On a back to back weekend, Slazenger played some of the finest hockey this season, with the same eleven on duty for both days. Slaz’ set out against top of the league Norton with a new found strength displayed by all the players working as a team for 70 minutes, with Mike Shaw scoring the only goal of the match from a sweet strike in the first half.

Play was strong from both sides, but it was Slazenger’s that came through due to the relentless hard work from every player.

Man of the match went to Richard Hutchins for his solo work up front, although unable to defeat the keeper, he made mincemeat of the Norton defence and so always keeping them on the back foot inside their 25.

Slazenger were unable to maintain their recent winning form in the North League Division 2 East with this disappointing defeat at Norton.

Uncharacteristically, Slazenger allowed the home side to dominate the pattern of play in the first half as they struggled to get their own passing game going. It was no surprise then when the side from the North East took the lead being quickest to react to a rebound from a penalty corner.

Slazenger briefly rallied and James Swinden finished off a fine individual run with a slow looping shot from the edge of the circle, which somehow managed to bypass the goalkeeper and two defenders. However, this was a brief respite for the Horbury side that soon found themselves behind once again as Norton profited from a scramble in the circle.

Slazenger pushed further forward in the second half but too many individuals failed to produce the high standards they set earlier in the season. Only the experienced Ivan Wood rose about this mediocrity as he made a series of crucial interceptions to keep Norton at bay. However, even he was powerless to prevent Norton from adding a third from a well-worked penalty corner routine. Slazenger showed an increased sense of urgency after this and did hit back when Mike Shaw applied the finish to one of their few decent passing moves. Slazenger piled on the pressure in the last 5 minutes but were unable to find an equaliser.

Despite this loss, Slazenger remain second in the league as their rivals also faltered. They aim to get their season back on track with a home game against Stockton on Saturday. They are also in action in the HA Trophy on Sunday away at LA Metros commencing 2.00pm.

Slazenger picked up a point in this bruising North League East Division encounter against table topping Norton

For the first time this season, Slazenger were able to pick an unchanged team, but found themselves under early pressure. Former England schoolboy, Phil Hardy, pulled the strings for the visitors who deservedly took the lead and doubled their tally soon after.

Mike Thornicroft pulled one back when his flick from a penalty corner dribbled past the goalkeeper.

Gilston then got his customary goal when he reacted quickest to a goalmouth scramble.

The momentum seemed to be going Slazenger’s way, but poor defending allowed Norton to score before half time.

Slazenger played their best hockey at the start of the second half and the pressure told as James Swindon converted a penalty with a powerful strike.

Norton who thought they would easily win, began to lose their discipline and at one stage were reduced to nine men.

Slazenger capitalised when a penalty corner was stopped illegally. Thornicroft coolly converted the penalty flick. Norton were fortunate to equalise when a penalty that was going wide was deflected by Adrian Buckley into his own net.

But try as they might, Slazenger could not find the winner. Slazenger’s final league game before Christmas is away at York 2pm start at Huntingdon School.

A Mark Butel double helped Slazenger to a comfortable 4-1 win over Norton that condemned their visitors to relegation.

Slazenger dominated from the start but couldn’t convert their numerous chances as both Butel and Kev Windler went close in the opening stages.

Eventually James Swinden broke the deadlock, deflecting a Simon Chamberlain shot into the net following fine work by midfield pairing Nick Webb and Dave Kaye.

They doubled their lead when Paul Wiper arrived at the back post to sweep his shot home.

The hosts were then reduced to ten men before the break but held on comfortably and in the second half confirmed their superiority.

Man of the match Butel grabbed the first of his brace and he completed his side’s scoring following converted Slazenger pressure.

Norton scored a late consolation but it wasn’t enough to keep them in North East Division 2.

On Saturday, Slazenger travel to Gateshead with their Division 2 status safe.

Slazenger surrendered a two goal lead and were left hanging on for a point in this North East Division 2 contest.

They started brightly against the home side and it was Richard Whawell who finished off a Keith Whittle cross to open the scoring. Before the break, Whittle himself was on the score sheet to put Slazenger two goals up.

The second half saw continued pressure from the visitors but they were caught on the break by Norton who halved the Slazenger lead.

The hosts managed an equaliser with ten minutes to go. Despite goalkeeper Hellam’s best efforts, he couldn’t keep out a Norton flick and the game was tied.

Simon Chamberlain was Slazenger’s man of the match.