Men’s 1st’s (2) vs. (3) Driffield 1st’s
A big game for Slazenger 1s as they travelled away to play a top-of-the-table Driffield side who had gone unbeaten through their first four games of the season. Slaz started strong, building steadily from the back and looking comfortable in possession. Such was their dominance in the early passages of play that they mounted a 2-0 lead; a flowing move finished confidently by Ben Jackson was followed by a well-taken penalty corner between Danny Perry and Simon Chamberlain. However, as a result of a late – and improbable — penalty corner being awarded to the home side, Slaz went into the half-time break with their lead undeservingly reduced to 2-1.
The youthful Slazenger backline stayed resolute throughout the second half, despite umpiring decisions not quite falling their way. Slaz retained a fair share of the chances but were unable to score a second half-goal despite relentless running from Jordan Ingham up top. Disappointingly, Driffield eventually got the better of the Slazenger defence late in the game thanks to a breakaway attack and an unfortunate own goal. A confident and assured performance from Slaz deserved greater reward, but will hopefully serve as a good platform for upcoming fixtures. Final result; 3-2 to Driffield.
Men’s 2nd’s (1) vs. (1) Sheffield University Bankers 4th’s
Slaz 2nd’s took their winning form on the road to top of the table side Sheffield Uni Bankers 4ths. Another weakened side due to injuries saw 3 guest players step up from the 3rd team. While this week’s opposition was faster than the previous weeks. The visitors moved the ball around well, and found plenty of opportunities. Steve Roberts marked his return to the side after almost a decade away by scoring to put the side ahead. The game was well contested, but Slaz had several opportunities go agonisingly close. However, in the final minutes a late short corner allowed Bankers to net an equaliser to give them a share of the points.
Men’s 3rd’s (1) vs. (1) Kingston-Upon-Hull 3rd’s
Mens 3rds hosted Hull 3rd’s for a mid table battle. The side took on a stong visiting side, who went ahead from a well worked goal. Slaz battled, and converted into the second half from Damian Greig. Unfortunately, while they maintained the pressure, they couldn’t find a winning goal. Next week, the 3rd’s travel to top of the table Bradford, hoping to keep their strong performances going.
Men’s 4th’s – NO GAME
Development (2) vs. (1) Lindum Development
The winning streak continued for the Development team this week with a hard-fought win over Lindum, who provided the toughest test of the season so far. The game was a tale of two halves, with Lindum having the best of the first half, putting Slaz under pressure from the start, who were looking a little disjointed.
The Lindum pressure told mid-way through the half, with a long ball through to the left winger, who beat the defence and placed the ball past the keeper to open the scoring. As the half wore on Slaz began to find their feet and came close scoring towards the end of the half, with debutant Owen Wiper hitting the post with a great shot from the edge of the D. Some great saves from keeper Lillianna Burrows kept Lindum to a single goal at the break.
Slaz produced a much more cohesive second half performance. Aidy Buckley, Ben Satterthwaite and Owen Coughtrey controlled the midfield, and created scoring chances for Ollie Tuddenham and Beth Buckley, but player of the match Amelia Sykes levelled the scores on 45 minutes, tucking the ball neatly passed the keeper following a great pass from Declan Buxton. Declan Buxton then scored the winning goal only a few minutes later. Lindum fought back in the closing stages of the game, but Slaz hung on for the win to maintain the unbeaten start to the season.
Ladies 1st’s (2) vs. (8) Kingston-Upon-Hull 1st’s
Hannah field & Millie Breirley found the net, as they travelled to Hull in a tough 8-2 reversal.
Ladies 2nd’s (5) vs. (1) Selby 1st’s
Slazenger started the game still looking for their first home win of the season. With coach Keith’s wise words ringing in their ears about previous slow starts, Slazenger started with a high press and put Selby under pressure right from the push back. This paid off with Slazenger having an early chance. Despite Slaz’s better start, it was Selby who scored first, adding a second soon after scoring a flick. Slazenger good work in the first half was rewarded when Lucy hit the back of the net with a clean first time sweep after good work down the wing and accurate cross in by Ruby R. Slazenger were unlucky to concede another flick, however an excellent stop from GK Tracy kept the deficit to one going in to half time.
With a change in formation at half time, the second half was end to end, with great work in the middle from Rebecca playing higher up the pitch. Slazenger won lots of short corners and got shots on goal, however were not able to convert their chances; Selby were ruthless in front of goal and the score ended 1-5. Despite the score this felt like a better performance as a team and the first home win can’t be far away! Player went to our super defender Rebecca for her usual awesome game play and being everywhere on the pitch. Tart went to Andrea for antics that resulted in 2 penalty flicks. Next up, Lindum away.
Ladies 3rd’s – NO GAME
Ladies 4th’s – NO GAME
Boys U14’s (10) vs. (2) City of York
In an exhilarating display of hockey at its finest, Slazenger under 14s team stormed to a commanding 10-2 victory over York Hockey Club. The two sides clashed in a game punctuated with moments of brilliance in a true testament to this great sport. From the start, Slazenger were evidently in fine form. The opening minutes saw an aggressive attack from the side, yielding two swift goals that cemented their early domination. York retaliated, their resolve unwavering as they managed to slot in a goal, leaving spectators at the edge of their seats.
Slazenger, undeterred, responded valiantly creating a series of efforts with the team ending the first half with a formidable 6-1 lead. In the second half, York displayed a notable determination to narrow the gap. Picking up an early goal, they skilfully manoeuvred their tactics to bolster their defence. Their goalkeeper made some impressive saves, posing a significant challenge for Slazenger. However, the culmination of Slazenger’s speed, technique, and tactical prowess proved too much for York. A flurry of goals followed, with Slazengers exploiting every opportunity that came their way to further their lead.
Talented Slazenger players, each demonstrating great skills, shared the goals. Notable mentions include Ollie who netted four, a hat trick for Aleks and Player of the Match, Owen, who scored twice, demonstrating remarkable stick skills and shooting accuracy. It was, however, Slazenger’s teamwork that really stole the show. Their impressive interplay, solid defensive line and ball control overpowered the commendable efforts of the York team. Though the score line suggests a significant difference, the game was far from one-sided. York HC demonstrated resilience, tenacity, and moments of wonderful play. All 22 players should hold their heads high after a battle well-fought.
