Slazenger men’s 1, returned to winning ways with a well deserved 7-4 victory away at Harrogate in a game that was a mix between great hockey and heavy challenges.
As usual, Slazengers found themselves a goal down early on but refused to let their heads go down and fired back quickly through Richard Hutchins with James Swinden giving them the lead shortly afterwards. Harrogate hit back but Hutchins’ second ensured Slazengers had the lead at the break.
The second half saw Slazengers reduced to 10 men on two occasions, the first saw Matt Birkett receive a harsh yellow for nothing more than an attempted challenge, the second Yellow was Jonny White with what can only be described as a blatant body check. Slazengers fought back well though and scored whilst short handed on both occasions.
James Swinden with his second, an excellent individual effort and Rich Whawell converting a well worked short corner routine. Harrogate fought well throughout and managed to pull a couple back but a Mark Swinden’s penalty flick and Rich Hutchins’ third made the game safe.
James Swinden took the man of the match award with Mark Swinden close by with some excellent distribution from his own defensive line.
