Men’s 1st’s (1) vs. (0) Leeds University 1st’s
On Saturday, the 1st’s kicked off their match against Leeds University 1st under warm, sunny skies—bringing home another 3 points in their league campaign. Right from the first whistle, Slazenger made their mark. Within the first five minutes, they earned a penalty corner, and Asad Baig stepped up to take the shot. He delivered a powerful strike that hit the back of the net, putting Slaz 1-0 ahead early on.
Leeds University didn’t back down, however, Slazenger’s midfield, led by Mark Swinden, controlled the pace effectively. An attacking top line of Jackson, Ingham and Gascoigne harried the opposition and created plenty of chances. However, a strong showing from the visiting goalkeeper stopped Slaz scoring a second to settle nerves.
It was another impressive performance for the 1st’s back line, helping Andy Loftus to pick up his second clean sheet in as many weeks. This win keeps Slazenger firmly in second place in the league, only one point behind Chapeltown 1’s
Men’s 2nd’s (2) vs. (2) Sheffield University Bankers 4th’s
Slazenger 2nd’s welcomed Sheffield University Bankers 4th’s to their home turf, eager to make a statement with a fresh formation. With Captain Ste Roberts, Jack Mumford, and Ollie Leonard in midfield, the team was warmed up and ready to hit the ground running. From the start, Slaz applied pressure, looking to start on the front foot. This pressure culminated, when Leonard played a brilliant early ball to Ben Graham, who deftly deflected it past the Sheffield keeper to put Slaz 1-0 up.
However, just like last week’s game, Slazenger’s weakness for short corners reared its head again! Sheffield secured two short corners and converted both, despite having limited chances elsewhere. Slazenger created plenty of opportunities but struggled to capitalize in the opposition’s 25-meter area. With a few minutes left on the clock. Ian Hedges equalised, with a well taken reverse strike into the near post, catching the keeper off guard and levelling the score at 2-2. Slaz look to take this improved form to Barnsley 1st’s next weekend.
Men’s 3rd’s (3) vs. (3) City of York 6th’s
The game started quickly and eventful, but scrappy from both teams, with lots of stick tackles, feet and a few back sticks. John Sykes squeezed a goal within the first 5 minutes, however a strong break from York’s youngsters led to a well taken equaliser.
Slazenger attempted their passes, but the York midfield kept cutting them out, inviting unnecessary pressure on the home defence. A few minutes later and a second was scored for York. A strong drive from Damian Greig led to a great strike, unluckily hitting the post, which was powerful enough to bounce into the keeper’s back and into the net. 2-2. Slazenger won the first of many short corners after 14 minutes, but the York keeper made some outstanding saves. An early injury to key defender Mark Swallow meant Slaz had to reshape and adapt, leaving just one sub for the rest of the game.
13 minutes into the second half, York were reduced to 10 men, following a good period of pressure from Slaz. However, York used the exasperation to break once again and retake the lead. Slaz finally put away one of our short corners, when James Swinden dispatched the chance, after having a few shots narrowly miss throughout the game. The final few minutes were very tense, both keepers having great games to keep their teams in it. Some loose passes throughout the game drew unnecessary pressure on the Slaz defence from a strong York press, illustrating the frustrating nature of the end result.
Men’s 4th’s (2) vs. (1) Boston Spa 2
The men’s 4s hosted Boston Spa 2nds this weekend and managed their first win of the season. It was a shaky start for the 4s as they conceded early after a near post shot deflected off the keepers pads just 5 minutes in to put Slazenger 4s behind.
An extended period of defending by the 4s led to a counter-attack that resulted in an equaliser from Lucas Thickett, which shifted momentum. As half time approached, slaz won a penalty flick that was expertly put away by Scott Carruthers (to give him his third goal in as many games) to give them the lead before the break. The second half was more uneventful with both sides having chances but both being unable to find the back of the net.
Development (3) vs. (0) Sheffield University Bankers
The development team travelled to Sheffield University Bankers for Saturday’s fixtures. They won out comfortable 3-0 winners, with goals from Izzy Armitage, Owen Wiper and Declan Buxton.
Ladies 1st’s (7) vs. (2) Doncaster 2nd’s
In a dominant performance, Slazenger L1’s secured a 7-2 victory over Doncaster L2’s. The match showcased Slazenger’s attacking strength and teamwork, with goals coming from multiple players.
Slazenger set the tone early, with Zoe Dawson opening the scoring, giving the home side an early lead. Soon after, Hannah Field doubled the advantage with a well-placed finish, taking it around the keeper and slotting it in. Hendry added the third in her usual style of taking it around several players and finishing in a composed manner, with Millie Brierley joining the score sheet with a lovely deflection just before half time.
In the second half, Field netted her second of the game with a calm, cool and collected finish to make it five. Hendry then scored her second, capitalising on some good build-up play following a short corner. The final goal came courtesy of Rudge, when a lovely tomahawk onto the defenders foot ricocheted into the net, sealing an emphatic 7-2 win.
Doncaster fought hard and managed to find the back of the net twice, but Slazenger’s relentless attack proved too much to handle. The Player of the Match was Rebecca Green, whose excellent runs down the line provided constant pressure and created numerous scoring opportunities. Tart this week went to our captain who, despite telling us twice we were going to be playing in green kit, turned up in red. It was a great all-around performance from Slazenger L1’s, who look to carry this momentum into their next fixture.
Ladies 2nd’s (4) vs. (0) Horsforth 1st’s
The ladies 2nd’s recorded their fourth straight win to keep them top of their division. The game started with Slaz possession and worked well across the pitch, Horsforth were quick to close down and challenge in numbers. Slazenger broke the deadlock after only 4 minutes with a strike from Lou Haigh as the ball was worked in the D for the best opportunity on goal. Slazenger pressed high into the Horsforth half and the defence held the high line well with crucial break stopping tackles from Bella, Stacey and Gemma.
Ella, Ni and Lucy worked the ball through midfield towards Lou in the D who bounced it back to Ni setting up Birthday Girl Ruby Rogers for her first goal of the season just before half time. Tensions were high as both teams battled, with the umpires being keen to enforce their authority on the game and half time came as an opportunity to reset.
Slazengers kept united to try to hold possession and Haigh was rewarded with another goal. Slazengers defended 2 short corners in a rare visit into their own D, and both were defended effectively to keep Erin Haigh’s clean sheet. Bella’s unbeatable defence was one stick tackle too many and she was shown a green card. Slazengers were awarded a penalty corner moments before the final whistle, which was rewarded and then tucked away by Haigh to complete her hat-trick.Player went to Lou for great running and even better goals.
Ladies 3rd’s (3) vs. (0) Driffield 3rd’s
The Slazenger 3s delivered a dominant performance, securing a 3-0 victory against Adel in an impressive display of teamwork. Erin Kelly, making her debut, showcased her talent on the wing, forming a strong link with centre forward Caro Schofield. The duo’s chemistry was evident early on, with Slazenger opening the scoring from a short corner. Caro got the rebound to net the first goal, putting the team ahead 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half Kelly capitalised on Schofield’s setups and demonstrated her scoring prowess with two well-executed finishes. Slazenger had several other near misses, with Mandy striking the post, reflecting their attacking dominance.
The defensive unit was equally impressive, consistently thwarting Adel’s attempts to penetrate their zone. Defender Lucy made an excellent goal line save. Minch had a tense moment as she narrowly avoided a yellow card, surprisingly she managed to keep quiet and was free to continue her influential play.
Erin Kelly was rightly awarded Player of the Match for her outstanding debut.
Ladies 4th’s (3) vs. (2) Leeds Adel 4th’s
Ladies 4s were away at Driffield. Slazenger showed some great improvement from previous games; passing the ball through the field, keeping possession for longer spells and creating numerous goal scoring opportunities (just weren’t able to convert enough of them). Driffield struggled to work the ball up the pitch so had to resort to sending the long ball through to their high centre forward who managed to score with every shot on goal.
Slazengers showed grit coming back from behind twice to level the game with goals from Gemma Wroe and Alys Kaushiva, but unfortunately some questionable umpiring meant Sarah Sykes and Gemma Wroe were carded, leaving Slazengers with only 9 players on the pitch against Driffield 11. Driffield managed to take advantage of the situation and scored the winning goal.
Well done to Alys on being player of the match for her work rate.
Under 14 Girls (4) vs. (2) Ben Rhydding
The U14s girls started their season today playing at home against Ben Rhydding in Yorkshire and NE Hockey Tier 1.
The girls applied the pressure on BR from the start with midfield pushing the team forward. Both Alys and Lauren got into good positions and had shots on goal but BR’s GK made some great saves to keep Slaz from scoring.
Against the run of play, the opposition broke and scored with their first shot of the game. The team regrouped with Connie, Amelia L, Rosie and Amelia S working hard in midfield to distribute the ball to the forwards. Defender Katie made a great goal line save ending the first quarter 0-1.
The second quarter started with Edie (who looked determined from the outset) breaking through the defence and scoring a goal to equalise. When needed, GK Ami made some excellent saves and cleared the ball wide. The Slaz goal gave the team renewed confidence and the team continued to apply the pressure, earning a number of short corners. It was new player Alys who managed to put Slaz in the lead and ended the half 2-1.
As the second half started, the opposition equalised but Slaz quickly responded and went ahead after winning a short corner which Edie scored. The defence of Lorna, Matilda, Katie and Beth marked well, and stopped any attacks in this quarter. Alys, Mollie and Edie continued to link up well but the team could not increase the lead by the end of the third quarter ending 3-2.
In the final quarter, there was another goal line save from Amelia S in the opening moments of the game. Adelaide, Rosie and Connie worked hard in midfield to support the defence. Ami made some great saves, clearing the ball which set the team off up the field at pace, with Alys driving in the D and scoring to put the team 4-2 in the lead.
Player of the game, as voted by the girls, was Alys who played exceptionally well today and scored two goals. Alys also picked up a player for her ladies game yesterday so has had a brilliant weekend of hockey!
Thanks to Team Manager Claire, Umpires Aidy and Keith, and also parents, especially Lesley, for providing the post game teas for the girls.
Overall a great start to the 2024/2025 season for the U14 girls!
Under 14 Girls B
The U14B girls’ team stepped onto the pitch for the first time as a new squad, in a new development league format. For many, it was their first experience playing full-pitch hockey, and they embraced the challenge, experimenting with different positions and getting to grips with a big pitch! Despite the learning curve, the whole team performed brilliantly, showing adaptability, strong tackles, and impressive ball-handling skills to get round the opposition.
Match 1: Slazengers vs Ben Rhydding (1-0 Win)
In their opening game, the girls faced Ben Rhydding, a physically larger team, but didn’t let that intimidate them. They showed no hesitation, going in for strong tackles and fighting hard for every ball. Lillianna led the defensive line with authority, commanding the D from the goal. Emmy, Ella, Phoebe, Katie, and Matilda played pivotal roles, clearing the ball wide and pushing it up the field. In midfield, Ruth, Izzy, and Harriette tirelessly worked both ends, defending when needed and driving the ball up the wings into the attacking D.
In the forward line, Eleanor, Darcie, Jess, and Georgie kept the pressure on Ben Rhydding’s defense with multiple shots on goal. Their persistence paid off when Ruth found herself in the perfect spot, scoring from a rebound to give Slazengers a well-deserved 1-0 victory.
Match 2: Slazengers vs Wakefield (0-0 Draw)
The second game against Wakefield proved tougher, but the girls rose to the occasion, pressing hard and displaying excellent man-marking in defense, limiting Wakefield’s chances. Lillianna remained a vital presence in goal, making crucial saves and growing in confidence with each one.
Despite their efforts and several attacking opportunities, Slazengers couldn’t quite break through Wakefield’s defense, and the match ended in a goalless draw. However, the determination and effort shown by the entire team was brilliant.
The team’s performance was a proud moment, especially considering many of the players were playing up an/ a few age group(s). To come away with a win and a draw in their first tournament was an fab achievement.
A special thank you to Tracy and Bella for umpiring the tournament!