Men’s 1st’s (2) vs. (3) Rotherham 1st’s
Men’s 1sts travelled to local rivals Rotherham 1st’s for a well contest game. Slazenger were missing centre forward Tuddenham, and so the goal scoring fell to Danny Perry to net 2 goals. However, Rotherham were the stronger team on the day, taking their chances and securing a 3-2 win.
Men’s 2nd’s (1) vs. (3) Kingston Upon Hull 2nd’s
Men’s 2nd’s hosted Hull 2nds for a hotly contested 1st vs. 2nd battle. While Slaz played some of their best hockey of their 2019-20 campaign, they came up short against a stronger opposition.
Slaz worked well from the off; a full warm-up and rousing team talk got them going. The first half was a tense affair; both teams battling for possession, and hitting the other on the counter attack. While it was equal traffic, Slazenger’s work-rate kept Hull out. In the dying minutes of the game, Slaz broke away, and Damo Grieg’s cross was converted by Alex Stacey, to go into the break 1-0.
Unfortunately, the second half, Hull battled back into the game. The strong press Slaz maintained was weakened when James Taylor was hospitalised with a ball to the face. 2 well worked short corners put Hull ahead in short order. The home side continued working, and went close several times. Alex Stacey again oustanding, alongside Ben Graham and Sam Haigh. Unfortunately, as Slaz battled for the equaliser, gaps opened up and Hull were able to seal the game with a final score.
Slaz travel to Worksop looking to secure their 2nd place going into the final stretch of the season.
Men’s 3rd’s
Game cancelled after Mirfield pulled out of the league.
Men’s 4th’s (1) vs. (3) Scarborough 2nd’s
Men’s 4th’s lost 1-3 on the road to Scarborough. Harry Buttery scored the 4th’s only goal.
Men’s 5th’s (1) vs. (5) Brigg 4th’s
Men’s 5th’s suffered a 5-1 defeat to visitors Brigg 4th’s. Missing some key players from last weeks spectacular performance, the team were only able net a single goal in response to Briggs 5 goals.
Men’s 6th’s (1) vs. (2) Ben Rhydding 6th’s
Having already got the better of Ben Rhydding 6 this season, the Dev’s went into this game in confident mood. The sun was shining, which seemed to be a good omen, until we lost the toss and played the first half into the sun. Slazenger’s started the stronger team and had the best of the opening exchanges, with Keith Leonard and Luke Minchella directing the midfield, but Ben Rhydding quickly got into their stride, scoring their first goal after 10 minutes from a short corner that beat the best efforts of keeper Will Parish.
Their second goal followed 5 minutes later following a scramble in the D, with the Slaz defence being slow to respond to the run and pass across the goal from the Ben Rhydding winger. Going two goals behind seemed to spur the Dev’s into life and the home team matched Ben Rhydding for the remainder of the half, with Eleanor Randle and Curtis Jones creating some scoring chances up front, aided by the introduction of Joe Minchella whilst Turner Booth, Elliott Booth, Dan Bailey, Alex Pearson and Ollie Leonard showed strong defence to keep Ben Rhydding at bay. The half time whistle was a welcome relief from the blinding sun and Slaz turned around with the sun at their backs and the advantage.
The second half performance was much improved, with Slaz pushing into the Ben Rhydding half from the restart. Great play from Luke Minchella, Amar Khalil and Harry Ashford made the Ben Rhydding defence work hard, with Slazenger’s opening goal coming in the 50th minute with a trade mark run into the D from player of the match Luke Minchella, followed by a well hit shot to the left corner to beat the keeper. Slaz pushed for the equaliser but couldn’t find the net, with the final score remaining at 2-1. This was another gritty performance from the young development team, who are showing great team spirit and continue to improve each week.
Men’s Veterans (1) vs. (7) Lindum Veterans
Asad Baig was the only goal scorer on the road to Lindum.
Ladies 1st’s (5) vs. (3) Harrogate 2nd’s
Donning the red kit as requested by the home team, who after their defeat in the last meeting suddenly felt that a green/blue colour clash needed to be avoided, Slaz travelled to Harrogate to prove that kit choice would have no impact, that their previous victory was no fluke and that they could in fact take 3 points away from home. Harrogate had forwarned that they had had a “bit of a shake up” within their teams so quite which team would be faced waited to be seen.
Undeterred by the uncertainty and feeling at home in the red Slaz took the game to Harrogate and showed just why they have a strong and unbeaten home run. The now trade mark short corner from mini minch set Rudgy up for the first goal of the game. Wrong footed, a second came shortly after with Field and Coops educating Harrogate on the merits of “playing to the whistle”. Knowing that a 2 goal half time lead had been thrown away on more than 1 occasion this season, captain Tyrell’s half time team talk was once again inspiring.
A break away goal however shortly into the second half gave Harrogate the opportunity to get back into it but this was quickly cancelled out by Coops who left keeper, both teams and the umpire stunned into silence as she put the ball through the keepers feet. On a high, Slaz allowed their standards to slip and Harrogate took advantage, taking the score to 3:3. It would’ve been easy to settle for a point, but the Slaz spirit kicked in. MVP Mini Minch chose to play in 1 shoe for a moment before creaming the ball into the top corner from the back line to put Slaz back in the lead.
The #gingerdiva mounted another #gingerattack sending the ball up the pitch, ultimately leading to the short corner which saw Field striking the ball home for number 5 – pulling the rug from under the gates feet and sealing the victory.
Ladies 2nd’s (0) vs. (3) Harrogate 3rd’s
In Slazenger’s Ladies 2s game against Harrogate started off in Harrogate’s favour with them taking the opportunity to drive into Slaz’s defence. There were excellent saves and clearances from the defence but with so many shots on goals, Harrogate final got the ball past the keeper. Soon after the opposition made quick passes around Slaz allowing them to score their second goal.
Slazenger tried to equalise during short corner after short corner but couldn’t manage to get the ball into the net. Leaving the end score of the first half 2-0. Starting off, Slazenger made excellent pass after pass around the opposition but they still couldn’t manage to score. Harrogate continued strongly attacking Slaz’s defence, despite Slaz’s best efforts Harrogate scored their third and final goal. The final score being 3-0 to Harrogate. Player of the match went to Emily Entwisle in defence.
Ladies 3rd’s (3) vs. (0) Bradford 1st’s
Ladies 3rd’s travelled to Bradford, only to find a frozen pitch. Default win was therefore awarded.
Ladies 4th’s (1) vs. (3) Leeds 6th’s
The ladies 4th team played Leeds 6th team at home this weekend and immediately replicated the start of last weeks game with the away side scoring soon after push back.
Undeterred, the Slazenger ladies regrouped and fought back. Hungry for their second goal, 3rd in the league Leeds continued to attack but with Ingrid Coughtry in defence limiting their chances along with Sara Chilton and Emily Craven, Slazenger’s went on the attack. Junior, Ruby Rogers, playing her first game of ladies hockey, made it hard work for the Leeds defence and May Bailey took her chance on the right hand side, timing a shot on goal perfectly to equalise the score which remained 1-1 to the half time whistle.
The second half saw Leeds turn the pressure on and Slazenger’s found themselves playing a more defensive half. A flurry of shots were well kept by keeper Maisie Royston and a series of short corners didn’t allow for a clear shot on goal but unfortunately Leeds managed to slip past to increase the goal difference 2-1. Leeds 3rd goal came shortly before the final whistle but did not reflect the efforts of Slazenger’s who continued to feed the ball up front but couldn’t get close enough for a chance on goal. A 3-1 loss for the Slazenger ladies. Player – Ruby Rogers.
U10 Girls A Team
Having survived the div 2 standard of hockey in the last tournament, we were back at Weetwood in div 2 for a second time. Feeling that this league would be difficult, especially given our very young squad, having no keeper, and having some injuries to manage.
We started strong, in every game Rosie Mills dominated the midfield, making tackles all over the pitch against opposition literally twice her size! Not phased, she got the ball and distributed well. Millie Brierley worked hard up front, Millie is always hungry to score, her determination, resilience and drive to put the ball in the net meant that we won a couple of our games. Sophie Holland also scored two goals in one game which gave the girls another win!
Lauren Wood made some great runs down the right and was unlucky not to score on a few occasions. Thea Godson was very strong in defence, Thea, having now found her position, is flourishing in the game, she has improved immensely over the season, and is an asset to the team. Kate Eley, also in defence played solid at the back, so much so, the ball rarely reached our keeper. Kate is unassumingly fantastic, she is a team player, she never looks for glory, but instead, she is happy doing her job and keeping the ball out of the danger area! Having no Frances in goal this week, we were eternally grateful for Lorna Godson, who gave up her own opportunity to play outfield for the B team in order to go in goal for the A team. Lorna did exceptionally well.
Finally, Connie Fozzard made her debut with the A team, at first it took her back as the difference in the 5th div to the 2nd div is a big jump. However, Connie’s performance wowed us all! She played on the left wing and with her silky reverse stick skills, she took on many players and crossed the ball into Millie. She also linked well with Rosie, they worked well together to battle for possession back, when it was lost. Connie got player of tournament.
Amelia Sykes was on the sideline having broken her big toe. Her encouragement and support for the team was appreciated. The fact we have youngsters at this age, still prepared to come with the team on a miserable Sunday morning when they can’t play is commendable.
It’s encouraging that the girls are only 8/9 years old, but they take their hockey seriously and even when they are subbed, injured or not having a good game, they are just happy been part of the team. Their maturity and the support from parents in the team is something to be acknowledged.
The biggest achievement of the season was the result, they finished top of the division, meaning promotion. The girls will experience the top league in their age group next tournament, an achievement they have only got because they work as a team. Very proud of them.
Milsy & Sarah.
U10 Girls B Team
This tournament saw us back in familiar territory – Adel.Nerves were high as there were a few changes to our usual line up, we were going to be without some regular starters.Lorna Godsen was on loan to the A team, as they were without their Goal keeper, and Connie Fozzard was making her well earned debut with the A team, and by all accounts she made her mark! Amazing Connie ! On this occasion we welcomed Heidi Wilson who made her debut with the team.The first game saw us deal with nerves and some of the girls started in positions that were new to them but they dug in and gave a good account of themselves. Daisy woodcock debuted in centre mid and showed team spirit in her effort.
It was certainly a tournament of firsts Amelie Satterthwaite made her first appearance in goal. From the first game until the last she made this position her own with several saves in every game. Her confidence grew each match and by the end of the tournament she was a daunting prospect for our competitors with her presence in the box. Her amazing debut earned her the player of the tournament and we could not be prouder of how she owned this role. A real natural !!Georgia Harker played in the right wing and Tilly Wiper on the left. Both marked their opponents with a dogged determination which saw both girls make some impressive tackles and disrupted the flow of play when we needed it most.
Tilly’s confidence at stopping the ball and tackling is notably improving given that some of her opponents towered above her, this did not appear to deter her in the slightest which was great to see!Heidis first appearance as a B team player must have been daunting but she did not let it show, she slotted in brilliantly on the wing and her confidence grew with each match. By the end of the tournament she was a presence on the left and was getting plenty of tackles in and made a really important clearance in the last game which denied another scoring opportunity for our opponents.By the penultimate match the girls had settled. Daisy back in defence with Matilda Mills.
This is a solid pairing. Matilda was very persistent in defence and showed some real quality. Positions were re jigged with Evie Barass moving to play centre forward and Beth Buckley taking up the centre mid position. Beth took to this position with ease and was more than happy to take ownership and keep her team mates on their toes with her encouraging calls she found plenty of space and her speed and quick thinking got the ball past our opponents defence. Evie made a brilliant run and as cool as you like slotted the ball home for Slazengers only goal of the day and Evie’s first Goal !! (Of many we are sure ) Well done Evie !In conclusion it was a valiant team performance, We could not be prouder of the girls they keep their heads up and played with an enthusiasm that warrants respect. We may not have won a match but the application and determination they showed secures our place in this division for the next tournament……Bring it on!
