Slazenger Mens 3rd’s took to the field Saturday, successfully securing the 3rd win of the day for Slazenger Hockey Club.
It was a closely contested game, which started at a brisk pace. Slaz started confidently, but found a tough opposition blocking their way through. After the first few minutes, the team settled into the game, and started to operate better together, beginning to find gaps in the opposition’s defence. Nornamby Park were strong on their attack, and several times went close, breaking through the midfield, and passing swiftly outwit the defence. A combined effort from Paul Johnson and Nick Slack denied a shot on goal, keeping Slaz from conceding early.
Unfortunately, even with the great defending it was Normamby Park who took the lead, seamlessly slotting the ball past the keeper. Slaz redoubled their efforts, and within minutes they went close again, with a great series of passes from Issac Fisher and James Bennett carving through the oppositions midfield. With this level of pressure, it wasnt long until Slaz equalised, with winger Alan Perry slotting the ball into the bottom right corner, out of the reach of the keeper.
The second half started with much urgency on Slazenger’s part. They had had the momentum going into half time and wanted to maintain the initiative. A fast break from Jack Mumford and Ste Roberts caught Normanby Park offguard, carving up the midfield. Ste took the ball in and passed it across the ‘D’ to Jack; allowing him to fire the ball home.
Slaz maintained the pressure, and was unfortunate not to secure further goals from several opportunities. At the other end, it was another impressive appearance from Giles “Fodder” Fields. In only his fourth game he wowed the crowd with several spectacular saves, including headbutting the ball clear on one occasion. When the final whistle blew, Slaz retained the lead and secured the 3 points.
Next week Slaz play Hull away.
By Ian Hedges
From match played at Slazenger Hockey club Saturday 29th January 2011
