Men’s 1st’s (9) v. (1) Rotherham 1st’s
Men’s 1st.’s beat Rotherham 1st’s at home 9-1. A usual well battled encounter was run out by the home side in strong form. Goals from Mark Swinden (2), Jimmy Swinden (2), Richard Tuddenham (1), Owen Smith (1), Will Gascoigne (1), Danny Perry (1), Ben Jackson (1)
Men’s 2nd’s (2) vs. (2) Kingston Upon Hull 2nd’sMens 2nds travelled to a wet and dreary Hull in what turned out to be a fixture memorable for all the wrong reasons. A flooded pitch was eventually cleared for the game to start. While Slaz played a well paced technical game. the home side were looking forward to a physical confrontation and looked to throw their weight around with gusto.
The game was evenly balanced, but Slaz looked to have gone ahead until the goal was overturned. At the other end of the pitch, Hull went ahead with a short corner routine before the break. The second half was a similar affair; Slaz weathered a storm of fouls, shoulders and errant sticks to maintain the deficit at 1 goal. However after Hull scored from a drag flick, it looked a mountain to climb.
Fortunately, where in previous seasons the team might have let the game play out, they redoubled their efforts. Amir Khalil danced through the home side, setting Asad Baig up for a rapid strike to beat the keeper, and Slaz didnt let up. Minutes later, a penalty corner was converted by Baig to level the scores with minutes remaining. While the travelling side couldnt find a winner, wrestling a point away from that fixture was a victory in itself; keeping the 2nds topping the table at this early stage of the league.
Men’s 4th’s (4) vs. (1) Scarborough 2nd’s
Slazenger’s fielded a strong home side for the travelling Sacrborough team to contend with, including the welcome return to play of Jez Whawell. However, with less than 5 minutes played Scarborough led the game by 1 goal after what was a relatively easy left corner strike by one of their fast running young forwards who had broken through the defence.
The midfield was going to be a tough battleground it appeared and it took a good 20 minutes for Slazenger’s to find their rhythm and get a sense of control around their side of the game. However, once this was in place, the ball started to spend a lot more time in the Scarborough half with ample chances not quite being converted. The “press” against their free hits and 16’s stated to frustrate the Scarborough defence who had limited options and the ball was turning back into Slazs’ hands on a regular basis and it was only a matter of time before that equalizing goal was squarely placed into the net.
Opinions at half time were in agreement on the things that were working and those that needed tweaking, so Slaz took those words quite literally and within less than a minute of the second half re-start Slaz had taken the lead with a fantastic 2 nd goal. Things, were starting to look positive. The remainder of the second half continued with Slaz pressing the ball at every opportunity leaving Scarborough with limited chances and their attempts to squeeze the ball through to their fast paced runners were intercepted by the talents of Tommy Randle and Scott Carruthers. In an unfortunate turn of events, Isaac Burrows picked up a green card for “deliberately” kicking the ball which put Slaz under pressure but despite this minor setback Scarborough were unable to capitalise with the player overload.
A further two goals whistled passed the Scarborough keeper, with George Bentley claiming his second goal in as many games although its fair to say that Scarborough helped the ball across the line for him. Final result was a hard fought 4 – 1 victory to Slazenger’s 4th team and top of Division 5 North for the time being.
Scorers: Andy Birkett – 1, George Bentley – 1, Scott Carruthers – 1, Harry Buttery – 1; Man of the match went to Tony Walker for his constant hard work at the back keeping Scarborough at bay, which was a well-earned early birthday present for his celebrations on Sunday 8 th . Wally of the week went to Harry Buttery for a number of transgressions including attempting to kill a passing seagull with a shot on goal and for thinking he knew better than the umpire 😉
Men’s 5th’s (1) vs. (7) Brigg 4th’s
A closely fought game became a brigg too far for the mighty greens. Camped for vast periods of the game in the opponents half, Slaz’s attackers showed their charitable side by trying their hardest not to find the back of the net. Buoyed by scoring 3 last week, the formation of 1 defender 9 forwards looked to be working until the visitors spotted a fatal flaw. Unfortunately our defender was not the nimblest after a pie filled summer and Brigg managed to nick 7 breakaway goals. Man of the match right back Fluffy Jolly popped up to score for Slaz, wally went to Stopper who threw his teddy out of his pram along with his stick after conceding number 5.
Men’s 6th’s (0) vs. (3) Ben Rhydding 7th’s
The men’s development team had another away trip this week, travelling to a sunny Ben Rhydding to face their Men’s 7’s.
Slazenger’s started the game well with some good defending from Dan Bailey, Josh Bennett and guest centre back, Aidan Coughtrey, but were soon under pressure from the opposition who were playing some experienced players in their mid field and in attack. The pressure took its toll and Ben Rhydding took an early one nil lead. Slazenger’s had some chances before half time with some good work from man of the match Luke Minchella and Bobby Brear in midfield, but Slaz went two nil behind before half time.
Master tactician Dene Minchella rearranged the line up and the formation at half time and this had a positive effect on the team. Slazengers had the best of the second half with great wing play from Eleanor Randle and Ollie Leonard creating some chances for Harry Ashford and Luke Minchella, but the goal eluded Slaz. Ollie Leonard then galvanised the defence, moving to left back with Owen Coughtrey replacing him on the wing, and Ollie proved to be equally effective as a defender. Ben Rhydding increased their goal tally to three late in the second half to put the game to bed, despite some good goal keeping from Jack Hancock, but overall, this was a fantastic performance by the whole team, that was not reflected by the score line. The team are starting to play some really good hockey and based on this performance, the first win in not too far away.
Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (2) Harrogate 2nd’s
Ladies 1’s played host to Harrogate ladies 2’s on Saturday. From previous meetings, as far as anyone could remember, Slaz were yet to take a point.
On the back of last weeks win, Slaz hoped to continue their unbeaten run and made that resolve clear from the off. Pressing hard to keep the ball in the Harrogate D Slaz made the defence work hard to keep the ball from nearing the net. It was a good 15 mins before Slaz finally broke the deadlock when coops put the first in. This was followed minutes later with a second for the striker when she got a slight touch on Gilbert’s shot from the top of the d. Slaz continued the pressure for the remainder of the half but couldn’t manage a third.
The second half started in a similar vain only this time it was Harrogate calling the shots and they managed to level the score with about 15 minutes to go. However, having enjoyed the winning feeling the previous week and not wanting to lose their unbeaten start to the season Slaz were not going to give up easily. Determined to regain the lead Slaz regained their composure and went back to playing as they had in the first half. With 5 minutes to go the ball was sent to Field from the back, she quickly smashed it through the Harrogate defence to coops who was waiting to take the ball around the keeper to complete her hat trick and give the lead back to Slaz.
Harrogate did not give up and play was end to end for the remainder of the game. Slaz were unlucky not to manage a forth with shots skimming the posts, but when the final whistle went with the score line at 3:2 in Slaz’s favour the ladies were more than happy to be finally taking all the points from “the gate”.
Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (1) Harrogate 3rd’s
Slazenger’s Ladies 2’s game against Harrogate started off with Slazenger defending short corner after short corner with some excellent clearance and saves from their goalkeeper Tracy Lorriman. Despite Slazenger’s efforts, Harrogate managed to score the game’s first goal. The first half ended 1-0 to Harrogate.
At the start of the second half however, Slazenger were ready to go. With an amazing pass around the keeper from mush to Mia Davies who then swept the ball in to make the equaliser. Throughout the second half both Slaz really stepped up the pressure to challenge Harrogate but no further goals were achieved by either side. The end result was a well deserved 1-1. Player of the match went to Tracy Lorriman for great saves!
Ladies 3rd’s (4) vs. (1) Bradford 1st’s
Slazenger’s first home game of the season against Bradford and they were hungry for a win. From the start Slazenger’s attackers and midfield pushed forward pressing the Bradford defense. Some super crosses from midfield Jess Downing, Justine Birkett and Lauren Fealey allowed the forwards Caro Schofield, Linda Stacey, Ellie McWilliams and Natalie Beech to have some great shots on goal, which were saved by Bradford’s keeper. Bradford retaliated and pressed the Slazenger’s defense of Sarah Ritchie, Jess Lloyd, Emma Eley and Emily Chason hard. However, some great defending and saves from keeper Lizzie Tunstall did not allow Bradford to gain a goal.
Slazenger’s quickly passed the ball up the field and with an open run from Caro and one on one with the keeper Caro made the ball connect with the back boards. Bradford not happy with this pushed forward and gained a short corner from open play. A straight strike from the top of the D and a deflection of a Slazenger’s defender saw the ball pass the keeper and hit the back boards. Bringing the half time score to 1-1.
Slazenger’s pushed hard from the off and put pressure on the Bradford keeper early. Some great play and perseverance saw Lauren Fealey gain a goal and Caro added another two. Bradford fort hard and gained some short corners from open play for these to be saved by the Slazenger’s keeper and defenders. Final score Slazenger’s 4-1 Bradford; Player went to Caro Schofield for her hat trick.
Ladies 4th’s (0) vs. (3) Leeds 6th’s
Ladies 4’s played late in the day at Weetwood against Leeds 6th team in what proved to be a challenging game. From the start, Leeds were fast on the attack keeping the Slazenger more than defence busy.
Ingrid Coughtry impressed both sides with her ‘hitting the ball hard’ skill but it struggled to break through to the Slazenger attack. Sara Chilton had a superb game as did Freja Wilson and Steph Clements but soon Slazenger’s we’re two nil down.
A refreshing team talk at half time payed off going into the second half with Caitlin McGrath, Jess Morris and Hannah Tindall-Miller stepping up the Slazenger attack but Leeds fought back hard each time with Slazenger’s back on the defence. The final 10 minutes saw Leeds take shot after shot with little opportunity for Slazenger’s to break free. Lauren Hattersley in goal held her cool but despite her efforts, another Leeds goal slipped past. The final result 3-0 to Leeds.
Under 10 boys
The under 10 boys travelled to Leeds for their first tournament of the season. Slazenger started against a strong Ben Rhydding 2 team. We worked hard as a team with some excellent play from Owen Wiper on the wing, but lost 3-0.
Thirsk put Slazenger under great pressure in the second game. Great play from Leo Sheen-Meakin and Frances Richardson in defence kept the score at 7-0.
The third game saw the Slazenger team working well together. Stan Hirst finished a brilliant team attack to score. But Airedale were stronger in attack and the game finished 3-1 to Airedale.
Game 4 was the turning point for the team. Slazenger took the early lead against Leeds Adel through a goal from Aleks Thompson. Great defence from Declan Buxton and some amazing saves from Frances kept Leeds Adel from scoring. 1-0 win for Slazenger.
Bingley Bees were up next. Slazenger had some good pressure with great play from Rhuben Foster in attack. But neither team were able to break the defence. A goal-less draw was the result.
The last game was against Wakefield 2. Slazenger made a strong start, with Owen Coughtrey driving up through the middle to score his first goal. Slazenger created many chances in an overall strong team performance. Player of the tournament, Owen Coughtrey scored two mores goals, to finish an excellent tournament with a well deserved win.
Under 14 Boys
Following the success of the U14 Boys last season the new look team set about an incredibly tough challenge of competing in division 1 against Ben Rhydding 1, Doncaster 1, and Harrogate 1. The boys had the home advantage but the other teams were stronger on the day.
The team came together well, with some notable performances from Tori in Goal, Bobby in defence and Luke and Tommy through the centre. They had a good few chances with some well worked short corners and a couple of very close calls.
All in all a great start with a new team.
