Hi, The season is now coming to a close, with everyone having only a few games left to play. But that means time for the End of Season Celebrations! Senior and Junior details are below….

Newsletter No 6 – March 2012

Senior Awards Dinner

As you hopefully know by now – the Senior Awards Dinner is booked for Saturday 12th May 2012. It’s in a new venue this year – the Holiday Inn, just off the M1 at Junction 40 (Ossett). As usual tickets are only available in advance. Adults £25, Students/U18’s £20 which includes meal (There will also be 20% off bar prices). They are available from Mat, Hayles, or behind the bar in the clubhouse. It is open to anyone who has played senior hockey this year.

For those wanting to stay over, we have a discount rate of £55 for a double room, £45 for a single.

With some teams having few/one home game left, please try and get your tickets this weekend, or Mat will be calling you (and nobody wants that!).

Junior Presentation, BBQ & Parents v Kids

To end the junior calender, there will be the usual end of season shenanigans!

The junior presentation day will be held on Sunday 20th May, starting with the Parents vs. Kids tournament from 10am-noon, with BBQ and presentation afterwards. All juniors, parents, coaches, etc are all welcome to attend.

Tickets are £2.50 for kids and £5.00 for parents (includes BBQ). They will be available at Sunday training, or alternatively some will be behind the bar in the clubhouse to pick up at other times.

Tickets need to be bought before the event so numbers are known for catering

Other News

The Last Hurrah!

On April the 29th, there is an extra special event; a clash of the titans! For one game only, the Slazenger Men’s “old boys” 1st team (from 1985 ish) will be taking on an “old boys” team from Adel Hockey Club (now part of L.A.Carnegie).

Chances are this is the last time the team will play together so all spectators are welcome! Push back is 3pm

U14 Play Offs

The Slaz boys U14’s finished 2nd in the league, so qualify for the Yorkshire Play Offs, to decide the best team in the region (obviously us!). The games will be held on Sunday 29th April from 2pm – 6:30pm at Halifax Hockey Club and the team is looking for plenty of vocal support to help them bring back the silverware.

Mixed Captain

This year, the Yorkshire Mixed Hockey League has been dropped in favour of some ad-hoc mixed tournaments. However, in anticipation of a more regular schedule, the club is looking for a senior mixed captain. If you are interested, please speak to a committee member – voting will be held at the AGM.

Important Junior Information

Last Junior Monday Night Training: 26th March 2012, Last Junior Sunday Training: 1st April 2012.

Please ensure you (junior players) have submitted all votes for this season’s presentation awards ASAP.

Club Committee Meeting

Another date for your diary is the next committee meeting, to be held on Tuesday 3rd March at 7.30pm in the clubhouse. All are welcome to attend.

Summer League

Nez (2nd team captain) will be entering a summer league team to the yearly competition at Wakefield Hockey Club. The team is open to any Ladies 2nd and 3rd players, and anyone interested should speak to Nez. The games are held at Wakefield Hockey Club, on a Thursday night.

Photos

Ian will shortly be putting together this years photobook/ yearbook. For those who don’t know – we use a print-on-demand company to print and deliver the books straight from the web. There is a copy of the books (2010-11 season & summer solstice) in the clubhouse back room.

If you have any photographs which you have taken from the past year, and want to submit them (or just get them online), then drop them in an email Clubhouse@slazengerhc.co.uk. If you have a lot of images, then speak to Ian Hedges to organise a more painless way to send them.

This year there will hopefully be an option to download it as an ebook for IPads/ IPhones from ITunes. There will also be a bulk order at some point after its finished (last year it saved 10-20% off the book price). For anyone who didn’t see it, last years book can be viewed here:

Sports Club Info…

Slazenger Sports Club is currently in the process of renewing the trust deeds, which is the start of some changes over the next year.

As part of the trust, there are places for appointed members from the local community. If you know of any people interested in helping build links between the sport club, local council, schools, etc then drop an email through to info@slazengersportsclub.co.uk.

Tennis season will be starting soon, and details on court renting will be coming soon along with discounts for club members (inc. hockey club members) and juniors.

March in Review

Results Roundup

The season is now growing to a close, with few games left for every team. Three of our teams are still in the running for promotion, though it is all close at the top, so final positions will only be confirmed next month.

The mens firsts have racked up some impressive results, with 4 consecutive wins lifting the team to a secure 2nd place. However, a loss to top tier and promotion competitor Old Malton will put promotion hopes in the hands of the chasing teams. The seconds have secured a strong mid table position; after a run of tough fixtures, 2 back-to-back wins secured a safe mid-league position. The thirds have promotion in their sights. With 3 games left, the fight for 2nd (promotion) place is close and may only be decided by the final game! The fourth’s (development) have finished their fixtures. A series of stong performances in the last month has secured them a strong 3rd place finish.

The ladies firsts had a mixed month; 2 draws, 2 losses and 1 win over high flying Durham University 3rd’s. These results have strengthened their mid-table position on their first season in the north. The ladies seconds still sit in a strong 3rd place, though with a couple of results going against them, promotion may now be tougher. The thirds have booked another season in division 6 next season having already secured a mid-table position. A series of encounters towards the end of the season have proven tough, though the team have battled through to achieve a strong position with games still remaining.

The juniors have continued to have some great results; the boys U10’s finished the season on a high with promotion back to pitch B including 3-0 demolitions of both local rivals – Wakefield and Huddersfield Dragons! Boys U12’s have had similar success, also achieving promotion to pitch B with some very promising results. This success was also reflected with the Boys U14’s reaching the play-offs after finishing second place in the league.

On the girls side, a series of cancelled games have hampered playing. However, the Girls under 10’s have finished 2nd in the league with some impressive results. The Girls U16’s had a tough last tournament, unfortunately their efforts were not enough to secure a play-off position.

Reports Roundup

Mens 1st’s vs Chapeltown 2nd’s (win), Ben Rhydding 3rd’s (win),Thirsk 1st’s (win), Leeds 3rd’s (draw), Old Malton 1st’s (loss).

Mens 2nd’s vs Lincoln Roses 4th’s (draw), Doncaster 5th’s , Leeds 5th’s (win).

Mens 3rd’s vs Hull Uni 3rd’s (win), Garforth 1st’s (loss), Leeds 7th’s (win), Chapeltown 4th’s (win).

Mens 4th’s vs Rotherham 5th’s (win), Airedale 3rd’s (win), Airedale 3rd’s (win), Rotherham 5th’s (loss).

Ladies 1st’s vs Newcastle 1st’s (draw), Driffield 1st’s (draw), Durham Uni 3rd’s (win).

Ladies 2nd’s vs Harrogate 5th’s (win), Horsforth 1st’s (draw), Bingley Bees 2nd’s (win).

Ladies 3rd’s vs Pickering 1st’s (loss), City of York 4th’s (loss).

Juniors: Boys U14’s (04-03-2012), Boys U10’s (12-03-2012), Boys U12’s (18-03-2012), Girls U10’s (18-03-2012).

Finally…

If you have any comment, criticism, or stuff which needs getting online, let us know at Clubhouse@slazengerhc.co.uk.

If you have any video, old images, match reports or anything else, let us know using the above address.

Hi, HAPPY NEW YEAR! – Tis a little late, but January seemed way too early to put in another newsletter. This month’s is jam packed full of stuff. So without further ado….

Newsletter No 4 – February 2012

Summer Solstice 2012

The return of the Solstice Tournament last year, after 10 years away was a great success; over a dozen teams from all over the country competed for the Stonehenge trophies with the men’s league being won by Bexley Heath (London) and the Ladies by Slaz.

The event raised the profile of the club nationally and made a significant contribution to the Astro replacement fund. So we’re doing it again! (Photos of last years tour can be found here).

As per last year, Slaz will only be entering one men’s and one ladies team – chosen by the first team captains.

However this is a club event, so if you’re not playing, please do still get involved; come down and support the teams and enjoy the weekend; especially Saturday night. If it is anything like last year, it will be unforgettable, especially with the return of the Big Day band!

Finally, if you are interested in helping out with the organisation or on the day, then see Mat Birkett, or drop him an email

End of Season Awards Dinner

To follow what currently looks like a great season with both the Ladies 2’s and Men’s 1’s in promotion places, the End of Season Awards Dinner location and date has been finalised.

The evening will be held on Saturday the 12th of May and will this year be held at the Holiday Inn on the junction of Queens Drive and Wakefield Rd, Ossett (Nr the M1 J40).

As usual tickets in advance only please, Adults £25, Students/U18’s £20, available from Mat, Hayles, or behind the bar.

This is open to any senior section player, not just Over 18’s!

Club Stuff

Fixtures

The matches cancelled due to snow and ice have mostly been rearranged. All updates to fixtures have been updated on the website, either the club calendar, or the individual team pages.

Committee Meeting

Another date for your diary is the next committee meeting, to be held on Tuesday 6th March at 7.30pm in the clubhouse. All are welcome to attend.

Photos

Courtesy of Bob France, there are a load of old photos currently being sorted, ready for uploading (old team photos and newspaper clippings). If you have any old images laying around, either you can scan and email them to Clubhouse@slazengerhc.co.uk, or see Ian Hedges to get them scanned.

YouTube

Our YouTube account is back up and running, and has been slowly growing in content, so is worth checking out. All being well the video gallery page on the website will get an update soon, but until then, stuff can still be seen on our YouTube page.

Important Sports Club Info…

All being well, you will be aware that as a member of Slazenger Hockey Club, you are also a member of Slazenger Sports and Social Club.

Slazenger Sports and Social Club is made up of the four permanent sports sections; Slazenger Hockey club, Slazenger Bowls Club, Horbury Town Football Club, Wakefield Archers, plus social members. The sports club runs the facilities and as part of this, you have certain benefits (such as being able to use the tennis courts at discount rates). In the coming months, there will be some major changes with the social club. The club will be changing its name (though no effect to the hockey clubs’ name) and will be making more of an effort to keep everyone informed of what is going on.

The clubs website is www.slazengersportsclub.co.uk, and will hopefully develop to keep you better informed of the goings on around you.

The club committee (made up of section reps) is going through a process of planning the future development of the club (including the astro replacement). If you have any ideas or thoughts on improvement or whether you can help, you can email through to info@slazengersportsclub.co.uk.

British Heart Foundation

You may have noticed the collection bin on the car park for British Heart Foundation. If you’re going through spring cleaning and have any old DVD’s, music or books you wish to get rid of, please think about using the bin.

October in Review

Results Roundup

With the snow and ice earlier this month, there has been less than the usual amount of games played. The mens 1st’s continue to fly high in Div 2, with some big wins keeping them in second place, though with chasing teams having games in hand. Men’s 2nd’s continue to have mixed success, after some tough games to start the year. The men’s 3’s have had some success between cancelled games, with some decisive wins still keeping them in the promotion hunt. Success for the development team continues to keep them high in the league.

In the Ladies section, there has also been mixed success. The Ladies 1sts sit mid table in North Div 2 (East), celebrating after 2 wins on the bounce, only to then lose against Rotherham. Ladies 2nds have returned to the 2nd spot in the league with some strong performances especially the 3-0 win over Leeds and 5-0 victory over Driffield. The Ladies 3rd’s have continued a good run of form, contesting well with some of the stronger league oppositions.

The Junior calendar has been the most effected by bad weather, with only a couple of tournaments being played. The boys U10’s continue to impress, though may have met their match this season. With the young team coming up against opposition at the top of their age group, the team were only able to manage draws.

Bys U12’s also had some mixed success, though securing their position on Pitch C – to which they had been promoted the tournament before.

Reports Roundup

Mens 1sts vs Ramgarhia 1st’s (win), Wakefield 3rd’s (win), Normanby Park 1st’s (loss), Lincoln Roses 2nd’s (win).

Mens 2nds vs. Barnsley 1st’s (loss), Leeds University 6th’s(loss).

Mens 3rds vs. Lincoln 3rd’s (win), Rotherham 4th’s (win), Brigg 4th’s (draw).

Mens 4ths vs. Airedale 3rd’s (win).

Ladies 1sts vs. Don Valley 1st’s (win), Alnwick 1st’s (win), Rotherham 1st’s (loss).

Ladies 2nds vs. Leeds 3rd’s (win), Driffield 3rd’s (win).

Ladies 3rds vs. Otliensians 2nd’s (win), Lincoln University 1st’s (loss).

Juniors: Boys U10’s Tournament (22-01-2012), Boys U12’s Tournament (08-01-2012), No junior girls match reports.

Finally…

If you have any comment, criticism, or stuff which needs getting online, let us know at Clubhouse@slazengerhc.co.uk.

If you have any video, old images, match reports or anything else, let us know using the above address.

Although it has been snowed off for the previous couple of years, the regular Christmas 7’s is on this year!. Arrive by 12 noon, teams will be picked and hockey will be played through to about 4pm. Afterwards, players can retire to the clubhouse for food, drinks and pre-Christmas socialising.

Its a chance to have a bit of fun, play some social hockey against people you wouldn’t normally meet on the pitch, and relax a bit before Christmas. Tickets are only £5, but fF you don’t have a ticket yet, just turn up and pay on the day!

If you are looking for something to do on Boxing day, why not join us at the Club. If you want to play, speak to a team captain, otherwise if you are still weighed down by turkey, why not come and watch and celebrate in the clubhouse afterwards!

Training

Juniors

First dates back for junior training is Sunday 8th January 2012, advanced junior training starts on Monday 9th January 2012

Seniors

Training is on this week for senior players at normal times. Ladies 1st’s are welcome to join the 2nd’s and 3rd’s on Thursday night (7:30pm-8:45pm as usual).

Training starts back on Thursday 5th January 2012

Summer Solstice 7’s 2012

After the success of last year, Slazenger will be hosting the summer solstice 7’s hockey tournament again this year. Slazenger ran the 7s tournament last year for the first time in 10 years, with great success. 14 teams (8 mens, 6 ladies) from across the country competed for the champions trophy, with some great competitive hockey and serious socialising! This year will be bigger and better. If anyone is interested in helping organise the event, they are welcome to attend the first meeting on Tuesday 3rd January 2012 at 7:30pm. More information will follow in the new year.

Brigg Hockey Tournament

Next summer Brigg Hockey Club are looking at running a mixed 11 a side summer hockey tournament/festival over 1st -3rd June. If you are interested in competing/ organising a team, drop us an email. Teams arrive Friday night, compete Saturday and Sunday, leave Sunday afternoon. Grass and astro pitches, camping and evening entertainment on one site. £20 per person.

Team Photos

The first two weekends back will see all Slaz senior teams playing at home. Perfect opportunity to get team photos done. Just a warning…

Slazenger Kit

Details on club colours and team kit can be find all on here

November in Review: The Halfway Point

Mens Section

At halfway through the season, the leagues are starting to settle down, with some strong results for Slazenger so far. In the Mens section, the 1st team have moved into a promotion slot in second place. However, some tough encounters and a game ahead of the competition will keep things close at the top. The seconds move into a strong 5th position in a competitive Division 5 (South). With only 7 points seperating the top 6 teams, it is going to be a close affair in the new year. The Mens 3rds are also in 5th position. With a game in hand over teams above, and an encounter with 3 of the teams above in January, it may be the make or break month for the team. The Mens development team are also putting in a strong performance, sitting 3rd at the moment, with some big wins under the belt.

Ladies Section

In the Ladies section, Ladies 1sts sit in 7th position, in their first season in the North Hockey League’s Division 2 (East). Some strong wins against established players in this league have been matched by some heavy reversals. The 2nds have had mixed fortunes after an initial undefeated run, which has knocked them off of top spot. However, some big wins keep them in 4th place, within striking distance of promotion. The 3rds have also had success, including a 6-0 victory over Doncaster, but some decisive losses keep them in 3rd place, and 7 points short of a promotion slot.

Junior Section

The Juniors have seen some big wins in all age groups. The Boys U10’s continue to impress, despite being a very young team. After securing promotion to Pitch B in the first tournament, they now sit mid table. An impressive result from the Boys U12’s has also ensured promotion, with 3 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw from their first tournament. Similarly, the Boys U14’s have also recorded some fantastic performances, winning 5 of their first 6 matches. The team go into the new year in 4th place (out of 16). The Boys U16’s unfortunately have struggled in their opening matches, however with strong team performances and the divisional structure in place from January, the team should be more competitive.

On the girls side of things, the joint Slazenger Selby U12 outfit sits comfortably mid table after some mixed results. The Girls U14’s have suffered a series of losses, and a missed tournament means that they sit close to the bottom of their league. However, team performances have been strong even though they have not played much as a team. Stand out performances go to the girls U16’s who, after a slow start to the season finished this year with a perfect tournament. 5 wins from 5 and 5 clean sheets.

Match Report Catchup

Mens 1st’s vs L.A.Carnegie (win), Leeds 3rd’s (win), Thirsk 1st’s (win), Brigg (win), Ben Rhydding 2nd’s (win)

Mens 2nd’s vs Doncaster 5th’s (win), L.A.Carnegie 5th’s (win), Lincoln Roses 4th’s (win).

Mens 3rd’s vs Brigg 4th’s (draw), Sheffield Uni Bankers (win), Hull Uni 3rd’s (loss)

Mens 4th’s vs Rotherham 5th’s (draw), City of York 10’s (win), Doncaster 7th’s (draw), Huddersfield 7th’s (win).

Ladies 1st’s vs Rotherham 1st’s (loss), Driffield 1st’s (loss), Roseberry 1st’s (loss), Durham University 3rd’s (loss).

Ladies 2nd’s vs Huddersfield (win), Bingley Bees (win), Doncaster Independent 1st’s (loss), Cleckheaton 1st’s (loss).

Ladies 3rd’s vs. York University 2nd’s (win), Colne Valley 3rd’s (win).

Juniors: U10 Boys 13-11-2011, U10 Girls Mini Tournament 20-11-2011, Boys U12’s 04-12-2011, Boys U14’s 04-12-2011, Girls U16’s 04-12-2011

Hopefully this should cover all the information people are looking for on ordering kit. Details are maintained online at www.slazengerhc/about/kit.

Club Colours

Players should ensure that they have have the correct coloured kit as detailed below:

Buying from the Club

Club shirts are supplied through captains.

For shorts/skorts and socks, the club sells kit at cost prices. Shorts and skorts have the club logo embroidered. Socks are high quality in club colours (plain white for ladies section, green with white hoops for juniors and mens)

For on the sideline/ training, the club also sells thick, high quality hoodies – they’re very warm! These are navy blue, embroidered with the club crest, along with player initials on the front.

Approx. size range and prices are below. Full details and exact sizes are all on the order form.

TO ORDER: Just fill in the PDF order form from this link and submit, complete with the correct money (cheques can be made out to “Slazenger Hockey Club”), to Steve Wood for senior orders, or Gill Wood for junior orders.

Christmas Deadline

Kit is for sale year round, but please be sure to order before the 4th December if you wish to recieve it before Christmas!

Stay Up To Date!

This information was delivered to everyone on the club mailing list earlier this week. If you did not recieve it, you are not on the mailing list! To get added, simply fill in the two boxes on the right hand side under the “Subscribe to Newsletter” title, and hit the subscribe button! Simples 🙂