Ladies 2nd’s (0) vs. (4) Aire Valley
Yesterday was our final home game of the season. The sun had sadly decided it had had enough for the day and it was starting to spit, but this didn’t dampen our spirits. The game started strong for Slaz, with good passes and defending and we even managed to secure a few short corners but couldn’t put any of them away. The game continued with possession and play mainly being dominated by Slaz. However, sadly despite some moments of great play, we let 2 goals in, the first into the top corner almost taking people’s heads off, the second was conceded following a lapse of concentration from Slaz.
Throughout the second half Aire Valley really stepped it up and were playing smart hockey. Slaz failed to raise the game to this level and were getting caught on breaks. However, tight defending and mid getting back, meant that we stopped multiple attempts from seeking our net. We had a few team theatrics with Donna forgetting she needing to keep hold of her stick to play hockey, and Ruby with an impressive floor roll. Unfortunately, the game continued to not go our way and the score ended 4-0. This weeks player went to Alex for some great runs down the pitch and strong tackles/ interceptions.
Ladies 3rd’s (7) vs. (0) Aire Valley 3rd’s
The ladies 3 were host to Airedale 3 in their final league game of the season. Already champions an unbeaten season was now the aim. Sternly worded messages about prompt meet time was missed Nic an Loz (too little too late for all that Jus) but the sun was shinning and the game kicked off on time.
From the off Airedale played some good hockey, Slaz in turn played some better hockey, missed some, scored lots and didn’t let any in what else needs to be said! Oh except Loz got her first ever hat trick!!
Ladies 3 – unbeaten League champions!!
Under 10 Girls
The U10 girls were out on full form today as we took on the group stage of the cup. The pouring rain at the start of the tournament didn’t dampen their spirits as they started the tournament as they meant to go on – strong! The girls were strong throughout, with some of the best hockey I’ve seen them play. Coming together as a team, hungry for the ball, and the goals, the girls showed grit and determination that was unmatched.
Some great crosses into the D set up most players resulting in goals, their wins really were from a team effort. Some highlights the girls really stood out for – Lydia as always standing strong and making some great saves when balls snuck through. Edie, Darcie & Ella showing some particularly strong skills on the ball to get round players. Hollie & Georgina made some cracking tackles and showed relentless drive to get the ball from the opposition. Sophie did some lovely roll outs to get past players. Katie strong balls setting up the attacks/ goals from free hits. Penny making some great runs and great positioning on the field – both being on the post for crossed balls and defending the opposition hit outs.
The girls celebrated coming top of the group and their 16 goal difference points (double the second of the group!) with a well deserved McDonald’s trip! Well done girls, you’ve continue to make me a very proud coach! Player went to Hollie, who had a storming tournament, showing grit and battling to win the ball – never giving up. Thank you as ever to Mark for umpiring and Rob for his help.
Slaz (4) vs. (1) Sheffield [Scorers: Edie (2), Darcie (2)]
Slaz (3) vs. (0) Harrogate [Scorer: Darcie (3)]
Slaz (4) vs. (0) Kingston-upon-Hull [Scorers: Edie (3), Darcie]
Slaz (4) vs. (0) Leeds Adel [Scorers: Edie (2), Darcie (2)]
Slaz (2) vs. (0) Driffield [Scorer: Darcie (2)]
U10 Boys (England Hockey Club)
The U10 Boys were playing yesterday in the England Hockey Cup – Yorkshire Qualifying round and impressed with the standard of hockey. The final results mean that the boys qualify for the Cup finals day on the 28th April which is a brilliant result!
Slazenger (1) vs. (1) Sheffield
It was strong start from the boys despite playing a team who were the u10 league winners. Noah worked hard in midfield, and intercepted the ball and found Matthew in the D who scored from a tight angle. Zach kept the Sheffield attacks out with some superb tackles and passes out to midfield to set off the attacks. Sheffield started playing well with some good attacking but the Slaz boys were very organised with Freddie making a crucial tackle at the top of the D to stop the attack and started the Slaz boys off in attack. Sheffield won a short corner which was kept out but it hit a defenders foot on the line wining them a flick. GK Nikolai went the right way for the save but the flick was scored. The game ended with a final short corner and a great save from Nikolai which was followed up by Mathew who cleared to the side which meant the match ended in a very good 1-1 result for Slaz against a very strong Sheffield team.
Slazenger (2) vs. (0) City of York B
CoY started fast and a great save by Nikolai, the defence and Vinnie cleared the attack. A great attack down the left by Alistair passed to Noah who passed to Matthew in the D who reverse flicked past the York GK. The CoY attacks were kept out of the Slaz D with a great tackle by Harry S and Freddie which turned defence into attack through Noah and Dom through to Matthew who found the goal again with another reverse flick. Freddie made some great tackles and with Zach and Little Harry in defence it kept the CoY attacks out. There were some greats attacks from Alistair, Dom and Noah who won Slaz a short corner but York kept it out and the game finished with Slaz on top with a 2-0 victory.
Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Doncaster
There was a good start by Slaz and a good chance for Matthew whose shot was saved and Doncaster broke. A good first save from Nikolai kept the chance out but a short corner was given. A quick break out by Noah put pressure on the Doncaster striker who shot wide. There were some good attacks from Slaz who were held out by a strong Doncaster defence. With Doncaster the stronger team (they had won the league play offs this season), they made chances but the solid Slaz defence of Zach, Freddie and Little Harry backed up by Nikolai and kept the attacks out. A quick ball by Noah sent Matthew off in attack but his shot was deflected out for a long corner. Alistair, Vinnie and Dom made some great tackles to set Slaz back on the attack and pushed the team forward. It was Doncaster who scored after they broke away with a great interception, played good passing hockey to take out the Slaz defenders and score past Nikolai. Harry S fought back to put pressure on the opposition to win the ball back but unfortunately the chance was kept out by the Doncaster defence. Slaz were on top making chance after chance for Noah and Matthew but they couldn’t turn their possession into goals. Zach and Freddie were solid in defence with their tackles keeping a strong Doncaster team to 1-0.
Slazenger (3) vs. (0) Kingston-Upon-Hull
A good short corner routine by Slaz was well saved by the Hull GK. Despite a strong start, Slaz kept the pressure on and but couldn’t make their chances count in front of goal. There was a great interception from Alistair who made a great run into the D to slot the ball in the goal making it 1-0. Slaz kept the pressure on with chances for Noah, Matthew and Alistair was all kept out by some brilliant Hull saves.
Some good defending from Zach and Freddie kept Hull out of the Slaz D with Nikolai as sweeper keeper setting Slaz back on the attack with Matthew and Vinnie both having chances. A great team goal from Zack to Alistair who burst down the right wing and found Mathew at the top of the D who took a quick rare front stick shot and goal. A quick attack set up Matthew who made it 3 with a reverse flick past the hull GK. Dom made a great run into the D but was stopped again by a good Hull defence. An excellent performance by all, the boys dominated and created many chances with the game ending 3-0, a result was well deserved.
Slazenger (1) vs. (0) Barnsley
It was a good start and constant pressure from the off by Matthew, Noah and Alistair making chances which lead to Dom who made it 1-0. A Slaz short corner was very well saved by the Barnsley GK. Slaz kept the pressure on but couldn’t make their chances count. There was fantastic defending from the Slaz boys, with midfield working back. Alistair, Freddie, Harry S and little Harry stopped the Barnsley attacks. Barnsley did not give up and continued to apply pressure at the end of the game but the Slaz boys held out for the 1-0 victory with Nikolai not having to make a save. Player of the tournament was Matthew with 5 goals today and even one on his open stick!
A big thank you to Nikolai, Vinnie, Dom, little Harry and Harry S who all showed great sportsmanship by volunteering to play for Hull throughout the tournament. Thanks to Gemma for managing the team and James for the match report.
Boys Under 14 (1) vs. (1) Harrogate [Scorer: Aleks]
Today saw the U14’s boys line up against Harrogate. Both teams were in great form making for an absorbing encounter. With Slaz being ready for the challenge after some great training sessions recently with Steve Wood.
Ally once again put in a brilliant performance in goal, with the odd comedy dive for good value. Slazenger soon started to display some brilliant teamwork and managed to win the battles in midfield by strong play of Jack, Seth, Owen C and James. This gave the team the confidence to play their best hockey since the Christmas break. Ollie came close to putting Slazenger in the lead and the pressure was building with great movement from Aleks and Owen W up front.
With the luxury of 3 subs, Slazenger was able to keep fresh legs on with Oliver, Declan and Evan adding to the brilliant teamwork on show. A good team talk at the break from the coaches, got the boys focused to get something from this game. Slazenger were very unlucky to get caught out on a quick break and went 0-1 down. But like any great team, they kept their believe and stepped it up in the last quarter, regaining their foothold. An excellent pass through by George to Aleks who held his nerve and expertly took it passed the GK for the well-deserved equaliser, 1-1.
The match was a great advert for hockey, with both teams displaying tactical prowess and tenacity. This match was again a testament to Slazenger’s tenacious spirit, tremendous teamwork and hard work in training. Player of the Match – Seth. Thanks to Karl & James for umpiring and to our team baker Georgia for another scrumptious after match treat
