Weekly Update
An update of this weeks fixtures and last weeks results
Last Week’s Results
After winning their first game of the season, this weeks “Team of the Week” is Ladies 2nd’s with a superb 4-1 win over City of York. Notable mentions also go to Men’s 5’s for their victory over Ben Rhydding, and Ladies 1st’s and 3rd’s who continue their winning runs!
This weekend also saw another 28 goals scored, with some new names on the top scorer table, however some familiar faces are still out front! Only 1 more weekend left in Novembers competition!
Novembers Top Goalscorers
8 Goals – Aleks Kapinska
6 Goals – Caro Schofield
5 Goals – Richard Tuddenham, Holly Tyres
Last Week’s Match Reports
Mens 1st’s (3) vs. (2) Doncaster 3rd’s
The men’s Firsts were involved in a ‘near to the’ top of the table clash last weekend as Slazenger, currently 3rd in the league, played host to Doncaster, currently 2nd in the league.
Slazenger started proactively with some strong hockey but the Doncaster press soon forced a defensive error that allowed the visitors to open their tally. Under pressure but remaining composed the Firsts soon pulled one back following some skilful interplay from Danny Perry and James Swinden setting Perry up for the finish. However again the Doncaster press forced errors and Slazenger went into half time down one goal, but building in confidence.
The second half provided the stage for the First Team pups to show what they can do; Gunning (man of the match), and ‘nice arms’ Chilton in particular were inspirational as a goal from Gunning soon levelled the score at two a piece. Doncaster were now beginning to struggling to contain the vivacious Slazenger, and with 15 minutes left on the clock, Perry was brought down in the circle, and Tuddenham fired home a trademark rocket giving Slazenger a well earned 3 – 2 victory and the second place league spot.
Mens 2nd’s (1) vs. (3) City of York 5th’s
Slazenger men’s 2’s travelled to top of the league York on Saturday and despite a strong performance eventually went down 3-1.
York started brightly with a number of senior players controlling possession although they struggled to break down the Slazenger defence. It was Slazenger who took the lead through Owen Bland although York hit back shortly afterwards. A defensive mix up wrong footed Darren Buttery in goal resulting in an own goal leaving Slazenger trailing 2-1 at the break.
Slazengers pressed in the 2nd half and forced the York keeper into a number of saves although they couldn’t find a breakthrough. York took a 2 goal lead midway through the half and although Slazenger pressed to get back into the game, the York defence held firm.
Mens 3rd’s (0) vs. (5) Kingston-Upon-Hull 2nd’s
Slaz started off as strong and spicy as a vindaloo, creating good chances; currying the ball across the pitch. However, Hull were organised and fast on attacks, putting pressure on the home sides back line.The back line, notably Rogan Josh Swallow were outstanding in defence; holding back the Hull attack. However, it was star keeper and man of the match Harry Buttery who soaked up the pressure like a quality naan; keeping the team in the fight with some impressive work in goal.
Unfortunately, the pressure mounted and the temperature rose, as the short kormas piled up. In the end, the defence could only hold out so long before Hull drew first blood. As a team relegated last season, Hull were looking to make their mark in this league and slowly began opening up daylight between themselves and the home side.
In the end, there was little the horbury men side could do to remedy the situation, going down 5-0 to the visitors.
Mens 4th’s (0) vs. (3) Leeds Adel 4th’s
Slaz travelled to top of the league Leeds Adel on a cold and windy Saturday afternoon. Slaz looked to continue to improve on the performance from last week at home.
Leeds Adel started the brighter of the two sides as they held the ball within the Slaz half for the majority of the opening 15 minutes. This was rewarded with two goals for the home side. However, Slaz began to fight back and created many opportunities in the opposition D and won a few short corners but without a goal. Halftime and Adel were ahead 2-0.
The second half was much of the same story as the game was end to end as both teams look to score. Slaz were pressing more to try and find a way back into the game through a front line of Tom Hoyle, Chris Flavell and Pete Gunning but couldn’t find a way through. This was supported by a midfield of Michael Plumbley, Dene Minichella and Danny Croxall.
All the pressing Slaz had done meant they were left without numbers at the back. Despite the best efforts of Tony Walker and Darren Bailey, Leeds Adel scored another to win the game 3-0.
Even though Slaz were beaten it was a much better performance than the last two weeks as Leeds Adel were pushed all the way. Man of the match went to Eddie Kendall for his superb performance at right half. Slaz 4s host Huddersfield Dragons at home next week at 3pm.
Mens 5th’s (8) vs. (0) Ben Rhydding 7th’s
Slazenger 5’s entertained Ben Rhydding 7’s, a team they had previously failed to score against (the keeper being an adult). Well this week, same team, different keeper (still an adult) but Slaz scored 8, their second highest scoreline ever!
Goals came from Josh Green (2), Alex Stacey (2), Will Gascoigne (2), Amrayz Asad and Adam Searle. Man of the match was Amrayz Asad.
Final score Slazenger 8 – 0 Ben Rhydding
Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (2) Selby 1st’s
The ladies first team migrated north to Selby this weekend hoping to maintain their unbeaten run. Calling up Drake to fill the gap left by absentees Wallace and Paige they knew this would not be an easy task with the home team sitting 2nd in the table. It was one the ladies were looking forward to and the question on everyone’s lips was “where will we be if we win AGAIN??
The game began and from the off it became clear that the home team were out to secure the top spot in the league, which a only a win could do. Slaz remained united and quickly showed that it was not going to be quite the walk in the park that Selby had hoped for. With end to end action, and both keepers tested it was the home team that eventually broke the deadlock when an initial save from Wilson fell to a Selby stick.
Slaz fought back, with some excellent play. Build ups from the back and a stunning Ariel ball allowed the midfield to take control of the game but it was an inspired hit from a sideline ball well within the Slaz defensive 25 from Whittam that found Tyers at the top end of the pitch which lead to the equaliser -when having dodged the defender she had only the keeper to beat and in her own formidable style did not disappoint.
Half time score 1:1
A half time team talk, and a vow from all to put Thursday nights training into action saw Slaz turn it up a gear and they returned to the pitch the better side. Gunn, slick in the midfield, continually set up chances and mini Minch showed that determination is key winning a crucial short corner soon into the second half. In a move worthy of the strictly final, Field danced through the defence before placing the ball beyond the keeper into the back of the net.
Selby, clearly unhappy to let all three point fly south continued to play hard and managed to level the score with a well worked short corner. Some may have felt that a draw would have been a fair result however when The fat lady could be heard warming up her voice, but not singing quite yet – Slaz made a final play for the 3 points. A short corner was awarded and when the shot was saved by the defenders foot on the line it was a penalty flick that would be the last play of the game.
After some debate, captain Tyrrell stepped up to the spot, the team and faithful following stood with baited breath. The whistle, the stroke and the ball hitting the backboard was quickly followed by a squeal from Tyrrell, cheers from the crowd and jubilation from the team.
Final score 3:2
In answer to the earlier question – where will we be?? Cloud nine is the answer!! 5 wins in 5 = very very very happy squad!! MVP went to keeper Wilson was on fire and made many spectacular saves throughout the match. Thanks to Sue Hope for travelling with us to umpire😘. Next week sees a home fixture against Dewsbury – 12 o clock push back
Ladies 2nd’s (4) vs. (1) City of York 4th’s
This week saw the return of goalkeeper Tracy Lorriman as Slaz ladies 2’s hosted City of York and hoped to get the win they finally deserved. From the start Slaz were strong with short quick passes and movement off the ball, creating some exciting attacks and chances early in the first half. The strong start resulted in a well-deserved early goal from Abi Collins. With lifted spirits, Slaz continued to look strong with great play down the wings, and quick breaks from the youngsters saw Slaz dominating City of York defence, with a first time sweep from Tuscany Mellor (aka Destiny) putting Slaz 2-0 up.
Transition from attack to defence was also seen as City of York had very few chances on the break due to the whole team efforts from Slaz to get back and defend. Slaz had their share of short corners to defend, with great clearances from Tracy and the defence to keep the lead and City of York off the score board. The first half reflected the brilliant team determination and the score line finally reflected this as Hannah Chilton put Slaz at a comfortable 3-0 lead going into half time.
With huge amounts of confidence from the first half performance, Slaz went into the second half with the same energy and team composure. With great distributions of the ball and switching the ball around the back, forwards were able to create space and saw great 1-2 quick passes. City of York continued to pressure Slaz which resulted in Slaz conceding a goal late in the second half. The City of York player hit the back line as Tracy covered the post but a little pass back left Sarah Ritchey between the goal line and player, with an unfortunate deflection that saw a Slaz own goal. This didn’t dampen Slaz’s spirits and the team continued to display some great hockey, even when tiring Slaz continued to show composure with a final goal from Tori Hanson to put Slaz 4-1 in the lead with only a few minutes to go. Finally, a score that reflected the great team efforts and hockey played by Slaz 2’s both this week and in previous games, allowing them to enjoy their very well deserved first win of the season!!
Ladies 3rd’s (7) vs. (1) University of Leeds 7th’s
Slazenger’s 3s travelled to Weetwood, to play University of Leeds 7s. Unbeaten Slazenger were hungry for another win and started the game with real drive and intensity which soon paid off, with Aleks Karpinska finding the net not long after the whistle.
Fantastic plays between Caro Schofield & Aleks Karpinksa (quite the duo) were too much for Leeds to handle with the goals mounting nicely, 1 from Caro Schofield and a further 2 from Aleks Karpinska.
The pressure on Leeds was relentless with the forwards making numerous attempts on goal, following a scramble in the D the ball came to Emily Entwistle who slotted it in nicely.
There was no rest for Leeds as Slazenger’s again pressed on hard, and after the ball was stopped on the line by a foot, a penalty flick was awarded, with lovely strike from Lauren Fealey, into the bottom right hand corner; ensured another goal.
Leeds came on the counter attack and were rewarded with a short corner, with the half time whistle about to blow, the whole of the Leeds team came forward but were no match for the Slazenger defence – Sarah Hobbs, Maisie Fallas, Esther Hill and Emma Eley who cleared the ball away, as the whistle blew Slazenger’s led six goals to nil.
Leeds started the second half much stronger and attacked with more conviction but were prevented from scoring by hard battling from Esther Hill and strong defending from Maisie Fallas & Sarah Hobbs. The second half proved to be frustrating for Slazenger’s as Leeds defended well and slowed down Slazenger’s scoring.
Eventually it was Leeds that were rewarded as they broke through the mid field, and scored from good passing to the left side of the ‘D’ for the ball to find the back of the net. The game was not over yet though and a determined Slazenger’s continued to hassle the Leeds defence, with Diane Jones netting the final goal. Player of the match went to Aleks Karpinksa.
Final score Slazenger’s Ladies 3s 7-1 Leeds Uni 7s
Ladies 4th’s (3) vs. (3) Huddersfield Dragons 3rd’s
The ladies 4th Team faced Huddersfield Dragons 3’s this weekend in an exciting game right to the final whistle. The Huddersfield team started strong and on a the attack but the Slazenger defence worked hard to hold them off and with some firm long balls out of danger, new player – Lily Gilbert earned her place in the team within minutes taking the ball with confidence and took a shot on goal.
Unfortunately, memories of the previous week came flooding back and the Slazenger team again faced an excellent opposition keeper who saved the shot. Huddersfield returned the effort and Slazengers again defended well but with a powerful shot 20 minutes in, Huddersfield were first to score. Slazengers were not without further chances but could not find the equaliser before the half time whistle and left the pitch 1:0 down.
The second half didn’t start as well and within the first 10 minutes, Huddersfield scored 2 further goals. The Slazenger team were left wondering how they were going get back from 3:0 down and the answer came from a superb run from midfield player Sue Hope who timed the ball perfectly, allowing the keeper to drop to the floor before expertly lifting the ball and into the net.
With this glimmer of hope, the Slazenger team regained their fighting spirit and it wasn’t long before Slazengers were on the attack again. Maisie Davis showed off her quick passing skills and managed to find Cherry Bedford who defeated the keeper and earned Slazengers their second goal. Thinking it couldn’t get any better than coming back from 3:0 to 3:2 down and heading to the final whistle, Slazengers had one final run forward. Lily Gilbert saved the ball off the back line and with a slip to Mia Davis, Slazengers equalised with seconds to spare. An unbelievable but well deserved 3:3 draw. Player – Lily Gilbert.
Girls U14’s Tournament
Slaz under 14 girls travelled away for their second tournament of the season.
Slaz v Ben Rydding
After an exciting start the girls battled hard with Mia and Masie Davis up front, a number of chances were created but a skilful touch from Mia put Slazengers ahead. Emily Craven, Kathryn Davies and Nicole Hirst worked well in defence with good distribution of the ball. An unlucky shot from the opposition left the girls with a draw.
Slaz v Airedale
Slazengers expected a tough game but the girls gained confidence quickly and went on the attack. A goal from Mia Davis and multiple saves from Maisie unfortunately was not enough and the game ended 2-1 to Airedale.
Slaz v Doncaster
In an evenly matched game Lilly Gilbert made some good runs down the left wing however Slazengers narrowly lost 2-1. The girls should be rightly pleased and proud of their efforts and performance.
