It was a rollercoaster weekend for the men’s squads! The Men’s 1st Team put on a dazzling display, smashing Leeds 4 with a 6-0 victory that boosted them back to 2nd place in the table. Chris Gascoigne stole the spotlight with four goals, while goalkeeper Andy Loftus ensured a clean sheet. In contrast, the Men’s 2nd Team faced a tough 5-1 defeat against Sheffield 5th Team, leaving them at the bottom of the league. Despite the setback, Ben Graham kept his impressive scoring streak alive at 29 consecutive seasons. Meanwhile, the Men’s 3rd Team enjoyed a solid 4-1 win over Harrogate 4, climbing to 5th in the table, while the Men’s 4th Team stumbled at home, losing 2-0 to Ben Rhydding 6th Team.
On the ladies’ side, the Ladies 1st Team put up a valiant fight but fell short in a thrilling 5-3 match against Sheffield 1s, currently placing them 6th in the league. Despite the loss, standout performances, especially from Emma Williams in defence, kept the team’s spirits high. Conversely, the Ladies 2nd Team had a fantastic outing, edging past Tadcaster Magnets 1-0, with Ella Haigh scoring the crucial goal. This victory positions them proudly at the top of the league, showcasing their grit and determination.The Ladies 3rds had a promising start but fell to Airedale 2, though Amelia’s debut performance earned her Player of the Match. The Ladies 4ths drew 1-1 with City of York, with Gemma Wroe equalizing after a slow start.
The junior teams were buzzing with excitement at their tournaments! The U12 Girls A Team finished strong in second place, with Darcie netting an impressive hat trick and Lilliana earning the “Player of the Tournament” title for her stellar goalkeeping. Meanwhile, the U12 Girls B Team had a successful run, securing three wins and a draw, with Matilda shining defensively and being named Player of the Tournament. The U12 Boys Team also made a splash, finishing second and highlighted by Matthew’s hat trick. Overall, the juniors displayed fantastic teamwork and skill, laying a solid foundation for the season ahead! 🏑💚
Men’s 1st’s (6) vs. (0) Leeds 4
In a commanding performance, Slaz Men’s 1sts secured a decisive 6-0 victory over Leeds Hockey Club’s 4th Team; Goalkeeper Andy Loftus showcased solid form, ensuring a clean sheet.
Chris Gascoigne was the standout player, netting four goals; the first was a fortunate pass that found its way into the net, followed by a reverse stick shot, a drag flick wrapped up a hat trick within the first half, with a tap-in fourth in the second half.
Danny Perry added a fifth with an impressive solo run, showcasing his skill and determination. Adam Fall rounded off the scoring in the dying moments of the match, securing a dominant win for Slazenger. The team’s cohesion and attacking prowess were on full display, leaving them in high spirits as they look forward to their next challenge.
Men’s 2nd’s (1) vs (5) Sheffield 5th Team
Slazenger Men’s 2nds faced a tough defeat, falling 5-1 to Sheffield’s 5th Team at Abbeydale. Despite the score line, Slazenger showcased good teamwork and skill throughout the match.
Ben Graham found the back of the net, scoring for the 29th consecutive season, providing a brief spark of hope for Slazenger. However, Sheffield capitalized on their penalty corners, scoring all five of their goals from set pieces.
The team’s efforts were hampered when midfield maestro Will Buckley had to leave the pitch due to injury just 15 minutes in. Slazenger missed injured striker Richard Tuddenham, and Asad Baig, who was with the 1sts. Their absence was felt, as Slazenger struggled to find a consistent rhythm and lacked the finishing power needed to convert their chances.
Overall, while the result was disappointing, there’s positives to take into their next home match against Sheffield Uni Bankers 4th’s.
Men’s 3rd’s (4) vs. (1) Harrogate 4th’s
Slazenger started strong, holding the ball well, using each other and moving well. Good passing plays led to an opener by Trev, put away 10 minutes in. We continued to push, getting more and more confident as the game went on, dominating in all areas of the pitch. Jimmy scored the second midway through the half. One midfielder clearly was trying to start the Harrogate comeback, but our strong defensive line cut everything out ruthlessly. The Harrogate keeper also made some brilliant saves, keeping his team in it. A strong use of substitutes kept the press on for Slaz for the rest of the half. 2-0 Slaz halftime.
The second half continued with more of the same. High pressure, chance after chance. James bombed down the wing with purpose, and a few back to back short corners led to Scott scoring our third of the game. A smart dribble and lovely end product led to a great solo goal by Fin, slotting it past the keeper to make it 4. Harrogate managed to score a consolation goal near the end, and the multiple Slaz chances couldn’t quite lead to a goal, again with their keeper making some great saves. Overall, it was a very positive result from Slazenger, who seem to be growing as a team at each passing game. Full time 4-1 to Slaz.
Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (5) Sheffield 1st’s
Slazengers Ladies 1’s delivered a determined performance but came up short in a thrilling 5-3 defeat to Sheffield Ladies 1’s.
Sheffield started strongly, putting early pressure on Slazengers and quickly taking the lead. Despite Sheffield’s attacking intensity, Slazengers’ defense, led by a standout performance from defender Emma Williams, worked hard to contain the opposition. Williams, who was named Player of the Match, was instrumental in breaking down several Sheffield attacks with crucial tackles and interceptions, keeping her team in contention.
Sheffield, however, managed to build a two-goal lead before Slazengers hit back. Rudgey’s well-taken goal gave Slazengers a lifeline, followed shortly by a composed finish from Zoe to bring the game to 3-2. The second half saw Slazengers push hard for an equalizer, with Ailish stepping up to find the back of the net, narrowing the score to 4-3.
Despite the team’s best efforts, Sheffield struck again late on to make it 5-3 and secure the win.
While the result didn’t go their way, Slazengers showed great attacking intent, with goals from Rudgey, Zoe, and Ailish. The defensive display from Dani, Marissa, Imo, Eliz, Emma and molly, throughout the match was a highlight, as they thwarted several dangerous Sheffield advances and provided leadership from the back.
Slazengers will take heart from their strong attacking performance and their defensive heroics, as they look to regroup ahead of their next match, Doncaster away
Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (0) Tadcaster Magnets 1st’s
Yesterday Slaz had their second home game of the season. From the first whistle the ball was being taken from end to end in what was a very equal playing field. Bella stopped Tadcaster striker in the D with a cheeky poach. This was followed by an attack from Slaz where Maisie did a great run getting past Tadcaster’s defence, though the strike on goal was saved in a spectacular dive by one of the remaining defenders. With no goals but a few questionable tackles from both sides, captains were called on by umpires to calm the game. First half continued end to end, with both teams having chances, with no success.
The second half continued much the same. Tadcaster had 2 short corners in a row, but Slazengers held strong and cleared both. It was then Slazenger’s turn for short corners, with 3 in a row, but again it was cleared by their defence. There was a great opportunity with a short pushed in by Alex to Stacey and a slip across to Kez; Kez struck hard and it deflected in the air, unfortunately Alex couldn’t bring it down on the pitch before passing the back line.
With 5 minutes left in the game and the 3 points all to play for, both teams were digging deep and battling hard. Slaz was awarded yet another short. Stacey this time slipped right to Ella who pushed with precision to bottom left hand corner to finally see the ball reach the back of the goal. Slaz continued to push hard for the reminder of the second half, to secure our 3rd victory. Final score 1-0 to Slaz.
Player went to defender Bella for amazing defending and diving on the line to save a goal
Ladies 3rd’s (2) vs, (4) Airedale 2
What a rollercoaster of a match. Slazenger Ladies’ 3’s kicked off with a bang, thanks to Loz, who scored a brilliant rebound goal from a short corner just three minutes in—talk about setting the pace! Coops quickly followed suit, netting another from open play at the eight-minute mark. Slazengers were feeling unstoppable at 2-0!
But then, like a classic horror movie, the tide turned. Aire Valley cranked up the pressure, and despite defensive heroics Slazengers conceded one before halftime. The second half went from defence to “defence-ive ” for Slazenger’s and despite Lucy throwing herself on the floor (and being awarded the tart of the game) Slaz struggled to control the Valley attacks and conceded three goals, taking the score line to 3-2.
Slazengers never gave up and in the last quarter they rallied pushing forward at every opportunity, narrowly missing several shots at goal desperate for the point. Unfortunately it was not to be and Aire Valley slipped in a fourth to make the final score 4-2.
On the bright side, it was Amelia’s 13th birthday, and she made her debut! She played fabulously and showcased some incredible skills, earning her the Player of the Match. Slazengers ladies 3’s first loss in I can’t remember how long
Ladies 4th’s (1) vs. (1) City of York 7th’s
After having no game last weekend, the Ladies 4s were on the road again, this week to York.
Slazengers started the game playing some great attacking hockey, which half way through the first half became our downfall as York got themselves an overload on the break, with Slaz not being able to stop York opening the score line off the back of a 4v2 attack.
Slaz regrouped and were rewarded with an equaliser from Gemma Wroe within the first 2 minutes of the second half. The remainder of the game was end to end hockey with neither team able to convert opportunities. Overall it was a well matched game between the 2 teams. Well done to Charlotte Turner making her Ladies hockey debut and walking away with player of the match.
U12 Girls A Team
The U12A girls kicked off their first tournament with a strong start, showing solid defensive play that prevented any shots on goal. The team maintained great structure throughout, using wide passes up the wings to transition into the attacking zone effectively.
The second match proved to be more challenging, as we faced the eventual tournament winners. Lilliana had a busy game in goal, with both teams closely matched. Unfortunately, York managed to slip a goal past us in each of our two encounters against them. Thirsk also kept the girls on their toes, but our midfielders worked tirelessly to both attack and quickly drop back to defend.
Overall, the girls netted an impressive 8 goals throughout the tournament, with Darcie delivering a hat trick in the second match against Hull. Goal scorers were Darcie (5), Eleanor, Izzy, and Ruth. A special mention to the entire team for their relentless effort, especially in midfield and defense. Adelaide, Ruth, Katie, and Matilda were rock solid in defense, and Izzy also dropped back into defense, doing a fantastic job. Some great runs up the wings & brilliant crosses, goal assists for Jess, Eleanor, Izzy, Adelaide.
In total, the team won 3 matches, drew 1, and lost 2, finishing second in the tournament. A huge congratulations to Lilliana, who earned our first “Player of the Tournament” award. She was focused, alert, and made some outstanding saves that kept us in the game. A big thank you to all the parents and supporters for cheering us on, and a special shout out to Mark for umpiring all our matches!
First round
Slaz (2) v Hull (0) – Darcie, Eleonor
Slaz (0) v York (1)
Slaz (1) v Thirsk (0) – Darcie
Second round
Slaz (4) v Hull (0) – Darcie x3, Ruth
Slaz (0) v York (1)
Slaz (1) v Thirsk (1) – Izzy
U12 Girls B Team
The B team had a fantastic tournament, with every player working hard and playing some impressive team hockey.
Game 1 v Selby
The team opened their tournament against Selby. The team played some fantastic passing hockey, with Georgie scoring the first goal of the season, and Hollie scoring quickly afterwards. Ella and Penny worked hard in midfield, creating loads of scoring opportunities.
Game 2 v Ben Rhydding 3
Slaz went straight back on for a second match against Ben Rhydding 3’s. Again, Slaz played some good team hockey, culminating in 2 goals. Scored by Ella and Hollie. Florence and Cerys worked hard and kept Rhydding at bay.
Game 3 v Ben Rhydding 4
After a 2 game break, the weather had cooled and Slaz struggled to find the same passing hockey that had given them the 2 earlier wins. Ben Rhydding 4’s pressed high and made it hard for Slaz to break out of their half, scoring 2 goals in the process. Penny scored a goal in response, and Slaz started finding their feet again. However time ran out to get an equaliser.
Game 4 v Selby
The team were back to winning ways for the next game againt Selby, scoring 5 goals Hollie netted the first, Cerys hit a fantastic strike from the edge of the circle, followed by 2 from Ella in the midfield. Georgie wrapped it up, with a neat finish past the keeper in the final seconds of the game.
Game 5 v Ben Rhydding 3
Ben Rhydding were the toughest opposition Slaz faced all tournament, and having beaten them once, this was a closely battled game. Both sides worked hard to find a goal, but some strong defensive work from Matilda and Florence kept them at bay. Lydia put in some cracking saves and it looked as though the game was going to finish tied. However in the final seconds of the game, Ben Rhydding were fortunate enough to slip the ball in to take the points.
Game 6 v Ben Rhydding 4
Straight on to the final game, Slaz again found their form, playing some flowing passing hockey. A fantastic through ball from Cerys set up Ella to open the scoring. Georgie and Hollie went close, but Slaz couldn’t find a second goal to put the game away; In the final minutes of the game, Ben Rhydding equalised. When the final whistle went, the scores were tied at 1-1
Player of the tournament went to Matilda who really developed through the games, and shone at the back. The team were an absolute credit, working hard together, which showed with the results. They really should be proud of their performance, and will be looking forward to the rest of the season after such a fantastic initial tournament!
U12 Boys
The U12 Boys were playing today in their first tournament of the 2024/2025 season. They were playing at Wakefield in Division 2, and played brilliantly as a team despite never playing together previously.
Game 1 v Wakefield
The first game was against local rivals, but Charlie and Zach were solid in defence, stopping any attacks. Alfie worked hard in midfield supported by Noah and Ollie but it was Matthew who scored to put the team in the lead. Alfie was unlucky to not score, but Slaz continued to apply pressure. Alistair had a disallowed goal which was a beautiful flick into the net. Alfie was finally rewarded for his hard work. After a quick free hit was taken by Charlie in defence to Noah on the wing, he then passed to Alfie in the D who lobbed the keeper putting us 2-0 in front. Nikolai ensured our opposition were not scoring today and the team defended a short corner well which ended the game 2-0 and was a great start to the tournament.
Game 2 v Aire Valley
This was an end to end game start, with Zach, Ollie and Charlie in defence stopping any attacks. Alfie worked hard distributing the ball into the D. Alistair and Noah worked well on the wings, both in attack and defence. The team were unlucky to not score from a short corner but following this a loose ball in midfield was picked up by Alfie who passed through to Mathew who scored a reverse stick goal. The team defended two short corners well with Nikolai clearing the ball wide. Slaz were unlucky to not score again and the game ended 1-0.
Game 3 v Leeds Adel
In our third game, Charlie and Zach in defence worked well to stop the opposition attacks, and Nikolai made some cracking saves to keep the team firmly in contention.
There was from a great interception from Ollie, who was on form today, he passed the ball to Alfie, who scored and put Slaz on top. However, the opposition continued to apply the pressure and a ball though to an unmarked attacker, gave Adel a one on one with the GK which Nikolai couldn’t stop and the the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Game 4 v Rotherham
The final game was against Rotherham, Slaz applied the pressure from the start, and created many chances in the D. After some good saves and defending from Rotherham, Slaz finally scored when Matthew followed up on a rebound. Matthew quickly scored again when he lobbed the GK but this was disallowed. The team battled on, with Ollie and Zach working well together in defence with Alfie, Charlie, Alistair and Noah supporting the defence and pushing the team forward. Another battle in the D, resulted in Alfie scoring a goal which ended the game 2-0.
These brilliant results meant the team ended the tournament in 2nd place, although on the same points as the 1st place team which for a newly formed team was an incredible result and a brilliant foundation to build upon for the season ahead.
Player of the tournament went to Matthew, who battled throughout and scored a hattrick. Thanks to Ollie L for umpiring the games today and Keith for managing the team today, you made him and the club very proud! 💚🏑
