Ladies 3rd’s (2) vs. (0) Huddersfield 1st’s
The ladies 3’s were all set to take on the only team still able to catch them on league points, (they would need to still put an average of 15 goals in per game for the rest of the season to beat the incredible goal difference slaz currently has), the only question on everyone’s mind – why play hockey without teas??? (That question remains unanswered). The reward for todays game would therefore have to be taking the points and crown of league champions – which we did in style, there were numerous slips and slides throughout the game on the mossy school Astro for both sides which ranged in dramatic effect, Gemma’s clearly being the mist epic, but Slaz were able to demonstrate why they are in the league position they are with excellent team play.
Despite Hudddrsfields best efforts, midfield battles were won and today saw another clean sheet added to the Slaz defence tally, and tart Richtea managed to claim an assist from the back in the first half. Up front saw ‘The tall one’ and the ‘nearly 20’ duo run rings round the Huddersfield defence but it was the old gal up front who eventually put in the goals to secure the points and the championship. In other words: we played, we won (again), BISH BASH BOSH – job done. MVP Caro (aka the old gal) for the 2 goals)
Tart (best one ever) goes to Richtea – for understandably wanting to savour the moment (and clearly doing so for way too long) managed to get herself locked in the school grounds, sparking a huge relief effort from team captains, security firms and school care takers in order to secure her release.
Under 12 Girls League Play-offs – A Team Crowned League Champions
Again we had three teams out today for the league play offs. The A team were playing in Division 1 at Wakefield and the B&C team were playing at Slaz in Division 3&4. We had a super successful day with both the A and B team winning their respective leagues so were crowned league champions. So proud of all of these girls and what they have achieved!
Under 12 Girls A Team
Slazenger (2) vs. (0) Kingston-Upon-Hull
Slaz started strongly against Hull with the defence of Matilda and Lorna stopping any attacks. Rosie pushed the team forward with a lovely run down the left wing, crossing the ball which was quickly pounced on by Lauren who scored the opening goal.
The team continued to push forward with the attackers, Lauren and Edie, putting the opposition under pressure resulting in earning a short corner which they were unlucky to not score from. There was one break from Hull against the run of play but the defence easily stopped this and set the team off in attack. Rosie and Amelia worked well together in midfield with super sub Beth coming on in attack. The team won another short corner which was executed well by Amelia to Rosie at top D who converted making it 2-0 to end the game.
Slazenger (2) vs. (0) Lindum
The team came out strong for this game and were the most dominant team. The team had some lovely passing play which resulted in Amelia getting her first goal of the day. Again the defence of Matilda and Lorna worked well together to stop any attacks and set the team off quickly in a counter attack. Rosie and Amelia worked well in midfield to distribute the ball up the pitch to the forwards. Lauren, Beth and Edie worked hard to put pressure on the opposition and won a short corner. Again this short corner was well executed by Amelia and Rosie, with Rosie scoring her second goal of the day ending the game 2-0.
Slazenger (3) vs. (1) Thirsk
The team were full of confidence after their previous two wins and were rewarded with a goal scored by Beth who received the ball from a cross by Rosie. The team did not relax and continued to apply the pressure on the opposition winning another short corner. No surprises that this again was well executed by Amelia to Rosie who scored again! The next goal was created from the whole team who worked well passing the ball around, it was Lauren who had a shot which was just going wide but as ever Beth was in the right place at the right time and got her second goal of the day (but fifth goal of the weekend after her hattrick in the Devs game yesterday!) The opposition did manage to get one goal back after a break against the run of play during a short corner ending the game 3-1.
Slazenger (1) vs. (0) City of York
Well this was an absolute brilliant performance from the whole team. The defence of Lorna and Matilda, along with Rosie and Amelia in midfield ensured that the opposition attacks were stopped and set the team off in attack. Every single member of the team continued to work hard and were rewarded with a goal from Amelia against a very good York GK. Despite being the first team to score, they did not relax, knowing that York would want an equaliser. York did manage to get through the defence but GK Amie ensured that this shot was cleared well out of the D. Edie, Beth and Lauren all worked hard to apply the pressure on the opposition and the team were unlucky to not score again. They held off the opposition attacks to end the game 1-0 which made them undefeated and crowned U12 League Winners!
Girls U12 B Team
Slazenger (8) vs. (0) Huddersfield
During the first match, the team were on fire, scoring goals from within the first minute. They worked the ball up the field together as a team, with great positioning and crosses. Slaz dominated the game. Any opposition hits out had a press round the ball and defense stood solid. The goals came from Eleanor x 3 (hattrick), Darcie x 2, Izzy x 2 and one own goal ending the game 8-0!
Slazenger (4) vs. (0) Leeds Adel 2
This was another strong match from the girls, with brilliant team work through midfield and attack, using the width to get through the defence. A few breaks made from the opposition was easily dealt with my the defence and GK Lillianna was always ready for the few shots on goal. Phoebie and Katie worked well together making some great tackles, and distributing wide for Izzy, Harriette and Eleanor on the wings to push up the pitch. Phoebe H attacking was strong with Darcie down the centre, picking up crosses. There were goals from Phoebe H scoring a hattrick, picking up from rebounds and a beautiful roll out for one. Then the final goal of the game came from Eleanor who received a cross from Darcie ending the game a 4-0 win.
Slazenger (2) vs. (1) Leeds Adel 1
A tougher match for the girls, but they continued to battle hard. All the midfield and attackers work hard to track back and defend just as much as driving the ball up into attack. GK Lillianna worked hard blocking down shots on goal, with defence clearing wide. Darcie scored the first goal, but shortly after Leeds Adel managed to get through our defence, with a cross through the D which was converted. The girls kept going, with a solid clearances to the sides which were driven down the line, crossed and were unlucky to not result in goals. The team persevered and eventually Harriette crossed the ball to Eleanor who swept it in the net resulting in a well fought 2-1 win!
Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Leeds 1
It was clear the team was getting tired now but the girls battled on, with the game remaining 0-0 for the majority of the match. Despite plenty of shots on goal, the team were unfortunate to not convert. Then in the last two minutes, Leeds made a break and crossed a ball to an unmarked player on the post scoring and leaving us 0-1, in an unlucky final game. Nevertheless, the girls played some fabulous hockey today and came top of Division 3 for the first time – very well deserved and brilliant timing to be crowned Division 3 League winners!
Player went to Phoebie W, who made some great tackles and was solid in defence today including taking on a 3 on 1 break after a short corner and winning the ball! Thank you to Bella for umpiring and Gemma for managing the team.
Girls U12 C Team
There was some really encouraging play by the whole team today. There were members of the team playing in an U12 match for the first time and incredibly those still eligible to play in the U8’s with less experience than many of the opposition players, and there was a fairly even share of the ball and play, with the team really holding their own.
Impressively the team won their first match in this division, smashing it 3-0. The first goal was scored by Lyla who was set up for the goal by Penny and this was followed by a second goal for Lyla and the final goal score for Jess.
There were many other attempts at goal by Lyla, Jess, Penny and a chance by Ella, but they were unlucky not to quite find the back of the net. Nevertheless some great passing and teamwork and the team were looking really strong throughout the matches. Emmy, Georgie, Hollie and Ella showing some great skills and disrupting the other teams goal possession, despite some players being nearly twice the size of Ella and Penny. The team made great use of the pitch and created spaces for passes.
GK Lydia demonstrating her brilliant goal keeping skills and keeping the other team’s shots out of the goal. Player of the match went to Lyla, who has come on immensely in her hockey since joining halfway through the season – well deserved and congratulations! Thank you to Ruby for coaching, Rob for umpiring, Rich for managing the pitch and Cath for the match report. This has been a truly fabulous day for the u12 girls section and I’m so proud of all the girls and those who support them; coaches, umpires and parents. #DreamTeam
The U12 Boys A Team
Slazenger (1) vs. (2) Wakefield [Scorer – Owen]
Our first game was up against Wakefield and this was a game we really wanted to win. Wakefield appeared up for the game and took the game to us quickly, causing Ethan and Ollie problems from the start. Niolai was called upon a couple of times and make some good saves, although there was nothing he could do as Wakefield took the lead. Alfie, Nate and Charlie tried their best to get things moving in midfield, but we’re unable to have the impact they usually do. Owen ran the channels well from up front but was unable to make any pressure count. With a few minutes to go a beautiful goal from Alfie found Owen in the D, who finished the goal with a striker that finished in the roof of the net. A brilliant finish. With only a couple of minutes to play we were looking to hold on the the draw with Ethan and Ollie having to work hard in defense, with the help of the midfield players. That said, some dubious time keeping allowed Wakefield another chance from a short corner and we were punished with a strike which whizzed past Nikolai.
Slazenger (0) vs. (3) Chesterfield
We have played Chesterfield a number of times this season and always did well against them, but not this time. The whole team were slow to get going, from defense all the way to attack. Chesterfield started well causing no end of problems for Ethan and Ollie in defense and quickly took a 2-0 lead. Again, Charlie, Alfie and Nate tried toget things going, but to no avail. This meant Owen had to work hard and drop deep to get the ball, but was quickly crowded out. Chesterfield that scored a 3rd and too be honest, they deserved it. The boys were devastated with the defeat although they were to keep their head up and use he feeling to defeat to inspire there next performances.
Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Aire Valley
Our third game was against Aire Valley and the boys were visual fired up. Right from the start Charlie and Alfie tried to take control of the game, working hard in midfield and trying to create chances. Owen continued to work hard up front and was unlucky dragging a couple of shots wide. Nate worked hard on the left wing doing lots of running to win the ball back working well with Alfie. The main difference in this game was the huge improvement in defence work Ollie and Ethan being excellent, closing down defenders, clearing the ball and making some excellent tackles. We played well but we were unable to break the deadlock with Owen, Charlie, Alfie and Nate all going close.
Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Wakefield
Our next game was against Wakefield and we were determined to show the level of play we had expected in the previous game. The game was close, and we had a number of chances, with Alfie, Charlie and Owen causing the Wakefield defence all kind of issues, although as we have done this season, we were not clinical enough in front of goal. A couple of good saves from Nikolai and also a good performance from Ollie and Ethan, meant we kept another clean sheet.
Slazenger (1) vs. (1) Chesterfield [Scorer – Charlie]
The boys were determined to do better in this game and took the game to Chesterfield. Straight away this game had a very different feeling to the first Chesterfield game. We dominated midfield with Alfie working extremely hard, along with Nate and Charlie, as we looked to create chances to score. We created a number of chances with the Chesterfield goal keeper making some good saves, although we took the lead with a great finish by Charlie. Ethan and Ollie yet again were strong keeping the Chesterfield team at bay. That said, they had one chance and slotted the ball past Nikolai, who could do nothing to stop the ball.
Slazenger (2) vs. (0) Aire Valley [Scorers – Nate & Owen]
The lads wanted to finish strongly and with a win. We played really well through this game with Nikolai making a couple of important saves, Ethan and Ollie continuing their form from the previous couple of games, Nate working tirelesy down the left wing and eventually getting the goal he deserved. A cross from Charlie on the right, found Nate in the centre of the D, and he slotted the ball away well. We continued to work hard and another ball from Alfie found Owen who ran across the top of the D and finished with a sweet strike.
A tough start to the tournament today and the boys know they should have performed better in the first few games. That said, the character they all showed in the last three games was awesome and they should be proud of how they finished the day. Energy drinks all around before the next tournament. Player of the tournament went to Owen for not only his two great goals, but his hard work running the channels, as well has dropping deep to help midfield when needed. Well done and very much deserved. Apologies as I did not get the team pictures today
U12 Boys B team
Slazenger (1) vs. (1) Doncaster
A quick start from Doncaster gave them early pressure, but strong defending by Alastair, Zach, Louis and Daniel found Matthew up front who took a swept shot which unfortunately hit the crossbar and went over. Dominic made a several important saves and excellent clearances to keep Doncaster out and set the Slaz boys up for another attack from Noah and Matthew finding good space but the chances were kept out by a strong Doncaster defence.
Next came a short corner for Doncaster, quick pressure from Noah and Matthew and the shot was saved well again by Dominic. Doncaster showed good strength and skill to get past the Slaz defence from the long corner and had a shot from the top of the D which crept past the Slaz GK. From the restart Slaz went straight in the attack and good advantage play lead to Alistair and Matthew attacking the Doncaster D. A good initial save from Matthew’s shot was followed up and put away by Alistair. A 1-1 draw was a fair result with both teams.
Slazenger (0) vs. (2) Lindum
The Slaz boys made a good start and good attacking play on the right was defended well by the Lindum defence and they played a long ball up to their attacker who won a short corner which was put wide. Good defending from Louis and Daniel kept Lindum out and a good clearance from Dominic relieved the pressure. Lindum came straight back and scored a well taken goal. Slaz struggled to find their passes which lead to Lindum having more of the attacking chances. Alistair made some great tackles to keep them out. A good attack from Noah found Matthew at the top of the D on his reverse tried to flick past the Lindum GK but the ball was deflected wide. Zach made some great passes up to Noah and Matthew but the Lindum defence held out to thwart any Slaz attacks. More pressure from Lindum lead to there second goal in the last few seconds and the result was 2-0 to Lindum.
Slazenger (1) vs. (1) Kingston-Upon-Hull
A good start by Slaz lead to some good attacks but it was Hull who were first to get a short corner in their first attack. Noah and Matthew were quick out to defend the short corner which lead to Alistair making a strong run down the right. A good finish by Matthew gave Slaz the lead. Good defending from Daniel and Louis kept Hull under pressure and out of the D. Another Hull short corner was well saved by Dominic and cleared by Matthew which led to a Slaz attack. Noah drove into the D and took a quick lifted shot but he hit the post! Hull had one final attack which a top D shot was unluckily deflected past Dominic to make it 1-1 in the last second.
Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Chapeltown
Straight from the start Chapeltown pressured Slaz and won a short corner. It was well defended by Zach and Noah to clear. An attack by Matthew, Alistair and Noah won a short corner but the shot was stopped and Chapeltown broke away but a good save and clearance by Dominic stopped the attack. Daniel made a great tackle to stop the next Chapeltown attack. Zach made some great passes from the 16s to set Slaz away again but unfortunately nothing came from the attacks. Another fantastic double save from Dominic who stopped the Chapeltown 2 on 1 chance. It was a team performance all round but couldn’t make any of the chances count and the game finished nil-nil.
A good team performance from everyone today with special mention for Alistair who stepped up to the u12 team for the first time but the Player of the Tournament went to Dominic in goal for making great saves and clearances all day. Thanks to John and Gemma for managing the team and Jimmy for the match report.
