In what was always going to be a challenge Wakefield began brightly, pressing the visitors to play in their own half. However, against the run of play it was Slazenger who took the lead with a shot that took an unfortunate deflection off a Wakefield foot. With the title at stake Wakefield continued to attack after the restart with Kellie Ogilvie and Rachael Spraggs taking advantage of the space out wide.
Slazenger’s threatened through the middle but central defender Claire Hewitt was on hand to thwart the efforts of the visiting captain, reinforced by the calm play of sweeper Charlotte Rooke. As the half progressed the temperature of the game began to rise and Wakefield were faced to defend a series of penalty corners.
But with Slazenger unable to capitalize the home side took strength from this and on the break found Julia Butterworth wide right of the D, who struck the ball firmly across the face of goal where Spraggs skilfully deflected the ball past the keeper for the equalizer just before half time.
The Grovers made a determined start to the second half, with Pip Trevorrow having returned from injury masterfully restricting the play of the Slazenger central midfielder. Again Helen Holmes and Helen Butterworth worked hard in defence and ten minutes in, Wakefield got what they were looking for as Ogilvie slotted the ball over the line after a well-worked penalty corner instigated by Rooke.
A one goal lead was not enough though and Wakefield were pleased to see talented U16 North of England player Lindsay Molyneux deflect the ball into the roof of the net from a free hit outside of the D taken by player of the match and captain Claire Wharrier. Although, extending the lead to two, the final 10 minutes of the game were some what erratic and the nerves were really put to the test when Slazengers broke for the second time and put the ball past Sarah Wood in goal.
Despite having to again defend a series of penalty corners in the dying minutes of the game, Wakefield hung on and celebrated as the final whistle blew. The champions travel to Skipton on Saturday where they will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run for the season.
