Mens 1st’s (5) vs. (5) Normanby Park 1st’s
Slazenger hosted Normanby Park 1st’s for their last game of the season at Addingford. The game had a subdued mood to it as we learned that this would be the last game Normanby Park would ever play; diminishing numbers saw to it after decades being a regular fixture for many Slazenger teams.
However, the visitors were not going to go down without a fight. With several players missing at Twickenham the team welcomed several guests stepping up from the 2nd’s with Isaac Fisher taking the Captaincy for his final game before leaving for uni.
It was Normanby Park who scored first; a well worked goal catching Slaz off guard. Slaz worked their way back into the game, carving out a 3-1 lead all scored by Danny Perry. The game was very open, with control of the pitch passing back and forth; the visitors physical in possession of the ball. Eventually this told, with a pair of goals bringing the scores equal.
Slaz continued to work hard; a short corner from Phil Midgley and a spectacular 5 man routine put slaz within grasp of the win. However, it wasnt to be; with 5 minutes remaining the home team lapsed and Normanby park equalised, ending 5-5.
Mens 2nd’s (4) vs. (0) Sheffield Uni Bankers 6th’s
Slazengers Mens 2nd’s team entered the final game of the season knowing they had avoided relegation the previous week and were therefore determined to enjoy the final game. Unfortunately a number of players being unavailable meant that Slazengers travelled with 6 players from lower teams to make up the numbers. What could have being a difficult final game turned out to be Slazengers stand out performance of the season with them running out comfortable 4-0 winners. All the goals came from the so called ‘weaker’ front line of Darren Buttery with 2 and Asad Baig and Chris Gascoigne getting 1 each. Slazengers players worked hard throughout and defended from the front with everyone refusing to allow Bankers time to settle and it was this pressure which created the first goal. The bankers keeper made the initial save but the ball came to Chris Gascoigne who calmly finished to give Slazengers a 1-0 lead at the break. Bankers would have been disappointed to not get on the score sheet but when they threatened, some excellent keeping from Tom Murray kept them out.
Slazengers started the 2nd half well and doubled their lead through Darren Buttery shortly after the re-start. Bankers applied the pressure but excellent defensive work meant they rarely threatened the Slazenger goal with Murray having little to do in the 2nd half. In comparison, the Bankers keeper was being tested at regular intervals with Buttery soon getting his 2nd and Asad Baig adding a good individual goal to complete the scoring. After a difficult season, Slazengers ended on a high with Matt Feather taking the man of the match award.
Mens 4th’s (0) vs. (5) Hull Uni 4th’s
Slazengers 4s looked to come out with a win in their last home game of the season against promotion chasers Hull. Slazengers had a poor first half after conceding 4 before the break to trail at half time.
The second half was much brighter as the home team dominated play and showed some flair in attack. Although they threatened the Hull goal, the youthful front line were unable to break through a far more experienced Hull defence. Unfortunately Hull scored a breakaway goal against the run of play, putting the game to bed. Slaz finish their season next week at local rivals Wakefield at 10.30.
Ladies 3rd’s (4) vs. (1) Brigg 2nd’s
The final match of the season saw victory for Slazengers 3’s. This was a competitive game from the start and both teams had their share of possession although initially the Brigg midfield seemed to overrun Slazengers. Thanks to good running by defensive centre mid Beth Prince, great defending by the back four and some excellent saves by player of the match Gemma Wilson, half time came and it was deadlock with no goals.
After a tough team talk Slazengers then regained control of the game. With midfield and forwards linking well Slazengers were 2-0 up within the first few minutes of the second half. This was after two potent attacks down the right. The first goal was pulled back into the path of forward Louise Beever who finished it off with style and the second was taken by the 3rds top goal scorer Caro Schofield who once again demonstrated her excellent stick skills.
Brigg responded well and managed to pull a goal back and keep themselves in the game. Slaz were awarded a penalty corner, which forward Karen Woodhead dispatched with consummate ease with a 1st time strike, this took the score to 3-1.
The final goal was played into the d and Schofields first shot was saved, however she pounced on the rebound and cracked it into back of net, finishing any chances for the opposition and making the final score 4-1.
The 3’s finished the season in 6th place, mid table and were delighted with their seasons performance and with the quick progression and advancement of their younger players. They would like to thank coach Geoff Birkett.
