Men’s 1st’s (3) vs. (3) Driffield 1
The men’s 1st’s hosted mid table side Driffield for their Yorkshire Division 1 clash on Saturday. While Slaz sat several places above the visitors, it was Driffield who started on the front foot, scoring in the opening minutes to put the hosts off balance. However, Slazenger stayed composed and continued to grow into the match. This gave Danny Perry the chance to convert a penalty corner to take the sides level. Ben Jackson then beat several players to hammer the ball in at the back post in what he claims to be a contender for goal of the season. However, in the final seconds of the first half, Driffield took advantage of confusion at the back to level as the half time whistle went.
The second half was more of the same two way hockey which had dominated the first. Both sides had good chances, but it was Slaz this time who pulled ahead, with Chris Gascoigne scoring. But it was not to be the home sides day, as Driffield again equalised in the closing minutes to take a share of the points. Slaz will look to get back to winning ways at Halifax next week, as they stay in contention for the league title.
Men’s 2nd’s (4) vs. (3) Horncastle 1st’s
The 2nds had lost their encounter at Horncastle in the first game of the season, but having not lost a game since September were buoyed by their recent performance. This time, the home side took the points, but it wasn’t plain sailing. Slaz started on the front foot, and converted early pressure with a trademark Richard Tuddenham strike. This was followed up minutes later when James Swinden beat the keeper to put Slaz 2-0 ahead. However it wasn’t going to be so easy, as Swinden was injured and unable to continue. The team continued to work hard, and Tuddenham scored a second before the halftime whistle.
However, Horncastle went into the game second in the league, and we’re not going to go down without a fight. Added to this, Slaz struggled to find the form from earlier in the first half, so as the second half dragged on, the visitors battled back into the game. Slaz did enjoy some further success, with Tuddenham netting his hat trick with another well worked penalty corner, but the game was not won yet. A mistake at the back saw Horncastle’s centre forward being gifted the ball for a simple tap-in. To make matters worse, Slaz had one of its defenders carded, reducing the side to 10 men. Horncastle scored a third goal and continued to press for an equaliser. However Slaz were able to battle on to take the points and extend their run. Slazenger’s will take their run of form to second place Huddersfield Dragons next week.
Men’s 3rd’s (1) vs. (2) Kingston-Upon-Hull 3rd’s
The first reverse fixture of the season, Slaz being a much stronger team compared to the last game between the two, and hoping for a strong result. A very even start to the game, with both teams passing the ball well, looking for an opener. Nine minutes in, the lead fell to Hull. Minutes later, Hull were reduced to 10, with the game starting to have a frenetic feel. However, Slaz couldn’t quite pull one back. Hull made great use of a short corner, working the ball into the back of the net. 2-0 Hull. Hull’s faster, sharper passing gave them the lead going into half time, along with an experienced back line keeping the Slazenger forwards out. 2-0 Hull HT.
Second half started how the first half ended, Hull having lots of the ball, particularly in the midfield, their tactical overload clearly working. The second half was a much tenser affair, with Hull losing pace as the half continued, and three cards across the two teams in the space of 10 minutes. Late on, Slaz had a last push, with short corners and balls into the D coming and coming, but Slaz couldn’t put one away. Whilst Hull were down to 10, Connor pulled one back for Slaz, a brilliant shot from a tight angle whizzed past the static keeper. However, it wasn’t enough, and despite having control of the game for the last 20, Slazenger couldn’t find an equaliser. A disappointing performance compared to the team we have seen in the last few months. 2-1 Hull FT.
Leeds Adel 6th’s (2) vs. (1) Men’s 4th’s
On Sunday we played against Adel in a brutal match ending 2-1. Despite defeat this week I am incredibly proud of each player on the pitch. We were strong in both defence and attack We pinned our opponents back resulting in an incredibly close game right till the end., with Jack Sanderson getting the side’s only goal. The determination was relentless despite set backs throughout the game. I would like to give a mention to all the youngsters who worked tirelessly running the ball up and down the pitch with dogged determination. The level of play is continuing to improve week on week.
Development (0) vs. (0) Doncaster 2
The Development side drew 0-0 at Doncaster.
Ladies 1st’s (6) vs. (4) Brigg 1st’s
The ladies 1st’s travelled the long journey out to Brigg for the penultimate fixture of 2024, coming away with a well earned win. Despite being at the other end of the table, Brigg still posed a threat, especially at home. However Slaz carried their 6 game unbeaten form into the fixture, and started on the front foot. A goal from Frankie Tyrrell, followed by two from Jessica Rudge put the side ahead. Millie Brierley netted two more to keep the side ahead. Brigg were dangerous throughout, and scored 3 from penalty corners to stay in the running. Hannah scored the 6th goal to open up the gap and even with the spirited fightback and a 4th goal from Brigg, Slaz were able to comfortably close out the game. The result takes them to second in the table ahead of next weeks clash with fellow title contender Huddersfield Dragons.
Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (3) Skipton 1st’s
The 2s travelled to Ben Rhydding to take on Skipton in an early morning clash. Skipton were straight on it and managed to secure an early goal which put Slazengers on the back foot. Slazengers kept battling and kept attacking but just couldn’t quite find the back of the Skipton net, with any attempt towards goal being foiled by strong defending.
After half time Slazengers came out fighting but Skipton managed to convert a short corner into a second goal. Slazengers, not used to being on the back foot this season, were finally awarded a short corner. Following a slip to Ella, she decided to do one of her devious passes which confused the opposition and found the back of the net. Sadly even though Slazengers persevered and pushed to score further goals, however, Skipton were more determined to win and eventually secured another goal, securing a 3-1 win to them. Player went to Kez for great runs and distribution.
Ladies 3rd’s (1) vs. (4) Huddersfield Dragons 2nd’s
Slazenger ladies 3’s faced a tough challenge as they were beaten 4-1 by Huddersfield Dragons 2’s. The Dragons control of the middle of the pitch was evident as they quickly capitalized on Slazengers’ struggles to contain their pace and movement. The Dragons scored 4 goals in the opening half, with each one resulting from a combination of well-executed passing and sharp finishing. Goalkeeper Lauren Hattersley was forced into action time and again and was outstanding throughout. Player of the Match Sarah Ritchey put in a tireless display, breaking up attacks and making well-timed tackles to regain possession for her team.
While Slazengers were unable to recover the deficit, after a change of formation, the second half showed marked improvement. Slazengers managed to hold their own and limit further damage. Mandy Greenwood and Caro Schofield formed a solid attacking partnership, linking up well and creating more opportunities in the final third. Schofield was particularly effective showing great composure to score the only goal for Slazengers. While the result was still a loss, it was clear that the team had regained their confidence and balance,, fighting to the end and securing a 1-0 win in the second half!
Ladies 4th’s vs. Huddersfield Dragons 3rd’s
The ladies 4th’s hosted Huddersfield Dragons on Saturday. Despite battling hard, the team were on the losing end of a 7-2 result. Kirsty Goddard and Arina Lee were the scorers for the 4th’s.
Men’s Over 45 Cup vs. Wakefield
Slazenger men’s O45’s side travelled to Wakefield on Sunday in the Tier 1 Men’s Vets Cup. Both teams struggled with the sun but it was Wakefield who settled the fastest and took an early lead. Slazenger picked up the pace and controlled the play better throughout the 1st half but couldn’t find the breakthrough.
The second half was similar with Slazenger forcing a number of short corners, finally finding the breakthrough when Damian Greig netted from the top of the D. Slazenger pressed forward looking for the winner but were caught out and had to rely on Daz Buttery in goal a couple of times to keep them in it. The game ended 1-1 which resulted in something new for both sides, Penalty Shuffles. Daz Buttery held firm keeping Wakefield out for the first two but unfortunately they were unable to convert any of their shuffles meaning Wakefield eventually progressed 3-1 after shuffles
