Match Reports: 2nd & 3rd March

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Kingston-Upon-Hull
Tough first match as Hull came out came out strong. The girls were full of drive and determination but our attacks were blocked as they flooded defence, at several points having all their players in the D. Unfortunately on one of their breaks close to the end of the match they sneaked one past us, leaving us at a 1-0 loss. 

Slazenger (4) vs. (0) Driffield [Scorers: Darcie x3, Edie]
The girls weren’t letting their heads fall, they came back fighting. Blocking the ball getting through our defence and some fabulous work mid-field to work around players. Special call out to Hollie’s first time in this division, showing some lovely drives up the field. Great crosses between Edie & Darcie secured us a 4-0 win. 

Slazenger (5) vs. (0) Northallerton [Scorers: Edie x 2, Darcie x 3]
More great work from the girls. Just before they went back on, we spoke about using the width more to go down the sides, down the wings and then in the D – the girls put this into practice lovely, with wings working harder and finding great space. We saw strong balls push up from defense and then movement all the way through. Brilliant tackles kept the ball in our attacking half. 

Slazenger (1) vs. (0) City of York [Scorers: Darcie]
After coming second in our group we played York, the winners from the other group. It was a tough match, but the girls were hungry for it, they worked hard, tackling and pushing the team wide away from the D. Running back to defend – with no players left unmarked when it was in our D. Making a break from clearing in our D, Edie pushed the ball up field in to Darcie to score the goal that pushed us through to the final.

Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Kingston-Upon-Hull
The final match was a nerve wrecking 13mins as the ball ping ponged back and forth, we had numerous attempts on goal, but the Hull keeper kept them away. Tensions reached peaked as the match ended a 0-0 draw, leading to a dramatic finish that pushed the game into shuffles to determine the win. I’m not sure who was more nervous the girls, me or the parents on the side line! The girls showcased their skills and composure under immense pressure, level after the first 5 shuffles with both teams scoring 2 (Edie & Katie), then to knock outs – Edie up next – she scored, then back to Hull – Lydia stepped up shaking, but with her team behind her whatever she took a deep breath and came straight out to block the ball and followed up for final measure making the final save to win us the playoffs! 

I’m so proud of what the girls have achieved, today they showed brilliant support for each other, alongside their great skills and teamwork I believe it won them their success.  Player went to Edie for her brilliant teamwork and grit, continuing to push through helping her team from defence all the way to driving the ball forward to attack. But because I like to break the rules, and the fact that it couldn’t go unrecognized at what strength and composure it takes to stand up and take on 7 shuffles to win or lose the playoffs – I awarded a second player of the tournament to Lydia! Thank you to Mark for umpiring, and both Mark and Rob for their help coaching the team. 

This was the last tournament for the B team and thankfully the weather stayed kind for us . We saw some brilliant defending from Isabella, Bridget and Matilda working as a great trio protecting the goal and making some crunching tackles . There was some effective distribution to transition the ball out of the defence and up to our attackers. Up to our midfield / attackers , there were some brilliant interceptions and tackles from Maia, Savannah , Grace and Frances . Madison was in great positions and always shouting for the next ball . 

Madison found the goal again in this tournament with some great linking in with Grace and Matilda and slotted a solid goal in from the penalty spot area. William made some crucial saves as usual in this tournament and showed great accuracy clearing the ball to the sides. Despite the scores, the girls and William did amazing , working brilliant as a team and never giving up . They have made us proud this season, improving so much with each tournament. Player went to Grace this week with great attacking runs , interceptions and linking in with Madison . Thank you to Rich for coaching and Donna for the match report.

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Aire Valley
A strong start from Aire Valley put the Slaz boys under pressure from the first whistle of the game. Despite some great defending from Harry S and Zach (with midfield helping out too) and some super saves from Nikolai, the boys couldn’t keep Aire Valley off the score sheet. The boys had a couple of chances with a great cross through the D by Noah to Dom and later on a shot put wide by Noah but were unable to capitalise ending the game 0-1. 

Slazenger (4) vs. (1) Adel
The boys were not deterred after their initial loss and came out strong. Noah worked hard in midfield to push the team forward and Matthew scored a superb goal shooting from the base line! This first goal gave the boys the confidence needed and it was Noah who scored next after intercepting the ball from a 16, scoring from a great strike from the top of the D. Nikolai when needed made some great saves along with Zach, Harry S and Harry R in defence who worked incredibly hard and cleared the ball to set the team into attack. Matthew had a shot saved which was followed up by Noah who scored. The boys concentration lapsed and the opposition managed to get a goal back. The team fought back and some quick passing from Noah to Vinnie, who crossed the ball which was hit first time by Noah. There was a goal line scramble and the team scored – goal given to Nikolai! This ended the game 4-1. 

Slazenger (3) vs. (1) City of York
The team started strongly but it was York who scored first against the run of play. Again the team fought back and Matthew played a great lifted ball through to Vinnie who timed his run to score the equaliser. The team continued to apply the pressure with Matthew playing another ball through to Noah who ensured that he scored to put the boys in the lead. The boys did not stop applying the pressure, and Zach and Harry S in defence were quick to stop any attacks. Noah worked tirelessly in midfield to put the pressure on the opposition. It was Matthew to score next making it 3-1 and a final goal scored by Dom ended the game 4-1. 

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Aire Valley
The boys played some much better hockey in this second game against Aire Valley. The defence of Harry S, Harry R and Zach made some well timed and strong tackles. Vinnie and Dom worked well getting back to defend and pushing up in attack. GK Nikolai made some crucial saves and set the team off in attack but they could not convert their chances into goals. It was Aire Valley who managed to get the only goal of the match ending the game 0-1. 

Slazenger (1) vs. (1) Leeds Adel
We had a switch up with Nikolai coming outfield and Harry S going in as GK. It was the opposition who scored first in this game despite the teams efforts. Harry R, Dom and Vinnie worked well on the wings. Nikolai and Zach in defence worked well to clear the ball and set the team off in attack. There was a solid tackle from Matthew who passed to Vinnie, who slipped the ball to Noah who coolly scored to equalise ending the game 1-1. 

Slazenger (2) vs. (1) City of York
The boys seemingly like to give themselves a challenge and let the opposition score first. The boys quickly upped their game with Zach and Nikolai stopping the opposition from attacking. Harry and Dom worked well on the wing, both in defence and attack. Noah played exceptionally well in this game, and set Matthew up for the equalising goal. GK Harry made some terrific saves in this game, including one attack that resulted in his kicker coming off but that did not stop him making another save which kept the team in the game. It was Noah who scored the winning goal which ended the game 2-1. 

Despite missing key players, the boys performance was excellent. Winning three games, one draw and two losses meant they finished a respectable second place. There were a number of the boys who could have won the player of the tournament today, Vinnie had an excellent day today playing out on the right wing and original GK Nikolai made some excellent saves. However it was Harry S who played well both outfield and made some terrific saves when he played as GK who was awarded the trophy this time. Thanks to Gemma for helping me manage the team and the wonderful Ruby duo for umpiring today

Men’s 1st’s  (2) vs. (2) Rotherham 1st’s
Slaz hosted Rotherham 1st’s for a closely fought 2-2 draw. Goals were scored by Danny Perry and Chris Gascoigne.

Men’s 2nd’s (1) vs. (6) Brigg 2nds
The mens 2nds had a tough trip to Brigg 2nd’s, coming away with a 6-1 loss. Missing a few key players did not help the team against a strong and well drilled opposition. Richard Tuddenham netted the visitors only goal of the game. The side look to get back to their winning ways next week when they host Adel.

Men’s 3rd’s (2) vs. (5) Adel 5th’s
It was a tough result for the 3rds who hosted Adel 5th’s. Going into a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half, with a brace from John Sykes put the team in strong position. However, Adel came back into the game, ultimately taking the points. 

Men’s 4th’s – No Game

Development Team
The development team travelled to Doncaster for a 2-2 result against a strong host side. Goals came from Owen Wiper and Matilda Rourke.

Ladies 1st’s (7) vs. (0) Kingston-Upon-Hull 2nd’s
The 1sts racked up a stunning 7-0 win against Hull 2nds. Goals came from Nicci Swinden. Lou Haigh, Jessica Rudge, Millie Brierley, Ruby Rodgers and Ella (2) 

Ladies 2nd’s (0) vs. (2) Aire Valley
Today Slaz travelled to Aire Valley for a cold and wet game. From the first whistle, both teams started quite slow. Aire valley managed to make a break for it after 10 minutes and managed to secure a short corner. A strike on goal, was stopped by Donna, but it sadly rebounded onto her foot from her stick, which resulted in a flick and subsequent goal. The rest of the first half was neck and neck with lots of scoring opportunities from both teams. Slaz definitely stepped it up with great 1-2s down the line. In the dying seconds, Aire Valley secured another short corner, which they managed to convert into a second goal. Half time ended 2-0.

Second half continued level pegging, with both teams making good runs. Slaz managed to secure a few short corners but was defended well by Aire Valley. With the rain now pouring, no further goals were scored by either team and the game finished 2-0. Player this week went to Rebecca F for fantastic defending, great runs and interception.

Ladies 3rd’s (4) vs. (0) Aire Valley 3rd’s
it was a typical British day, where the rain falls like it’s auditioning for a part in a waterfall as the Slazenger ladies 3’s geared up for a clash against Aire Valley 3. During the warm up Lucy H became a beacon of ingenuity, wielding an umbrella like a shield against the relentless rain. As the whistle blew to kick off the match, Slaz burst onto the field like a thunderbolt, asserting their dominance and reminding everyone why they reign supreme at the top of the table. In the blink of an eye, the ball found its way onto a foot in the Aire Valley D, and  Slaz were awarded their first short corner. With Mia orchestrating the play, Maisie launched the ball finding the backboard and putting Slaz in the lead.

Before they could catch their breath, Slazenger earned another short corner. Caro’s strike was saved  but Mia seized the rebound opportunity, propelling Slaz into a comfortable 2-0 lead. The  home side persevered and kept breaking; capitalising on any small mistake Slazenger made. Several attempts on goal were thwarted by the quick feet of Slaz Keeper Lauren, who was determined to get another clean sheet to add to her ever increasing tally for the season. The match unfolded as a whirlwind, with action ricocheting from one D to the other.  Much to Aire Valley’s dismay, the Slaz defence stood firm.  As the first half ticked down, Maisie secured her second and took Slazenger into a comfortable 3-0 as they headed into halftime.

The second half kicked off and despite some relentless Slazenger attacks and some truly breath-taking runs from player of the match Lucy H, Slazenger couldn’t seem to find the back of the net. Back and forth the play went. Then came the unforgettable moment: Justine’s spectacular tumble that could rival a scene from an action movie! It was a fall so dramatic, you’d think she’d been sniped from 500 yards.  But fear not, she bounced back up ready to tackle whatever came her way. The final goal came when Caro’s shot soared through the air, it seemed destined to sail wide… until, like a bolt from the blue, Mia swooped in with the precision of a ninja, making contact with the ball mid-air and sending it soaring over the keeper’s head and into the top of the net taking the final score to 4-0.

But enough about hockey heroics – it’s time for teas! Today’s spread, complete with pizza and chips, was worth every soggy minute on the field. Yet, amidst the cheers and laughter, all eyes were on Mia and Maisie, who were celebrating a momentous occasion this weekend – their 20th (or 5th, depending on how you count) birthday, which was on the rarest of days, February 29th! Naturally, they were treated to shots in their honour, as the rest of the team and  their opponents serenaded them with a chorus of “Happy Birthday.”

Ladies 4th’s – No game