Boys U12’s Tournament
A shortage of firepower proved the difference for Slazengers boys as they were unable to retain their place in the top division of the Yorkshire Youth Hockey League under-12s competition. Slaz were below their best but were in contention in all four of their round-robin games without managing to win any of them.
They lost the opener 1-0 to Harrogate, with Alex Stacey and Luke Minchella shooting just wide in the search for an equaliser.
Leeds then took the lead and although Stacey did find a leveller this time after a strong run, their opponents claimed a winner after not being brought back to retake a midfield free hit that had been started with a moving ball.
Next up, a poor clearance allowed Sheffield to go ahead early but constant Slaz pressure was rewarded as Stacey’s run and nudge past the keeper made the final score 1-1.
Ben Rhydding provided the final opposition and although they quickly took a two-goal lead, Slaz then dominated for a spell and looked poised to earn at least a point after Stacey again found the net. But it was not to be as Ben Rhydding broke to kill the game off against the run of play to finish 3-1 up.
Keeper Aidan Coughtrey made some good saves throughout the tournament, while Frazer Cass was strong in defence, but it will need more goals in next month’s event for Slaz to regain their place in the top section.
