Men’s 1st’s (4) vs. (3) City of York 2nd’s
Richard Tuddenham, Jermane Cockerill (2) & Danny Perry wrapped up a 4 goal haul at home against visiting side City of York.
Men’s 2nd’s (3) vs. (0) Acomb 1st’s
The men’s 2nds hosted bogey side Acomb 1sts for the first time time season. After a run of poor results against the York side, Slaz were looking to put their new hockey style into action after a strong second half last week at Scarborough.
The side did not disappoint, playing the best structured hockey in years. The game was strongly controlled, with some impressive linkup play across all the middle of the pitch. With the time under control, it was only a matter of time before Ollie Leonard scored the first, with a second coming from Pete Gunning before the break. A second half was just as good and although Acomb sat deeper and absorbed much of the pressure, they conceded a penalty flick in the second half neatly converted by Damian Grieg. Slaz travel to Sheffield next week, looking to take their successful brand of hockey on the road.
Men’s 3rd’s (0) vs. (3) Ben Rhydding 4th’s
the 3rds travelled to Ilkley based Ben Rhydding, buoyed by their win last week. However, under an unusually hot sun, the visitors failed to convert their 90% possession into results. The home site enjoyed the better luck, converting 3 breakaway attempts into 3 goals. The 3rds look to get back to winning ways this week.
Men’s 4th’s (0) vs. (8) Aire Valley 3rd’s
No Report
Development Team (1) vs. (0) Chesterfield Development
The Development team were unbeaten going into this game, but were low on player numbers, so an away trip to Chesterfield looked like a tough proposition. However, both teams were evenly matched and a very even start to the game ensued. The first half was played end to end, with both teams having scoring chances. Great defence from Julie Bailey, Amelia Sykes, Isaac Rawlings, Lorna Godson and Richard Coughtrey, combined with a number of one on one saves from Keeper Amelie Satterthwaite denied Chesterfield, whilst Declan Buxton, Aleks Thompson, and Beth Buckley kept the Chesterfield defence busy. Slaz had the best scoring chances of the half, but the Chesterfield Keeper was playing a blinder and proved impassable, to keep the half time score at 0-0.
In the second half however, Slaz stepped up a gear. Ben Satterthwaite, Aleks Thompson and Owen Coughtrey controlled the midfield, keeping Chesterfield in their own half for prolonged periods. The deadlock was broken on 50 minutes and came from a short corner. The initial shot on goal from Owen Coughtrey was saved by the Chesterfield keeper, but Owen followed up his shot and scored from the rebound to take the lead. Slaz kept pushing, but were unable find a second goal. It was enough however to secure a third straight win for the Slaz juniors, who are improving each week.
Ladies 1st’s (2) vs. (1) Huddersfield Dragons 1sts
Away, goals from Nicci Swinden and Ni
Ladies 2nd’s (0) vs. (5) Sheffield Uni Bankers 2nd’s
Slaz ladies 2s travelled to Sheffield Uni Bankers this week. Bankers started professional and clinical , mounting pressure on the Slazenger defence. Bankers pressed well and didn’t allow Slazenger to get the ball over the half way line . Exhaustion hit and by half time Bankers had scored 3 goals. Half Time was needed to regroup and recharge with water and sweets. In the 2nd Half Slazenger came out much stronger and there was some lovely passes up the pitch . Captain Phe had a fight with a wasp, so she could have a rest on the bench. Slazenger had a great opportunity with a short corner, but unfortunately couldn’t capitalise. Bankers continued the pressure and scored 2 more goals with the final score being 5 Nil to Bankers.
U10 Girls
U10 Girls A Team (at Wakefield)
A fantastic and promising start to the season with all 3 matches won by the girls u10s 1st team.
Slaz (2) vs (1) City of York [Scorers: Darcie (1), Edie (1)]
The first match against York saw the girls finding their feet with the newly assembled team. Despite some nervousness from some of the newer members, everyone played a part in securing a 2:1 win. Lydia, Katie and Ella kept York away from goals in the first half, but York managed to sneak through quick scoring a goal. The girls came back strong with Matilda making some fab tackles. Darcie scored the 1st goal and 2nd goal from Edie, who ran in from the half way line to score.
Slaz (7) vs (0) Ben Rhydding [Scorers: Edie (4), Darcie (3)]
The girls looked strong into the second match with some great positioning on the wings from Georgie & Matilda, with some fab running to switch between defence & attack. 3 early goals from Edie saw Slazenger take a very early advantage. Some of the chances at goal being set up by Maia, who saw opportunities and made some great passes. Ben Rhydding made a break through at their one attempt at goal with Lydia coming out strong to block it.
Slaz (2) vs (0) Thirsk [Scorers: Darcie (1), Edie (1)]
Toughest match last, as both teams had won their previous 2 matches. Everyone came together as a team working to block Thirsk wherever possible. Lydia successfully blocked numerous attempts at goal that Thirsk created. Katie and Ella were kept busy blocking attempts, with great clearance working the ball up the wings with Georgie, Matilda and Maia showing form and determination to help block and challenge Thirsk’s players throughout the match. Darcie & Edie made some strong shots on goal, despite Thirsk defence being strong they scored one each.
Superb efforts by all, it should be an exciting season ahead. Player went to Ella, who should bags of improvement and made some crucial blocks in defence. Thanks to Mark Hammond for umpiring, Cath and Ben for helping out too.
U10 Girls B Team (at Chesterfield)
A spirited Slaz under 10’s Girls ‘B’ team were playing at Chesterfield today with depleted numbers. There were five teams in the draw with Chapeltown, Rotherham, Chesterfield, and Sheffield all opposing Slaz and it was going to be a tough day. Thanks go to the under 10 boys for lending William to assist in goal today.
Slaz (0) vs (0) Chesterfield
A great game with Slaz giving as good as they got. Some great individual skill on show with great breaks from Isabella and Penny, with Savannah playing the balls through to good effect. Francis worked hard getting into the ‘D’ but to no avail. This game saw the defence with little to do but still showing their skills when required. Unfortunately the goals didn’t come but a clean sheet game 1.
Slaz (0) v (1) Rotherham
Another close game but the sustained pressure from Rotherham finally paid off with a goal but standout moments for William with defence of his goal by closing down players at the last and forcing some shots wide. Bridget working hard in defence and tracking players out to the wings before strong sweeps to clear the ball and the pocket rockets that were Penny and Isabella. Savannah started to hold position in the centre much better allowing for more of a pivot role and Francis was then able to get higher on the pitch but dropped to support. Really starting to play as a team.
Slaz (0) vs (5) Chapeltown
Really tough team for Slaz 2, as they played the standout team of the day. A visibly older and experienced team made it really tough for Slaz with the majority of the game in their own half but as a team they showed great resilience and persevered. Bridget again finding things tough with a stand in defensive partner but onlooking parents of opposition teams commented on how nice it was to see Slaz trying to play wide and expansive hockey rather than playing down the centre as many of their age.
Slaz (0) vs (3) Sheffield
Facing another older and more experienced team, Slaz were able to find the width and release some good counter attacking play. Francis made some fantastic runs finding space and drawing players brilliantly but the opposition kept intercepting the final pass each time. Isabella covered so much ground working her socks off to get the ball, Savannah had some great positional play calling for the ball when clear and trying to release the opposite wing. Penny as energetic as ever with lots of chasing and getting her stick on the ball. Bridget was again put through her paces in defence but managed her space much better as well as assisting our loan defender. And William happy as ever smiling and booting the ball whenever he could, with his head held high as he played his best.
Some tough matches today, but as a first tournament for most there were promising signs for the future of our hockey and lovely comments from opposing teams parents about the drive and determination of our players along with the style of hockey they are developing. Thanks to Will for umpiring, Richard Andrew Syrett, Rob & Donna for coaching.
U10 Boys
Today was the start of the season for Slazenger U10 boys who had 3 players making their debut with the team. All the boys contributed to a successful opening tournament finishing 2nd in the league.
Slazenger (3) vs. (0) Bradford [Scorers: Matthew 2, Alistair 1]
An impressive start to the tournament for the boys, the midfielders and forward kept the ball in the attacking half for the majority of the game, with defence only being called into action on 2 occasions, leaving Nikolai in goal to chill out and appreciate the great hockey on display!
Slazenger (3) vs. (0) Adel 2 [Scorers: Matthew (2), Dominic]
The boys started strong with some great play from midfield leading to an early goal, Adel came back fighting and the Slaz defence had its first test of the tournament but the boys held firm and managed to dominate the remainder of the game, grabbing another couple of goals.
Slazenger (1) vs. (5) Halifax [Scorers: Dominic]
Halifax had a solid start and despite some great defence along with some saves from Harry (who had switched from midfield to goal) the Slaz boys just couldn’t keep the ball out of the goal and soon found themselves 2-0 down, however some resilient defence and a great clearance soon led to Slaz making a break and managing to score. Unfortunately Halifax just proved too strong and went on to score a further 3 goals.
Slazenger (2) vs. (1) Adel [Scorers: Noah, Matthew]
Despite the previous defeat the boys went into the goal with their heads held high, some resilience and perseverance led to the opening Slaz goal, but the boys then found themselves defending deep, luckily a great clearance sent the boys back up the pitch to claim their 2nd goal.
Each of the boys played a huge part in the success of the morning: Nikolai and Harry – amazing performance outfield and in goal. Matthew and Dominic – great positional play upfront. Freddie and Zach – absolutely solid in defence. Alistair, Vinnie and Noah – relentless in midfield and attack. Player of the tournament went to Zach for his outstanding debut with the U10 boys. Thank you to Gemma Wroe and John Sykes for coaching the boys today. And thanks to Gemma for the brilliant match report and Annabelle for being top time keeper and score keeper! And special thanks to Bella Kidd, Ruby Rodgers and Amelia for umpiring all todays games.
