Slazenger U10 Boys A The team came away undefeated from the second Yorkshire Youth Hockey tournament of the season, held at Outwood Grange School on Sunday 22nd October. Sam Dransfield was dominant in his central Midfield role for all five of our games. He made good use of both Harry Lumb and Jordan Pickles who were playing wide off him, whilst Sam’s brother Ben gave a good contribution in an attacking role. However it was Isaac Fisher the team had to thank for finding the back of our opponents nets on six occasions, the only other Slazenger goal of the day came off the stick of Harry Lumb. Full back Ralph Toon thwarted attempts on our goal in all but one of Slazenger’s games, this being the “derby” match against our local rivals Wakefield. In this game Slaz found themselves 2-0 down within the first few minutes but battled back determinedly to force a 2-2 draw. Results for all games: Doncaster 0-0 draw, Bradford B 2-0 win, Slazenger B 0-0 draw, Wakefield 2-2 draw, Chapeltown B 3-0 win.
Most of the Slazenger U10 Boys B team only started playing hockey within the last six weeks and can therefore be proud of the very respectable account they gave. Both Tim Wrigglesworth and Joe Shaw’s confidence whilst on the ball visibly improved during the tournament.
Scott Liversedge playing on the left side of midfield found space well, whilst Connor Woodard was solid at the back. Aiden Hopkinson showed what a little experience will do for the other boys games with some very skilful touches as well as lots of energetic runs from midfield. The team started the day strong holding Wakefield to a 0 draw, then did better still in their second game by beating Doncaster 1-0 with a goal from Tim Wrigglesworth.
They defended very well in the game against the more experienced Slazenger A team to achieve a 0-0 draw. Bradford B played the game against our B team with of a couple of their strongest A team players in the mix, this advantage showed in the amount of possession they had. Although the defeat may have been inevitable, the score line of 4-1 was a tribute to Slazenger’s new boys, the consolation goal being Tim Wrigglesworth’s second of the day. Slaz can count themselves unlucky to lose the last game of the day to Chapeltown’s B team after a single solo breakaway goal against the flow of play.
Report by Alan Perry
