In May 2024, Slazenger Juniors travelled to the Nottingham Hockey Centre to compete in the National Finals. Slazenger Hockey Club based in the small town of Horbury prides itself on being a family based social club. But this weekend we took on 7 of the best and biggest clubs in the whole of England, eventually coming 4th!
Slazenger vs. Sevenoaks
The 8 teams were split into two pools; Slazenger’s first game was against Sevenoaks, a club just on the outskirts of London, a very talented team who came out strong against a very shell shocked Slazenger side. I think the realisation of playing hockey at the very top level and gaining their first England Cap was just sinking in. Myself (Manager) and Sarah (Head coach) were on the sideline’s having that sinking feeling that our youngsters were getting out played! However, after been 5-0 down at half time the Slazenger team came back fighting in the second half gaining a 0-0 score which boosted the Slazenger side. We might not be a side with girls who play hockey in their schools, or a side with girls who have been exposed to high level hockey, but one thing is for sure these girls don’t give in! They battle, and that’s what they did…
Slazenger vs. Repton
Moving into the second game the girls had much more belief in themselves, as their manager I just asked them to not give up and play their game, they got an early short corner against Repton, a team from Derbyshire.
Amelia Sykes and Rosie Mills in the short corner duo took to their positions, Amelia pushing out and Rosie on the strike, the big Slazenger crowd behind the goal all erupted when Rosie struck the ball in the back of the net giving Slazenger’s their first lead! The families had travelled with us on the coach all united together as one – we have families – extended families, friends, and people from the club all routing for the girls – the big ‘green army’. Further goals that game came from Beth Buckley and Lauren Wood to make it 3-1 win for Slazengers.
Slazenger vs. Marlow
Our last group game was a big one as this determined whether we made it through to the final 3 or 4. Marlow was the team we had to beat, another big club from the outskirts of London. It was an intense first half finishing 0-0. I said to the girls at half time, who ever scores first in this game will go on to win. Amie Satterthwaite our GK was outstanding in this game, she was diving all across her goal line, saving shots that looked impossible to save. And then we had a break through with Rosie Mills taking on the Marlow defence and putting the ball in the net to make it 1-0. Not long after we were awarded a penalty corner and the fantastic push out by Amelia Sykes and the powerful sweep by Rosie Mills meant another goal to the Slazenger side. This win meant we entered our last game against Cambridge City looking to finish 3rd or 4th best team in the county.
Slazenger vs. Cambridge
Cambridge took the upper hand in the first half by steeling a couple of early goals, they were a good side and despite the goal by Edie Satterthwaite the game ended 4-1. In all of the games the work in defence by Lorna Godson, Matilda Rourke and Amelia Sykes was strong and Amie Satterthwaite had an outstanding tournament in goal. Edie Satterthwaite, Ruth Bullimore and Lauren Wood were creating some great chances up front and linking well with Rosie Mills in midfield who captained the side impressively. Every team needs a player who can be versatile enough to play anywhere on the field and Beth Buckley did this tremendously, playing in defence when needed and then upfront, great asset to the Slazenger team and her goal was a great finish in style!
The girls were awarded the accolade of being the 4th best team in England and had a day they will never forget. As their coach I would like to express how immensely proud I am of them and how as a team they have grown in confidence and ability over the 7 years of playing junior hockey. It is the end of an era as the girls move up into U14s next season, but what a way to end it! We’d also like to thank Ben who came as assistant coach and John who came as goal keeper trainer.
