Men’s 1st’s (2) vs. (1) Halifax 1st’s
In a fiercely contested match at Halifax, the Slazenger secured a narrow 2-1 victory in challenging windy conditions. The game pushed off with both teams displaying tenacity, but it was Halifax who struck first, with a well-placed shot by their forward in the 15th minute. Slazenger responded with determination, pushing forward and creating several scoring opportunities. But could not make the most of them in the first half. Making it 1-0 at half time.
The second half saw both teams battling not only each other but also the strong winds that played a significant role in the match. Slazengers made the most of the advantage of playing with the wind and after a swift counterattack led to a deft finish by their captain Isaac Fisher. Despite Halifax’s relentless pressure in the closing minutes, the Slazengers held firm, showcasing strong defensive play and resilience. And managed to capitalise on another chance squared by Danny Perry for an easy finish from Chris Gascoigne. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 2-1 victory for the Slazengers, who celebrated their win amidst challenging weather conditions, with only a single win separating them from 2nd place.
Men’s 2nd’s (6) vs. (0) Huddersfield 2nd’s
Slazenger took the short drive to Huddersfield for an encounter with the top of the table side. However, Slazenger carried a 7 game undefeated streak and confidence. Under the shadow of Emely moor mast, the fixture started. Slazenger started on the front foot, with the top line applying pressure to the Huddersfield side and forcing errors. Richard Tuddenham scored from a characteristic strike from open play, beating the goalkeeper to put the visitors ahead. Shortly afterwards, Tuddenham had a second strike, but this time the goalkeeper got a pad to it, with the ball being pounced on by Jack Sumner to make it 2-0. Slaz continued to pressure the ball, with Tuddenham scoring a second from a powerful short corner strike.
The second half saw Huddersfield come out in force; creating more chances and forcing Darren Buttery to pull of a handful of saves to keep his clean sheet in sight. Tuddenham wrapped up his hat trick with a final penalty corner strike, giving Slazenger a 4 goal cushion. However, Slaz continued to play the passing, attacking hockey and didn’t let up. Newcomer Ryan Bishop rounded the keeper, beating him one on one, and slotting the ball away to make it 5. With time still on the clock, a final penalty corner was won by the visiting side. Tuddenham played Ben Graham into space, who neatly finished to close out the result 6-0. A well fought result, where even Buttery cracked a smile at his clean sheet!
Slaz go into the break in 6th place, with a single win (and 3 points) separating them from 2nd place.
Men’s 3rd’s (2) vs. (2) Leeds Adel 5th’s
A cold, windy North Leeds night set the stage for what was to be another tense game, Slaz winning 2-1 in the reverse fixture back in September. Adel started the game as the stronger side. Their initial, aggressive pressure led to them taking the lead five minutes in. Slaz not making it easy for themselves with sloppy passes and holding the ball too long. Adel found another, this time from a well worked short corner, and continued to mount pressure on the Slaz back line. The experience brought by Adel’s older average age, and clearer communication, was used to their advantage.
Slaz seemed to wake up after this, switching the run of play. Damian then sweetly converted a short corner, pulling after speaking with Owen, to figure out where the gaps where. Slazenger continued to grow into the game, making intelligent runs, and playing higher intensity hockey. The half closed with another controversial Adel short corner, Damian delaying the short knowing it was going to be half time, putting more pressure on Adel. They were unable convert. HT 2-1 to Adel.
Slazenger carried this pressure into the second half, scoring within seconds of the restart, Scott laying a pass off to Mark, who calmly lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper into the back post. The game became even more intense following this, as both teams looked for a winner. Chances were created at both ends, and some excellent last gasp defending, but no-one could convert and take the glory. The closing stages were extremely end-to-end, but the game was to finish in a stalemate. FT 2-2. A hard fought draw from two goals down, Slazenger grew into the game exponentially after the slow start. That’s it for a few weeks, but Slazenger will be looking to carry their form from a great run of games into the new year.
Men’s 4th’s (7) vs. (4) Aire Valley 4th’s
The men’s 4s ended a 5 game winless run with a 7-4 victory against aire valley 4s at home this weekend. It was an end to end game for the hosts who opened the scoring thanks to a brilliant solo run. The hosts then conceded shortly after before scoring to re-establish their lead. With the score 2-1 the visitors equalised once again forcing but Slazenger 4s scored from the pushback to immediately reclaim the lead. The rest of the half was more disappointing for the hosts as we conceded twice more to see the score at half time 4-3 in favour of the visitors. The hosts were much more resolute in the second half which allowed our offensive players to assert dominance by first equalising and then reclaim the lead thanks to for second half goals making the final score 7-4.
Development (P) vs. (P) Lindum Development
Postponed, Lindum unable to field a team
Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (5) Huddersfield Dragons 1st’s
Ladies 1st’s hosted Huddersfield Dragons 1st’s for a top of the table encounter. Slaz scored through Sarah Sykes (2) and
Ladies 2nd’s (4) vs. (1) Leeds 5th’s
This week Slazenger were at home and eager to get back to the winning streak. Initially it was another slow start for Slazenger and Leeds started with a high pace leading to early pressure. Goal Keeper Erin Haigh was steadfast in her defence and kept Slazenger in the game. There was end to end action and pressure from both teams, it was Slazenger who capitalised first with a goal from captain Ni scored from a short corner. Soon after, came Slazenger second goal from Nicci Swinden in open play, making the most from a rebound. Leeds battled hard and caught Slazenger in a lapse of concentration, enabling them to pull a goal back before half time.
The second half saw a determined Slazenger, who worked the ball much better, with great passes being made all over the pitch. The defenders held a high line to keep the pressure on Leeds and eventually Lou scored her first of the game. Lou’s second goal would have been more at home on a rounders pitch as she expertly struck the ball in the air, sending it into the net. Final score finished 4-1 to Slaz. Player of the match went to Maisie for stepping out of position into midfield and she never stopped battling and working.
Ladies 3rd’s (3) vs. (0) Wakefield 4th’s
Slazengers 3’s secured a solid 3-0 victory over Wakefield 4 in a hard-fought local derby, with all of their goals coming from short corners. The first half saw Slazengers take a 1-0 lead into the break, thanks to a well-executed short corner finished off by Lauren Fealy. Despite going behind, Wakefield continued to battle and were never out of the contest, putting pressure on the Slazenger defence throughout the match, forcing Sarah Richie to make a crucial goal line save. Rebecca Furness, named Player of the Match, was instrumental in the victory, showcasing exceptional work rate and energy in central midfield. Her relentless effort helped to break up Wakefield’s attacks and push the game forward for Slazengers.
In the second half, Slazengers began to make more effective use of the width of the pitch, and winger Erin Kelly’s perseverance paid off. After several near-misses, Kelly found the back of the net from a right-slip short corner, doubling Slazengers’ advantage to 2-0. With the lead firmly in their grasp, Slazengers grew in confidence and began to play some of their best hockey of the match. Fealy sealed the win, scoring her second goal making it 3-0.
Slazenger Mixed (1) vs. (6) Sheffield Uni Bankers
Slazenger’s mixed team faced a tough test against Sheffield Uni Bankers, suffering a 6-1 defeat despite moments of promise and individual brilliance. The game started brightly for Slazenger’s, with Jessica Rudge delivering a moment of magic in the opening five minutes. A well-placed cross found her in the circle, and she executed a stunning volley into the back of the net, giving Slazenger’s an early lead and plenty of hope.
However, Sheffield responded quickly, dominating possession and putting constant pressure on the Slazenger defense. Emma Williams and Mark Swinden were resolute at the back, making crucial tackles and clearances, while Ben Stevenson impressed with his relentless midfield challenges. Despite their efforts, Sheffield found the net three times in the first half, exposing gaps in the defense and leaving Slazenger’s trailing 3-1 at the break.
The second half was another uphill battle. Adam Fall showed flashes of brilliance with his unreal stick skills, weaving through defenders and creating opportunities, but Slazenger’s struggled to convert these into goals. Frankie deserves a mention for showing up despite being visibly hungover, adding grit and humor to the team dynamic.
Unfortunately, goalkeeper Chris Gascoigne had a day to forget, as a series of errors allowed Sheffield to score three more goals in the second half, sealing a comprehensive win for the Bankers. Although the result was disappointing, Slazenger’s will take heart from their early goal and individual performances. As they turn their focus to the plate competition, the team will look to build on these positives and bring greater cohesion to their play.
U12 Boys Match Report
Despite the challenges posed by Storm Darragh, the U12 Boys managed to play some exciting hockey in a mixed Division 1 and 2 competition. Here’s how the matches unfolded:
Game 1 vs. Ben Rhydding
The team faced a tough opponent in Ben Rhydding, ultimately losing 1-0. However, the performance was strong, especially considering the quality of the opposition. Nikolai stood out with some brilliant saves and clearances, ensuring the scoreline remained close. The defence worked tirelessly, with Charlie and Ollie making some key tackles. Zach’s quick thinking on a short corner resulted in an epic goal-line clearance, while Noah and Zach worked effectively in midfield to support both defence and attack. Alastair and Matthew showed excellent coordination on the wings, balancing defensive duties with offensive runs. Despite the defeat, the boys showed great resilience and skill against a top-tier team.
Game 2 vs. Adel
The team started with great energy. Charlie and Ollie were solid in defence, and Alfie’s arrival in centre midfield changed the dynamic of the game. Alfie made a brilliant run down the right wing, crossing the ball to Noah, who calmly finished with a first-time strike into the back of the net. The team’s pressing game continued to pay off, with Matthew’s tackle and quick shot doubling the lead. Adel fought back, but Nikolai’s incredible saves kept them at bay. In the final moments, Adel won a short corner, which was initially saved, but a subsequent shuffle resulted in a goal ending the game 2-1.
Game 3 vs. Wakefield
Wakefield struck early with a well-executed short corner, taking the lead quickly. However, the team showed great resilience and fought back with determination. Despite some excellent attacking play, particularly from Alfie, the team couldn’t convert their chances. Both Matthew and Noah came close but were denied by the opposition. Alistar’s work on the wing was invaluable, as his determination to track back and support the defense was outstanding. Zach, Charlie and Ollie made crucial tackles to maintain defensive stability, but it was Nikolai who stood out as a key figure in preventing a bigger scoreline. His super performance earnt him player of the tournament—well done! 👏
Girls U12 B Team
The under 12 B team travelled to Ben Rhydding for this months tournament. The storms had played havoc with the tournament organisation, which eventually saw teams from division 3 and 4 competing together after teams dropped out due to travel issues. However even playing tougher sides, the young Slaz team did incredibly well, showing how far they’ve come in the last 12 weeks.
Game 1 vs. Leeds Adel
Slaz started a little sleepy after the long journey. However Penny and Matilda were on the ball from the off. Adel were pressurised and their attacking chances were stopped by the defensive duo. In the middle, Cerys put on a strong performance. However, the team were not able to create the attacking chances to break the deadlock, ending the game at 0-0.
Game 2 vs. Ben Rhydding (Red)
Slazenger were finding their feet. The midfield of Ella, Hollie and Cerys worked well together, and caused trouble for the Ben Rhydding side. George went close to scoring, but a strong goalkeeper showing kept Rhydding in the game.
Game 3 vs. Ben Rhydding (Blue)
This was the toughest of the games, and Slazenger put in another amazing performance. Penny and Matilda were exceptional in defence, causing trouble for the Ben Rhydding side. Lydia was called into action in this game, having to pull off some impressive saves, and having the confidence to distribute the ball across the pitch.
Game 4 vs. Ben Rhydding (Yellow)
Slazenger played some fantastic passing hockey in this game, even playing the ball out from the back under pressure. Against a stronger side, Slazenger did themselves proud, with some impressive defensive work from Penny and Matilda. Equally, playing as a team, they created plenty of attacking chances with Cerys and Florence making runs down the wings. Georgie, Ella and Hollie all went close, but weren’t able to find the winning goal.
Game 5 vs. Huddersfield
This capped off a strong performance from the Slaz side. Ella scored 2 goals, the first from a penalty corner, the second from an individual piece of skill; beating 2 players to slot the ball away. However, this was a team win. Penny and Matilda worked hard at the back, Cerys, Hollie, Georgie and Florence all pressured the Huddersfield side and created scoring opportunities. Huddersfield were able to score a goal in the dying minutes of the game.
The team did incredibly well, only conceding a single goal after 5 games, taking 4 draws and a win from the tournament. Every member of the team worked hard in attack and defence, and should be incredibly proud of themselves. The player of the tournament went to Cerys for a mature display in the middle; working back to cover in defence, and being part of the most dangerous attacks. The team has come on so far since their first tournament 3 months ago, and did fantastically! Well done!
