Slazenger Mens 1st XI kicked off their league campaign with a convincing 6-1 victory over local rivals Wakefield Mens 3rd’s. The first half was relatively even and although Slazengers controlled most of the possession, they found the Wakefield defence difficult to brake down. It was left to an individual piece of skill by Richard Tuddenham, turning the defence at the top of the ‘D’ and slamming home a fierce strike, to brake the deadlock.
Slazengers doubled their lead through Jack Kitchen although the Wakefield defence felt they should have had a free hit in the build up. Wakefield got back into the game before half time with a well worked short corner routine.
Slazengers dominance began to show in the second half with with a number of chances being created. Tuddenham grabbed his second and completed his hat-trick soon after with a couple of excellent strikes. When Wakefield managed to break, their attacks were repelled by a well drilled Slazengers defence and Tuddenham soon grabbed his fourth with a now trademark vicious strike from the edge of the circle.
Ben Graham completed the scoring with Tuddenham like first time strike off a short corner and although Tuddenham grabbed the headlines, Mark Swindon took the man of the match award for his excellent control of the midfield. Slazengers will look to continue their good start next week away at Brigg.
