Mens 1st’s
Well the brief but tough run of form continues for Slaz Men’s one’s… After a bruising loss to Halifax at the start of March our next encounter against relegation battling Hull Uni should have been easier on the battered bodies of the firsts. It would appear that the great unwashed of Hull Uni however didn’t get that script…
True to recent form the one’s didn’t get off to a great start, and with less than 20 mins on the clock were the wrong side of three Hull Uni goals. As always the potential of Tuddenham at centre forward meant that didn’t feel like a mountain to climb, but Slaz had certainly given themselves a Humber Bridge to scale.
Sure enough before the stroke of half time Tuddenham stole one back on the line to open the Slaz account. Then early into the second half Swinden and Wiper added a couple more, at three a piece the game could now go either way.
Whilst Slaz were certainly far from their best on Saturday, consistent indecisive and frankly odd umpiring finally took their toll on the weary one’s, and the Hull party boys slipped in a winning goal 2 minutes from time. A disappointing back to back loss for the firsts, and a sign that things need to change if we are to rediscover our winning form.
Mens 2nd’s
Slazengers mens 2nd team entertained local rivals Wakefield 4’s on Saturday and ran out comfortable 7-0 winners. Slazengers were rarely troubled in defence but when called upon, the back four and keeper held firm. Goals from Ian Hedges, Asad Baig and Matt Stacey had Slazengers 3-0 up at the break. In what was arguably Slazengers most complete game of the season, excellent team play throughout saw further goals from Chris Gascoigne, Ben Jackson, Amir Khalil and a 2nd for Baig completed the scoring. Although still mathematically possible for Slazengers to fall into the relegation places, this result should see them safely in Division 3 next season. Man of the match went to Ian Hedges.
Mens 3rd’s
Slazenger traveled to Rotherham with the knowledge that a win would help their promotion push. Slazenger dominated the opening stages and took the lead through man of the match Tim Carr. Carr almost doubled the lead minutes later but saw his shot from a well worked short corner routine deflected on to the post. Against the run of play Rotherham equalised and the teams went in level at the break
A lack of urgency in the second half and some sloppy play encouraged Rotherham to press and they took the lead with 15 minutes to go. Slazenger struggled to find any fluidity despite strong play from Simon Taylor and Josh Dunstan. The team enigma Matt Banks couldn’t help get the team to its recent high standards as they searched in vain to bring the scores level.
Mens 4th’s
Slaz welcomed local rivals Wakefield for their final home game of the season. Looking for a quick start Slaz started to attack wide in the opening minutes with chances created through wingers Tom Hoyle and Dene Minichella but the home team couldn’t convert. As Slaz continued to push forward they were left open at the back and Wakefield eventually capitalised to make it 1-0 to the visitors at half time.
At half time Slaz were confident of pulling one back but unfortunately it was not to be. Even though Slaz had many chances again they couldn’t convert. Eventually fatigue became an issue as the young Wakefield side scored another 3 on the break including a short corner after the final whistle to make it 4-0. Man of the match was a very open contest but the eventual winner was Josh Swallow for his determination on the wing.
Ladies 2nds
With an important game ahead, slazengers seemed focused and prepared to win. The game started with a quick goal from lindum, however slaz were quick to return the score line to even as Tuscany took lindum’s keeper one on one and slipped past the keeper on to the backboard. With the midfielders and defence keeping lindum at bay, Karen took a goal for the second time allowing slazengers to lead the way. The score was equal to the standard and level of effort from both teams resulting in a draw 2 all. Player of the game was Tuscany Mellor.
Slaz ladies 3s made it 3 wins out of 3 games this weekend as they entertained Leopold at home. The game was evenly matched and the end to end action included some fine hockey from both sides but it was the home side who were victorious with Gaby Giggal and Caro Schofield taking Slaz in to half time with a 2 goal lead. The second half continued in much the same vain with plenty of chances at both ends but keeper Lizzie Tunstall made some great saves and Slaz finished the game with another 3 points keeping the 3rd teams hopes of staying in Div 4 alive, however it’s tight at the bottom of the table and much depends on the results of the bottom 5 over the last 2 league weekends.
