Men’s 1st’s (1) vs. (2) Boston Spa 1st’s
In a frustrating encounter, Slazenger found themselves on the end of a 2-1 defeat after dominating the majority of the game. Boston Spa went ahead in the early minutes of the game, and it remained that way until the closing minutes of the game. Slaz dominated possession, but struggled to convert their possession. In the closing minutes, Slaz converted a short corner; Tommy Randle completed an impressive flick to beat the keeper. However, the joy was short lived, as Boston Spa scored a winner minutes later to keep the points.
Men’s 2nd’s (4) vs. (3) Scarborough 1st’s
The men’s second team hosted top of the league side Scarborough 1sts, coming away with a surprise giant killing and 3 points in their league campaign. The game showed the best strengths of the 2nds; who started with a high press and a confident pace. The home side scored first through a short corner routine Damian Greig completed. With the home team keeping the pace high, Keith Leonard scored a second rocket, fired into the top of the net from the edge of the circle.
In the second half, Scarborough came back into the game, scoring 2 well worked goals with some strong individual skills, demonstrating why they are top of the league. However Slaz struck back; another short corner routine and another scramble goal shared by Damian Greig and James Swinden kept the home side ahead. In the closing minutes, Scarborough netted a 3rd to close the gap, but time ran out on them. Slaz travel to Acomb next week, looking to replicate their form.
Men’s 3rd’s (0) vs. (4) Ben Rhydding 5th’s
Men’s 3rd’s travelled to Ben Rhydding for a tough encounter. Ultimately, Slaz were not able to convert a significant degree of possession into scores.
Men’s 4th’s (0) vs. (2) Aire Valley 4th’s
Another disappointing week for the 4th team as we travelled to Aire Valley to face their 4th team. Two first half goals put Slazenger’s behind one in the opening minutes and the second shortly before the half time whistle. Chances were few and we were unable to capitalise to establish a foothold on the game. The second half however was better defensively as we didn’t concede again. final score 2-0 Aire Valley.
Ladies 1st’s (2) vs. (3) Rotherham 1st’s
This week, the Ladies 1st’s hosted Rotherham 1st’s. Rotherham took all 3 points. Goals from Slaz were scored by Jessica Rudge and Emma Williams.
Ladies 2nd’s (3) vs. (5) Skipton 1st’s
This week Slaz had an early start to travel to play Skipton away. As ever Slaz started off slow and Skipton got an early goal. Skipton kept the pressure on Slaz and and scored 3 more goals. Slaz responded having gained a short corner and after a strike from Stacey, Courtney was in the rebound and got Slaz’s first goal first half ended 4-1 to Skipton.
Slaz started the second half strong and pressured Skipton from the off. There was good passing from Slaz who looked like they wanted this making the 50/50 balls. The pressure paid off and Slaz got their 2nd goal following a strike from Stacey, Evie got the rebound to take the score to 4-2. Tracy saved a flick and Slaz got another burst of energy earning a short corner but could not capitalise. Skipton caught Slaz on the break and ended up gaining a short corner and scoring.
Slaz responded well with a lovely goal from Lucy on the reverse into the top right corner. Both teams battled until the end and the final result was 5-3 to Skipton.
Ladies 3rd’s (4) vs. (2) Cleckheaton 1st’s
Jack Frost playing out in Sheffield overnight lead to mixed emotions in the Minchella house (mini Minch sulking over a cancelled game while the other happily dug kit out of the wash basket after a quick call to captain Jus). The last minute team changes, Bailey’s sudden realisation at the meet time that she wasn’t playing at Slazenger or that she could navigate her way through Heckmondwike, and the sweltering changing room temperatures were never going to be good preparation for the game, but Slaz started strong and shortly after the push back Lucy H was set up for the first goal of the morning. Cleckheaton came back soon after and somehow after a goal mouth scramble managed to equalise.
End to end battles saw the score line go from 1:1 to 2:1 up with Mia slotting home a text book cross from the back line, and then Cleckheaton pulling it back to 2:2 for half time. Slaz sorted themselves out for the second half after realising that the playmaker in the hat had actually removed said hat they began to boss the second half. Working the ball out from the back, tackling in 2’s passing in triangles, lead running up front – just generally playing simple hockey well, set up Caro on her quest for top goal scorer to add 2 goals to her tally and making it 4 for Slaz. Final score 4:2
Tart vote shared with Maisie (great call for the ball but then ‘oh no’ when the pass came) and May for not knowing where she’s playing or going. MVP – shared by Lucy H (great positioning and goal) and May (redeeming herself with great work rate and supportive play)
Ladies 4th’s (1) vs. (0) Sheffield University Bankers 3
The ladies 4th Team faced second in the league, Sheffield Bankers 3rd Team, at home this weekend. Having lost 6-1 in the away game, Slazenger were expecting a tough game. However, Slazenger got on the pitch with their heads up and more than held their own. Sophie Longfield proved her continued improvement, feeding the ball down the left to Mandy Greenwood who narrowly missed a shot on goal. Francesca Chromiakova, in mid-field, worked tirelessly with Rebecca Green to halt the opposition’s attack. Gemma Wroe was absolutely solid at the back and Sarah Paverley was her usual brilliant self.
0-0 at half time, getting back on the pitch Slazenger we’re soon awarded a short corner and with the 4’s supporting Sarah Sykes’ return following injury, she was the obvious choice and absolutely nailed it. 1-0 to Slazenger’s. The Bankers upped their game thereafter but could not get through the excellent play of Emily Roberts or keeper Charlotte Richardson. A win for the Slazenger ladies.1-0. Player – Emily Roberts, Tart – Francesca Chromiakova and Sarah Paverley.
Boys U14’s (1) vs. (1) Chesterfield
Close Contest Ends in 1-1 draw for BU14 Slazenger against Chesterfield. After the Christmas break reshuffle, the Slazenger U14 boys were ready for the challenge in Division 1 . With both teams in great form and equally matched, it made for an absorbing encounter.
From the onset, the game was dictated by high-energy plays that kept spectators engrossed. Slazenger had the better start of the match with some great attacking play, and changes were created for Ollie, Aleks and Declan. Evan was unlucky not to put his team in the lead when his shot was saved. A quick counter attack from Chesterfield saw the Slaz defence scrambling back but Chesterfield found a small gap near post to score. Slazenger equalised within minutes after a quick pass from George up to Seth onto Ollie in the D who expertly went round the GK. Even though Slazenger had the better of the play the first half concluded with a score line of 1-1.
In the second half, Slazenger kept up their great passing game as displayed in the first half. Both Owen and Jack were dominating the play in midfield with brilliant support from Declan and Oliver. Chesterfield kept pushing to get back in the lead but the defence of George, Isaac and Harry was outstanding. Goalkeeper George made some brilliant saves to keep a clean sheet in the second half. Aleks came close to clinching the win but his shot miraculously bounced off both posts and went over the side-line. The match was a great advert for hockey, with both teams displaying tactical prowess and tenacity. Despite a close score-line, this match was again a testament to Slazenger’s tremendous teamwork.
Under 12 Boys
The boys were out and about again today in Div 2 at Wakefield. Sadly, when we arrived at Wakefield it was evident the pitch was not fit to play on, although we decided to play ‘friendly matches’ on 3/4 of the pitch, to ensure the boys got to play.
Slazenger (2) vs. (1) Wakefield [Scorers: Owen, Will]
We were on first against Wakefield and we were dominant from start to finish, with Nikolai in goal having very little to do. From Ethan and Ollie at the back, to Will, Alfie and Charlie in midfield, and Owen up front, we were the ones who wanted the ball the most and this paid off with a great finish from Owen following a flowing move through the team. We continued to soak up the pressure and hit Wakefield on the break with Alfie and Charlie causing the Wakefield defence all kind of issues. A second goal soon came with a great cross from Ollie finding Will, who slotted the ball home with ease. A couple of changes with Nate coming on for Charlie and Dominic for Ollie. We continued to dominate the game, with Nate and Dominic doing there jobs well to keep the Wakefield defence at bay. That said, a good move by Wakefield and a flurry of sticks and tackles in the D lead to a lucky goal for Wakefield, with there being nothing Nikolai could have done.
Slazenger (2) vs. (0) Chesterfield [Scorers: Will, Owen]
Our second game was against Chesterfield and it was similar to our first game, where we dominated from the start. Dominic started in defence with Ethan this time, and they were very assured at the back, keeping the Chesterfield attack to minimal chances. Any half chances they did have were cleared up with no fuss. Will continued to dominate in midfield, spreading the ball to the wings and up to Owen at the first opportunity. Alfie and Charlie worked hard in the wings again, and Charlie terrified the Chesterfield defence with every attack we had, using his skill and pace and get down the wing, creating chance after chance, one of which was met by Will, who again finished with composure. Chesterfield tried to get back in the game but were confidently stopped by Ethan, Dominic and Ollie, when he came on. Moving forward we continued to be ruthless, with Alfie, Will and Charlie creating chance after chance. Another mazey run by Charlie found Owen in the D who slotted the ball home with what turned out to be the last touch of the game.
Slazenger (4) vs. (0) Aire Valley [Scorers: Owen (3), Charlie]
We went into the last game full of confidence, and now playing on a full size pitch, knowing that a win here would mean we finished top of the, for today only, ‘friendly league div 2’. Yet again we were dominant and Aire Valley could not deal with the speed and intensity that we played at. All the boys gave 100% for the whole game, with us driving forward at every opportunity. Ethan, Dominic and Ollie hardly had anything to do, but when they were called into action, they were solid and did not give our opponents a sniff. Again the midfield and attack were ruthless, with Will dominating the midfield and Alfie and Charlie been at their menacing best. Yet again Charlie made endless runs down the right, skinning the Aire Valley players at every occasion before putting some lovely crosses into the box, before eventually getting on the score sheet himself. Charlie, Alfie, and Will created lots of chances for Owen up front, who was clinical and composed today, slotting home 3 goals, leading us to a convincing win.
Today has to be one of the proudest in my coaching career, as all the boys gave everything in all the games, showing everyone what they are capable of achieving for the remainder of the season. The boys should take huge confidence from the games and results today, because had we been playing in the normal format, we would have been promoted to Div 1. I am sure this will happen next time out. That’s the aim next time boys. Well done and super proud of you all.
Player of the tournament this week was very difficult due to the solid performances throughout the team. That said, the player of the tournament went to Charlie Hammond who terrified the opposition ( not my words ) defences with his wing play today, showing awesome pace and skill, whilst also creating a number of assists and getting on the score sheet himself too. Big shout out to Tim Michael for umpiring again. Much appreciated as always.
U12 Girls Match reports
The U12 Girls teams were back playing yesterday with three teams out for this section in some cold conditions but they had some fantastic results! The 2s and 3s team were playing in Division 3 and 4 at Slazengers and the 1st team were playing in Division 1 at Wakefield.
Under 12 C Team
The 3s squad consisted of some experienced players, a couple of newer players and a few u10s stepping up and there was some encouraging play from the team throughout the tournament. The whole team showed some great Slaz spirit against some often much older and more experienced players. The team played some lovely hockey again today with mixed results; won 1, drew 1 and lost 3.
There were some good saves from GK Lydia who helped to keep the opposing teams goals down and she is growing in experience and confidence. Harriette was determined today and worked hard to push the ball up the pitch, scoring the goal for the Slaz team today which resulting in the team’s win. There were a number of other attempts at goal by Jess, Emmy and Georgie, who worked well in midfield to bring the ball up into the attacking D. Lyla, who has only been playing a couple of months showed some strong tackles and working the ball up the field.
Whilst they might have been fazed at times when up against much bigger players, Ella and Penny formed a good partnership in defence. The whole team should be proud of their performance today but Penny was awarded player of the tournament for great positioning on the pitch. Well done everyone and big thank you to Ruby FF for managing the team, Cath for the match report and Rich for managing the pitch.
Under 12 B Team
Slazenger (4) vs. (0) Leeds Adel 3
This was a great start to the tournament with a 4-0 win against Adel 3. Phoebe H worked hard in midfield feeding the ball into the D. Katie and Phoebie were solid in defence with Lillianna not even touching the ball! Izzy scored early from an interception on a hit out, taking the ball straight to the top of the D and scoring a fabulous goal. The second goal came from a great cross from Phoebe to Darcie. Darcie crossed to Izzy for her 2nd goal making it 3-0. Eleanor scored from a text book short corner leaving the game 4-0.
Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Leeds Adel 1
Whilst the game was dominated by Slaz and we had some great play across the pitch, Leeds Adel defence stayed strong. There were some close shots on goal with Phoebe and Darcie making an attacking break. The luck was not on Slaz’s side with another shot rebounding off the post. The defence worked hard, with Lillianna making some great clearances. Showing true team spirit, it was Izzy who ran back when the opposition made an attacking break and cleared the ball off the line after Lillianna made the first save but was drawn out of goal ending the game 0-0.
Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Leeds 2
This was the toughest match with the defence of Katie and Pheobie having to work working hard to stop the Leeds attacks. Leeds made several strong attacks as a team, which drew our players out, but there were some great saves, intercepts and tackles as all the team worked hard. The game ended with a well earned draw 0-0.
Slazenger (2) vs. (0) Adel 2
Slaz looked strong in their final match, they worked hard as a team, and they were hungry for the ball and the win! Eleanor scored early on with a great shot at goal and then again from a cross into her from the wing. Phoebe H continued to stay solid in midfield feeding the ball into the D. There were good runs up the wings from Eleanor and Izzy, and Darcie applied the pressure in the D and put pressure on the opposition during free hits ending the game 2-0.
There was some great hockey from Slaz 2s, and they were unlucky not to come top of the division, missing out by only one point as Leeds 2 had a score draw. Player of the tournament went to Izzy for her amazing goals (top right corner of the net from top of the D) and her work-rate for getting back to defend including saving what would have been a goal. Massive thanks to Bella for umpiring and Gemma for managing the team!
Under 12 A Team
Slazenger (4) vs. (0) Sheffield
The team started strongly and pushed forward, with a lucky deflection it was Ruth who opened the scoring for the team. The team continued to apply the pressure, Rosie showed off her skills taking the ball into the D, finding Edie who had a shot on goal which was deflected into the goal by Rosie. The defence of Lorna, Tilda and Amelia ensured that Ami had no threats from the opposition. Beth and Lauren worked hard on the wings to attack the D and had further chances on goal but it was Ruth and Rosie who were both rewarded with another goal each ending the game 4-0.
Slazenger (4) vs. (0) Lindum
The girls started confidently after their first win and it was Beth who scored the first goal for the team. The team won a short corner which was executed superbly by Rosie whose shot was deflected into the back of the net. The team continued to control the game with Rosie crossing to Edie who scored from a first time shot. Again the defence of Lorna and Tilda held off the opposition attacks and the forwards worked hard and were rewarded with another goal scored by Rosie ending the game 4-0.
Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Thirsk
The next game was against a very physical Thirsk and whilst the girls played well, it was an early goal for the opposition after a mistake in defence that opened the scoring. Despite the tactics from the opposition, the girls fought back hard and were really unlucky to not score from the chances they created.
Slazenger (0) vs. (0) City of York
The final game was a brilliant game of hockey from both sides, with York opening the scoring from a short corner. But there was a quick response from Slaz, the ball was crossed into the D from Rosie and it was a top class finish from Beth into back of the net to bring the team level. Ami kept the team in the game with some crucial saves, and Lorna and Tilda made some strong tackles. Rosie worked hard in midfield until she could run no more and Lauren, Beth, Edie and Ruth worked tirelessly in attack but could not secure the winning goal ending the game 0-0. The results meant the girls finished second in the division with some great hockey but it was Beth who had a stand out performance today with two goals to her name!
