Matt Banks the right side was heavily overloaded with attacks and soon Sheffield were one goal behind.

Slazenger continued to struggle with the changes and injuries and Sheffield soon drew equal, the game seemed to even out with both teams attacking for the win, unfortunately for slazenger it was Sheffield who got the vital 3rd goal and with it the 3 points

Men’s 4th’s (2) vs. (4) Sheffield Uni Bankers 7
Slaz travelled to Sheffield University Bankers on Saturday morning and looked to gain a result away from home after a break due to the snow. Sheffield had the better of the early exchanges as they looked to get through the Slaz defences. Slaz looked vulnerable at the back and this proved after Sheffield managed to score 3 in the first half to lead 3-0 at the break.

Slaz knew they had to perform better in the second half to come away with a respectable result. A slight change in formation and a more attacking mind-set meant Slaz started the second half much more positively than the first. However, Sheffield were the team to score first to effectively put the game to bed. Slaz continued to fight and managed to score two from a short corner for Steve Fealy and a deflected cross from Tom Hyde meant the final score was 4-2 to Sheffield.

Man of the match went to Steve Fealy for some good play all around the pitch.

Men’s 5th’s (2) vs. (2) Ben Rhydding 8th’s
Men’s 5ths draw 2-2 with Ben Rhydding 8ths. Both goals from Alex Stacey

Ladies 1st’s (5) vs. (4) Dewsbury 1st’s
After some confusion with Claims of weddings leaving them short, Dewsbury’s welcomed the ladies 1’s to Heckmondwike for their return fixture without a bride in sight. Slaz new the game wouldn’t be easy after their first encounter, but were determined that they would come away with the 3 points needed to maintain their promotion hopes. Slaz started strong, taking the ball straight to the Dewsbury D, but a number of chances went begging. Dewsbury, sensing this maybe their day seized opportunities gifted to them, but keeper Wilson showed that it may not be theirs either.

The first goal went to Dewsbury, but Slaz were quick to level the score when Field took the ball around Dewsbury’s defence before delicately placing it over the keeper. They didn’t leave it long before Bates took a long corner, passing it short to Wallace for her to cream it goal bound – Tyres seized the opportunity to put Slaz ahead as the ball grazed her stick on its way into the net. Field was again on form and with a quick ball from the back going straight to her on the halfway line she again showed the Dewsbury team her skills bagging number 3 for Slaz. Half time score 3:1

The second half saw Dewsbury come back strong and pressurising the Slaz defence who worked tirelessly to keep them out. Unfortunately they made 2 breakthroughs and managed to level the score. Slaz could see the points slipping away, and began to show grit, determination and the immense team spirit that has taken them to the well earned 2nd spot in the table and with Tyres chasing the teams top goal scorer for the season got her second and Slaz’s forth. After a goal mouthy scramble shortly after, Mini Minch was on hand at the back post to tap in the fifth.

A short corner for Dewsbury in the dying minutes saw them claw back to 5:4, but by then the points were safely with Slaz. Slaz travel to Wakefield next week in to take on their 3’s in their penultimate game of the season – with a 3pm push back

Ladies 3rd’s (4) vs. (2) Adel 5th’s
Slazenger’s ladies 3s got off to a flying start in their game against Adel with the hope of gaining 3 points to maintain their high stance in the table.

Right from the start Slazenger’s dominated the game with great finishing and accurate passes from the defence line through midfield to the forwards. CF Caro Schofield was the first to find the net, shortly followed by a skilful manoeuvre and solid finish from Aleks Karpinska. Schofield got her second after a deflection by the defence and Karpinska also bagged another goal as the pair fight for leading goal scorer. As the half time whistle blew Slazenger’s found themselves 4-0 up.

However as the second half began, Adel seemed to come back stronger pulling the score back to 4-2 despite great saves from Lisa Chappell in goal. Slazenger’s quickly changed their attitudes, becoming more attacking but failing to hit the net despite near misses from Scholfield and Emily Chason. Fantastic defending by Sarah Hobbs, Emma Eley, Jess Downing and Esther Hill concluded 4-2 as the final score.

Player of the match was shared between Schofield and Chason who had shown her midfield dominance. A great win from Slazengers resulted in positive attitudes going forward into their final match of the season on 24th where a win should secure the much desired promotion. Spare a thought for captain Lizzie Tunstall who missed her flight and failed to make the game.

Ladies 4th’s (P) vs. (P) Dewsbury 1st’s
Match Postponed. Opposition couldn’t get a team together.

Girls U12
Slazenger u12 continued their first season together with some great results for the inexperienced team. The girls have all been on a sharp upward learning curve and have all done themselves proud. A hard fought 0-0 draw against Thirsk found Courtney Riley making a couple of great saves. Sophie Fletcher and Isabella Kidd worked hard in defence with Millie Brierly making some good runs into space up front. Next up was another goalless draw, this time against Harrogate.

The rookie Slazenger girls grow in confidence with every game and this time Harrogate were troubled with great midfield work from Ruby Rogers, Eleanor Randle and Thea Godson. A very strong Sheffield side were next who managed to score 2 goals , Lilianna Anderson and Molly working hard from midfield to help out their defence. The young Slazettes some as young as 7 tired towards the end of the final game against Ben Rydding ending again in a 2-0 defeat. Next season will surely see the girls shooting up the leagues.

Boys U12
Despite a great start in division C with a 0-0 draw, Slazengers U12 boys were unable to turn pressure into goals and lost the next three 1-2,0-1 and 0-1. A Tommy Randle thunderbolt was the only reward they had to show for all their effort and hard work ,it what turned out to be the most evenly contested league we had played in as most games were won by a single goal margin. The majority of the squad will be eligible to play again next season and the game awareness of playing in the monthly tournaments has been of great benefit.

Girls U14’s
Slazengers travelled to Pocklington for their final tournament of the Season. (Huddersfield dropped out of the tournament due to team shortages). Team photo attached.

Ben Rhydding 3 V slazengers
The girls started strong and pushed forwards looking to create chances from the off. Unfortunately Slazengers lost their shape for a moment and Ben Rhydding took advantage to take the lead with their first goal. Undeterred Slazengers continued to press and were controlling the midfield, excellent tackles from Bethan Elsworth, Grace Robertson and Elizia Stewart meant they were winning the 50/50 balls and distributing it quickly to start the breaks upfield. Cherry Bedford, Mia Davis and Maisie Davis worked hard, which paid off with Cherry making it level with her first goal. Moments later Ben Rydding came back with force and made it 2-1.

Play continued with great support from midfield driving the ball consistently to Slazengers attacking forwards, eventually their hard work paid off with a goal from Mia to make it level again. Three more goals then followed in quick succession from Maisie and cherry giving cherry her first hat trick of the tournament. On the final whistle a short corner was awarded against Slazengers which resulted in a penalty flick. Despite Maisie Royston best efforts Ben Rhydding scored. A real show of talent, fitness and team spirit transpired and ended in a 5-3 win to Slazengers.

Scarborough V Slazengers
Slazengers were straight back on the pitch with only 5 minutes rest from their last game but with renewed confidence went out hard and fast from the first whistle. A lucky strike from Scarborough gave them the lead which was short lived when Mia Davis brought it back level. Both teams were evenly matched and ball travelled from end to end, Slazengers quick thinking and movement of the ball gave Maisie Davis an opportunity to score which was not missed, which left Scarborough picking the ball from the back of their net.

After a miscommunication in the Slazengers defence Scaborough were awarded a short corner which they took advantage of and a solid strike from the top of the D left the score at 2-2. Scarborough found their stride with a good few a attemps on goal which were saved by Maisie and an excellent on the line stop by Nicole Hirst denied Scarborough a further goal but Scarborough’s pressure gave them a further goal to make it 3-2 to Scarborough. Slazengers never gave up and their persistence paid off with a further goal from Cherry Bedford. The defence kept fighting until the end but conceded two more goals leaving the final score 5-3 to Scarborough.

Men’s 1st’s (8) vs. (1) Ben Rhydding 2nd’s
Last weekend was one of those weekends that the more mature first team players really look forward to – the two game weekend… and to be honest it couldn’t have started much worse for either vintage or younger players!

The first game of the double was at home on Saturday to Ben Rhydding; a young side with potential that belies their current low position in the league. Certainly not a team to start complacently against. Nevertheless it’s fair to say Slazenger started the game more like a toy train than a steam train. Slazenger seemed oddly determined to run the ball time and time again straight into Ben Rhydding sticks. When halftime finally rolled round the dismal performance had resulted in a 2 -1 scoreline and potential for either team to take the match. Slazenger clearly had words with themselves during the mid-match break. The short sharp passing that greeted the home crowd at the start of the second half was nothing short of Brazilian. This new style soon began to pay off in goals as Slazenger well and truly stamped their authority on the match. A double hatrick from man of the match Tuddenham put the game beyond reach and helped to rack up a final score of 8 – 1 to Slazenger. (Other scorers Jimmy Swinden and Matthew Chilton)

Men’s 1st’s (6) vs. (1) Leeds University 1st’s
Bolstered by the second half of Saturdays game the firsts took to the field confidently on Sunday for the next instalment against Leeds University. From the start Slazenger took the game to Leeds, great passing play was again the linchpin to the repeated attacks, and Its wasn’t long before Swindon capitalised with the first goal. With further flowing play more goals soon followed from Perry, Gunning, and Tuddenham.

Leeds were no walkover however, only 5 minutes into the second they half pulled one back from a strong short corner drag flick. Things looked increasingly precarious when only minutes later Birkett crucially stopped another drag flick on the line to keep Leeds from gaining ground. After a short defensive spell the Firsts soon settled back into the game. At this stage Slazenger looked like they would hold the lead comfortably, that was until both Swindon’s were sent off in the final minutes of the game for equally daft lapses in emotional concentration. The Firsts battened down the hatches to see out the game with a second win. Final score 6 – 1.

Men’s 2nd’s (6) vs. (2) Ben Rhydding 3rd’s
Slaz travelled to the cold nothern climbs of Ilkley for their confrontation with Ben Rhyding 3rd’s. In the previous season, their last away encounter had seen Slaz come a distant second place so it was with some trepidation that the team approached the game. This was compounded with the team only having 11 players due to half term.

Slaz started the quicker, and looked to be causing problems from the start for the home side. However. some well taken saves and some rustyness from the slaz front line saw chances go awry and the score locked at 0-0. However, the visitors took their time and it wasnt long before Asad Baig sank his first of the match,after a lightening attack from Ben Jackson. Jackson netted himself for the second, and Baig netted again to go ahead. Rhydding scored a scrappy goal, with Slaz ahead 3-1 going into the break.

The second half saw Slaz continue to press their advantage. The fourth goal came from a well executed short corner; Amir Khalil rounding 3 defenders and slotting the ball past the defender. Birthday boy Ian Hedges netted the fifth with a strike from the edge of the d, which ricochet into the net off the defenders stick. However the best was saved to last, when Captain Ben Graham received a pass from Khalil, and slotted it away at the back post; a self proclaimed “awesome goal”. Rhydding responded in the dying minutes, but by then the result was well and truly beyond doubt. Valuable points for Slaz who host York next week.

Men’s 3rd’s (7) vs. (0) Lindum 4th’s
Slazenger entertained Lindum on Saturday the team just above them in the league, in 8th place. The Addingford side began on the front foot and it seemed the cold Northern weather was uncomfortable for their southern opponents.

A ball fired in from Trans-Atlantic Captain Simon Taylor was skilfully deflected past the Lindum goalkeeper towards goal by Tim Carr allowing Scott Carruthers to tap the ball home from 0.000001mm out and give Slazenger the lead. The home side continued to play flowing hockey in the opposing half seeing Carr and Carruthers both go close. It was to be an excellent training ground routine which saw Slaz double their lead as Paul Johnson saw a gap which Carr was able to run into, round the final defender before firing the ball past the advancing Keeper. As the half was running down Johnson made sure it was 3-0 at the break with a blistering strike from a short corner.

Inspirational words from Taylor at half time made sure they weren’t going to come out complacent. Within five minutes of the restart an incisive, defence splitting ball from Andy Fisher allowed Carr nip in and sweep the ball in to the goal. Lindum out of pride began to rally and had a few chances but these were dealt with easily by Taylor, Johnson and Foster. When it looked like Lindum’s pressure might tell a swift break by Slazenger saw Alan Perry flying up the wing like a gazelle before playing the ball inside to Fisher who ran in then fired a bolt of a shot into the roof of the net to make it 5-0, a shot so hard the goal was moved off its moorings and one which the Lindum keeper will be having nightmares about for many weeks to come. The Horbury side began to relax and this allowed Lindumseveral chances but Harry Buttery was desperate to keep his sheets clean at least once this season and produced some heroic saves to ensure the visitors didn’t score. With 10 minutes to go a break from Slaz saw Brian Johnson slip the ball in to Sam Haigh to flick the ball past the keeper to make it 6-0. As the sun went down and the chill factor went up there was time for another Slazenger goal Haigh pushed one through and Carr was able to dive in before the goal keeper could get there to ensure he claimed his hat-trick and the man of the match vote. A fine attacking performance by the home side one which has been long overdue and resulted in their first win of 2018.

Men’s 4th’s (0) vs. (1) Chapeltown 4th’s
No report.

Men’s 5th’s (2) vs. (2) Halifax 5th’s
With three key players missing this was a good opportunity for newer players to gain confidence and pitch time while playing in some new positions against Halifax development team. Lewis Killey continued developing his quickly improving defensive skills snuffing out attacks down either wing. Adam Searle was a constant attacking threat with his pace on the left from which he scored from the tightest of angles after some determined perseverance. Luke Boxall and Bradley Nicholls worked hard and youngest player Luke Minchella (man of the match) caused their defense huge problems through out the game with great skills and energy. Slazengers second goal was well deserved from a short corner after lots of pressure. Unfortunately the quite new look Slazenger team had a couple of lapses in concentration to let Halifax score twice and see out a 2-2 draw.

Ladies 1st’s (6) vs. (2) Airedale 1st’s
Slaz ladies 1’s travelled to Titus Salt school to take on Airedale
The squad depleted by ski holidays and a rhubarb festival (yes you read it right!!) saw debuts for keeper Tunstall and Giggal, and Drake who clearly prefers to travel than stay home also made the trip.
Slaz made hard work of the first half, taking a while to settle into the game. A number of attempts on goal saw the ball travelling wide of the posts.
Despite holding the majority of the first half’s position the only goal came from brilliant set play with Field taking a long corner and firing the ball across goal for Gilbert the elder to tap home.
The second half saw Slaz settle into the game and it wasn’t long before Tyers began her goal scoring campaign.
At 2:0 down, Airedale hit back and claimed one back. But their comeback was short lived – an initial shot from Giggal saved by a diving keeper fell to the stick of Mini Minch, who casually flicked it up an over into the net. Slaz’s forth came from a typical Drake cross – powered across the goal to find Tyers for her second.
Slaz now committed to increasing their goal difference in the league table we’re caught off guard leaving Keeper Tunstall with a 2 on 1 – allowing Airedale to pull another one back. Airedale spurred on by this created more chances but Keeper Tunstall stayed strong and denied them any further goals.
At the other end – Tyers claimed her hat trick with a stunning shot into the top corner. Field not wanting to be outdone followed this with an amazing shot from the back line which also found the nets top corner.

Final score 6:2 Slaz

Ladies 1st’s (1) vs. (3) Leeds Adel 2nd’s
Sunday saw top of the table Adel come to Slaz.
The first half initially saw an evenly matched game with both sides showing some great attacking and defensive play. When the break came for Slaz, it was captain Tyrrel who picked up a stunning ball through from midfield giving her a 1 on 1 with the keeper – she was always going to come off best, and Slaz. Were in the lead.
Sadly the lead was short lived and Adel hit back with 3 quick goals.

The second half was a different story. Adel, clearly hoping to increase both their lead in the table and their goal difference pressed hard but Bates Gasgoine and Gilbert the elder 🧓 kept them at bay, allowing some great play down the wings with Gunn, Drake and the younger Gilbert sending the ball up towards the attacking D. Keeper Wilson was tested a number of times but with nothing she couldn’t handle.

Field showed determination in the tackle and continually sent the ball through to mimi Minch, Paige, and the Captain. Despite the positive play, sadly there were to be no further goals for Slaz. Full time score ( same as half time) 3:1 Adel. Special thanks for “the two umpires on the pitch” Lisa GK and Mr Bates

Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (2) Wakefield Wanderers 1st’s
Slaz played host to local Wakefield Wanderers on Saturday hoping to continue their current winning form. The game started out on an even keel with both sides having an equal share of possession and scoring opportunity and both keepers being tested. Slaz keeper Tracey Lorriman prevented Wanderers taking the lead early on with another amazing precision stick save, however the visitors managed to get on the score sheet before half time after Lorriman went to ground, Ritchey was on the line to save the first attempt only for the quick thinking Wanderers attacker to dink the rebound passed the post.

Slaz continued the game strong with some great interceptions from the defence, the midfield held strong and Wanderers struggled to break through. There were a number of brilliant through balls from midfielder Phe Seckar in to the D but unfortunately the forwards were unable to get on the end of them. There were some fantastic runs down the flanks from the the youngsters showing their pace however the Wanderers sweeper was solid and showed her experience against the youngsters, picking off a number of advances. When moving the ball around the defenders Slaz were able to penetrate the D but struggled to foil the Wanderers keeper. Slaz gained their equaliser when the Wanderers keeper initially saved a short range shot which rebounded to Tuscany who collected it skillfully on her reverse stick and lifted it over the keeper.

Slaz continued to keep the possession in their opposition’s half for much of the second half but the high forwards took advantage of a long ball through and took the lead again from a perfectly struck ball into the corner. With 8 minutes to go Slaz continued to battle to get at least a point and were awarded short corner, the first of the game for either team, but we’re unable to convert. Keeping pressure on the Wanderers defence another short was awarded to Slaz on the final whistle and everyone pushed up hoping for the equaliser they thoroughly deserved. Unfortunately the shot from the top of the D went wide and couldn’t be kept in play with the game finishing 2-1 to Wanderers.

Ladies 3rd’s (2) vs. (1) Huddersfield 1st’s
Slazenger ladies 3s made a trip to Darton to face Huddersfield 1s, with hope that they could improve on their 0-0 draw from earlier in the season. This was a crucial fixture for Slazengers in the run in to the end of the season, a win being vital if they were to keep the pressure on the other promotion contenders Sheffield Hallam 4 and Epworth at the top of the table.

The match began on a positive note with Slazengers keeping possession well and creating a number of chances on goal. It wasn’t long before they scored their first goal when Caro Scofield received a ball fed from the right, a powerful strike on goal was helped over line by Josie Hughes. With confidence building, Slazengers repeated the move down the right only minutes later, again with Josie Hughes In the right place to bag her second. Slazengers 2 – 0 up and they were breathing a sigh of relief that the pressure was easing. Huddersfield didnt sit back though, attacking on the break they ensured the Slazengers defence were kept on their toes and very much involved in the game, allowing Emma Eley to showcase her great tackles and distribution. The game quickly developed into a fiery match, with players clashing and the umpires calling for calm. The half time break was a welcome call in order for Slazengers to regain their composure.

The second half saw Huddersfield motivated to go for goals and after only 5 minutes they pulled one back when slick passing caught the defence off guard and when the ball found the stick of Huddersfield’s centre forward, she made a clean hard strike that couldn’t be stopped by defenders or keeper. Slazengers began to feel the pressure once again and both teams battled hard. The final whistle went with Slazenger’s maintaining their 2 – 1 lead and a well deserved 3 points kept them at the top of the table.

Player of the match went to Josie Hughes and special mention to Ashleigh Jones who showed her versatility in numerous positions. Slazengers fate is now in their own hands, 2 wins from their last 2 games and Slazenger’s are gauranteed promotion, Anything less and they will have to hope that luck is on their side.

Ladies 4th’s (1) vs. (2) Sheffield Hallam 4th’s
no report

Against the run of play a number of short corners were given against Slaz, but all were defended by great saves from Keeper Wilson and Wallace on the back line. At the other end Slaz created a number of chances but were unlucky not to convert.  The first short corner awarded to Slaz came mid way through the second half, after an early break saw a defender sent to the half way line Slaz took advantage and expertly put the ball in the net courtesy of Field. The University hit back soon after and managed to break through the defence and a superb shot from the byline found the top corner of the net.

Not wanting to settle for a point, Slaz continued to press. With some great build up from the back, the midfield sent the ball goal bound and after a shot saved by the keeper lead to a second, by Mvp Gilbert the elder, and was lifted towards the corner of the net – this was saved by the keepers hand.  Not one to give up, Gilbert the elder caught the ball on the volley and fired the ball home. Final score 2:1.

With a break next weekend, the ladies take on opposite ends of the table the following week. Travelling to Titus Salt School to take on Airedale on Saturday 24th and then playing host to Adel on Sunday the 25th.

Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (0) Sheffield Uni Bankers 2nd’s
Another 6 point weekend for Slaz ladies 2’s continuing their winning form and taking them to mid table safety.

Sheffield Uni Bankers were the visitors on Saturday and turned up with their usual army of players, probably expecting a repeat performance of their home leg where they beat a struggling Slaz 2nd team 4-0. However that wasn’t to be the case. Still buzzing from 5 wins in a row Slaz took to the field in high spirits oozing strength and confidence and dominated the majority of play.  There were plenty of circle penetrations in the first half from the home side, coming from great passages of play and rhubarb triangles from defence through the midfield to attack and Slaz were unlucky not to convert a couple of early chances. At the other end any chances Bankers had were thwarted by the solid Slaz defence and keeper Tracy Lorriman who made some excellent saves throughout the game.
With the half time score a stale mate Slaz knew they had to keep their heads and continue to play hard in the second half as Bankers were becoming frustrated that they couldn’t break the Slaz spirit. There were numerous short corner chances for the visitors but the Slaz backline’s awesome PC routine was no match.  Utilising opportunities to break early Slaz continued to attack through great confident passing and were rewarded with a short corner of their own which was converted by Claire Dunstan. Final score 1-0 to Slaz and another well deserved 3 points.

Ladies 2nd’s (4) vs. (3) Thirsk 2nd’s
On Sunday Slaz ladies 2s travelled to Thirsk, where Thirsk were immediately pressuring Slazengers with an early break but Slazenger’s strong defence foiled any attempts at scoring. Slazenger’s quick play proved a testament to their fitness throughout the entire first half with Claire Dunston putting 2 past the keeper before half time, though a lapse in concentration just before half time led to Thirsk getting one back after an exhilarating 1 on 1 with keeper Lorriman which ended with both players on the deck and the ball in the back of the net.  Starting 2-1 up into the second half, both teams battled tirelessly in what was a very evenly matched end to end contest for those essential 3 points. Thirsk equalised again from a penalty flick awarded against captain Ritchey who, having made an impressive mid air save on the line couldn’t do anything to stop the rebound. But yet again Slazenger’s determination prevailed, with Naomi Frith utilising the rebound from a short corner to reclaim the lead. At the other end a short corner awarded to Thirsk took an unlucky deflection from the slaz number 2 runner and brought Thirsk back level. With minutes to go Slazenger’s gave their everything in one final attack, setting up Claire Dunston for her hatrick and game winning goal. Final score 4-3, another 3 points for Slaz with player of the match going to defender Stacey Drake.

Ladies 3rd’s (0) vs. (1) Huddersfield Dragons 3rd’s
After a previous victory over Huddersfield Dragons, Slazengers were keen to uphold their reputation, unfortunately it was not to be as the final score was a 1-0 defeat over the ladies team who battled hard. With a strong start from Slazengers the game looked good, Caro Schofield, Josie Hughes and Aleks Karpinska kept the ball up high and fought hard to get it in the net. Despite their best efforts the Dragons keeper fought back and unfortunately kept the attack from scoring a goal. Slazengers continued fight and Aleks was quickly on the attack again only to be taken out by the keeper. Slazengers had plenty of chances on goal with a few short corners being given however the dragons defence kept the ball out of the goal time after time. Eventually, dragons had the ball down the pitch and managed to get it around the Slazenger defence and a small tap sent it into the goal, bringing the score to 1-0, despite best efforts from goal keeper Lizzie Tunstall who made some excellent saves throughout the game.

During the second half Slazengers upped their game to try and level the score, the attackers continued to have plenty of shots on goal but the dragons keeper was strong and made some great saves stopping the Slazenger ladies from scoring, much to their frustration. Slazengers defence fought hard in the second half to keep the ball out of the D and prevent any further goals being scored against them. The game came to end with the score still at 1-0 and Slazengers ladies 3s suffering their 2nd loss of the season. Player of the match was awarded to Emma Eley.

Ladies 3rd’s (7) vs. (2) Sheffield Uni Bankers 5th’s
Slazenger’s Ladies 3’s wanted to continue with their winning run after drawing against Sheffield Hallam 5 last time they met. It didnt take long for Slazenger’s to open the score as their ‘attacking-style’ of play gave opportunity to the first 2 goals with ease from Aleks Karpinska. Sheffield  Hallam attacked hard and moved the ball up the pitch, however this was quickly thwarted by Aleks Karpinska making a counter attack and collecting the ball just below the half way line powering it all the way up the right wing before firing it into the back board of the goal to complete her first half hattrick. Making the half time score 3-0 to Slazenger’s.

The second half saw Sheffield Hallam fight back and they were awarded a short corner after an amazing save by Captain Lizzie Tunstall the rebound shot managed to be lifted over the line. But not to be undone, Slazenger’s responded instantly as Natasha Wiper lift a high ball into the Sheffield ‘D’ to be beautifully controlled by Caro Schofield, who completed with perfect composure aiming the ball past the goalkeeper to net her first of the game. Excellant link-up play from midfield players -Lauren Fealy, Justine Birkett, Emily Entwistle, Natasha Wiper with Cherry Bedford supporting gave way to another goal for  Caro Schofield. Sheffield Hallam came back fighting and managed to slip one past the Slazenger’s defence and keeper.  This didn’t deter the Slazenger’s attack who quickly moved the ball back up the pitch allowing Aleks to gain one more. Sheffield went on the attack but the powerhouse of defenders lead by Sarah Hobbs, Jess Downing, Emma Eley and Lizzie Tunstall in goal battled their lines galantly to enable Aleks a further goal earning her a very well deserved ‘Player of The Match’. Final score Slazenger’s 7 – 2 Sheffield Hallam. Aleks – 5 goals, Caro – 2 goals

Ladies 4th’s (13) vs. (0) Leeds University 8th’s
The ladies 4th Team travelled to Weetwood this weekend to face the University of Leeds 8th Team. With what can only be described as goal chaos, the final score remains an issue for debate and has left captain Julie Bailey wondering how 3rd Team captain Lizzie Tunstall managed to write such a splendid match report last week when they hit similar numbers. Slazengers were on the attack immediately but took some time to find the net for the first time. Mia Davis finally broke the stalemate, spurring the team on, quickly followed by Linda Stacey and by half time, Slazengers left the pitch 5:0 up.

The second half started with an immediate goal from the pushback and from there on in, the University side struggled to get anything through the Slazenger ladies and the goals just kept coming with Ashliegh Jones, Mia Davis and Maisie Davis taking control up front and working hard to confuse the opponents defence. Mid field player Lyn Wood also managed to find the net.

Sara Chilton, Jo Pitchforth, Emily Craven and Nicole Hirst in defence kept keeper Lauren Hattersley company and supported her first clean sheet for the 4th Team. The problem came at the end of the game, Slazengers recording 5 goals for Maisie Davis, 4 for Mia Davis, 4 for Ashleigh Jones and Linda Stacey and Lyn Wood one each. A total of 15! Unfortunately the umpires only noted 13. Final score agreed 13:0. Players award was shared with the super 3 up front – Maisie Davis, Mia Davis and Ashleigh Jones.