Men’s 1st’s (0) vs. (3) Sheffield University Bankers 2nd’s
Slazenger travelled to Sheffield for the penultimate game of the season against Sheffield Bankers 2. Slaz travelled with a weakened side, but the game was end to end throughout and well contested. While the possession was shared equally, it was Sheffield who were able to convert their chances; a pair of penalty corner conversions, and a field goal in the dying part of the game. Slaz at the other end had chances, but were not as clinical and couldn’t find a response. Slazenger host Boston Spa next week for their final game of the season.
Men’s 2nd’s (2) vs. (0) Sheffield University Bankers 5th’s
The 2nds visited Bankers 5th’s for one of the final games of the season. Bankers were fighting to avoid relegation, and put up a dogged battle creating pressure and preventing Slazenger from getting into a rhythm. However, Slazenger were keen to cement their 3rd place league position. An early cross from Keith Leonard found Richard Tuddenham for a tap-in at the back post, to put Slaz ahead.
However, Sheffield continued to cause trouble and while Slaz worked to move the ball around, they were not able to play the progressive passing hockey which had done so well for them in previous games. The pressure eventually gave Slazenger a penalty corner, which Matthew Green was able to convert at the back post.
2 goals ahead, Slazenger’s nerves settled, but they never felt fully out of trouble. Things got worse, when Jack Mumford and Lucas Smith were both injured, reducing the team to a bare 11 for the second half. The game remained at a stalemate in the second half. While Slazenger had several more chances, they were unable to convert, with the game remaining at 2-0 until the final whistle.
Men’s 3rd’s (4) vs. (4) Ben Rhydding 4th’s
All that was needed was a point from today’s game to guarantee a fifth place finish for Slazenger, in the reverse fixture of a game that ended 7-2 to the good, arguably Slazenger’s best performance of the season, so the team arrived in a buoyant mood.
Despite such a humbling last time, it was Rhydding who started on the front foot, winning a short just a minute in, and scoring the first of today’s affair within two. However, such an early setback didn’t dishearten Slazenger spirits, and they put pressure on the aged Rhydding defence with direct passing to the forwards. Slazenger were the first to receive a card with Damo harshly seeing green, but this just spurred Slaz on more, equalising two minutes after as Mark slotted it following great offensive determination by Owen. Both sides were playing good hockey, Ben Rhydding using their midfield youngsters well, whilst Slaz attempted to push back and take the lead. Neither side could capitalise on any chances, until Damo rifled it into the far corner with less than 10 minutes of the first half remaining. This goal came just after Rhydding got their first card after a cynical push led to the awarding of a green. Towards the end of the first half, Slaz took more control, picking up the pace as they looked to increase their lead. No more goals were delivered, but a green card for a clumsy challenge from Aleks, as the half closed, came instead. HT 2-1 Slaz.
Upon the restart, Ben Rhydding looked sharper again, getting the equaliser just three minutes into the half, capitalising on a moment of sluggishness by Slaz. The half seemed to have a more frantic, chaotic atmosphere, with composure often being sacrificed by both sides. A slight tactical change by Slazenger allowed for more dominance in the middle of the park, regaining the direct and, more importantly, composed passing, both forwards and backwards. Midway through the half James found the back of the net with some great skill and a calm finish, restoring the one-goal lead for Slazenger, but mere seconds later, Rhydding equalised, once more taking advantage of a lapse of awareness at the back. Slaz continued to press on, looking for a winner, using the bench well, keeping the pace of attack throughout. With less than 10 minutes to play, Aleks found the bottom corner with a calm finish, and Slaz piled on the pressure, with many agonisingly close chances towards the end, but the final product not quite being what was needed. The hopes for another were halted by an unfortunate green for Mark, and despite the best efforts of the Slazenger team, a late goal was conceded as Ben Rhydding equalised at the death. FT 4-4.
This felt like a disappointing result, but an overall strong performance against a well-drilled team. Fifth place confirmed, all that’s left is one more game, home vs Bradford….
Men’s 4th’s (2) vs. (4) Wakefield 6th’s
Slazenger lost 4-2 to the visiting Wakefield 6th’s. Ollie Tuddenham scored a brace for Slazenger.
Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (1) Leeds 4th’s
Slazengers Ladies 1s secured a well-earned 3-1 victory over Leeds in a game full of grit, teamwork, and a touch of karma. Leeds struck first with a goal from open play, capitalising on an early attacking spell. However, Slaz responded quickly, with Hannah equalising after a short corner ricocheted off a defender and rocketed into the back of the net. The home side then took the lead thanks to Emma, who converted a well-placed flick following a string of Leeds’ stick tackles.
With a 2-1 advantage at half-time, Slazengers’ defence turned into an impenetrable wall. MOM, Marissa was instrumental in the game, making crucial tackles and distributing the ball with precision. Despite winning multiple short corners, Slaz struggled to find another breakthrough. A moment of controversy arose when Zoe found the backboard in unorthodox fashion—via her boot. In a strong display of sportsmanship, Slazengers acknowledged the infringement, leading to the goal being disallowed. Mollie’s numerous ‘sitting sessions’ on the pitch earned her the coveted tart award for the day.
Justice was served late in the game when Coops sealed the win, slotting home a pass from Rudge right in front of goal. The finish was all the sweeter after Leeds’ questionable sportsmanship earlier in the match. Slazengers now turn their focus to a busy week ahead, traveling to Loughborough tomorrow for their quarter-final cup clash before wrapping up their league campaign with a trip to Pocklington next weekend.
Ladies 1st’s (0) vs. (5) Loughborough Students 4th’s
Slazengers traveled to Loughborough for their cup fixture, facing a strong and fast opposition. Despite a determined performance, Slaz fell to a 5-0 defeat. The game started with intensity, and while Slazengers worked hard to keep up, Loughborough’s speed and precision put them ahead. The first half saw Bella take a nasty knock after an unfortunate collision with one of their players, which unfortunately saw her out for the rest of the match.
Despite some fantastic saves from Dani in goal, Loughborough managed to find the net twice before halftime, leaving Slaz with a 2-0 deficit to chase. In the second half, Slazengers continued to battle, with Ailish putting in a tireless shift across the pitch. Unfortunately, Hannah received a yellow card as tensions rose. The team dug deep, with solid defensive efforts from Eliz earning her the well-deserved Player of the Match. Special credit also goes to the juniors, who stepped up and held their own against tough opposition.
The game may have been frustrating, not just due to the result but also the behavior of Loughborough’s spectators, who were less than welcoming. However, Slazengers kept their heads high and continued to fight until the final whistle. A huge thanks to our own supporters who made the trip and cheered us on. A special mention to Rob Kirk-Smith for assisting Bella after her head injury. Finally, this week’s Tart Award went to Imo for managing to get lost on campus—and exploring Loughboroughs facilities. Tough game, but plenty to take forward. On to our final game of the season, against Pocklington next week.
Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (1) Spen Valley 1st’s
Saturdays game was the final home game of the season and saw top of the league clash which could decide the league title. From the off, the atmosphere was tense with so much at stake for both sides. Spen Valley took an early lead after just 10 minutes, when a short corner routine caught Slaz off guard, seeing the ball hit the backboard to make it 1-0. Slaz struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with passing often going astray. Spen Valley’s high press and relentless intensity forced Slaz into several mistakes, limiting their chances to get back into the game. The first half finished with Spen leading 1-0.
The second half saw a much-improved performance from Slaz. The team made slight adjustments to their formation and began using the width of the pitch to stretch Spen Valley. Although they were awarded a series of short corners, Slaz struggled to convert, with the Spen defense holding firm. Spen Valley also had their opportunities, with a couple of short corners and open play chances, but Slaz’s defense, led by the indomitable Minch, held strong. Minch cleared several dangerous balls, and Kez, with her trademark speed, was a constant threat, covering every inch of the pitch to keep Slaz in the game.
In the final 10 minutes, the game reached its peak. Slaz had a short corner, and after a quick interception from Spen, the ball came back into the mix. Lucy took a shot at goal, and Lou, ever the opportunist, managed to get a stick on the rebound, deflecting the ball into the net to bring the game level at 1-1. The final five minutes were nerve-wracking. Spen Valley threw everything they had at Slaz, desperately trying to avoid the draw. Slaz were awarded another short corner as the final whistle was blown, but Spen cleared the ball with determination, ensuring the match ended with the scores tied. Final score 1-1.
Whilst the game ended in a draw, the point gained has meant we are officially LEAGUE CHAMPIONS. Player went to Duracell bunny Kez for running her legs off the entire game.
Ladies 3rd’s (2) vs. (5) Otliensians 1st’s
Slazengers 3 took on Otliensians in a tough but entertaining match. Otliensians came out flying, putting Slazengers under pressure early on. They managed to sneak in three goals, but Slazengers didn’t let their heads drop. Just before halftime, Caro Scofield made a cracking run down the baseline and set up Ellie Page perfectly at the P-spot, who slotted it home to make it 3-1. A great team goal!
Unfortunately, the first half wasn’t all good news – Erin Kelly picked up an injury and had to come off. Hannah Kyle stepped into the right inner position and did a solid job in midfield along with playmate of the match Rebecca Furness. In the 2nd half Otliensians started strong and added a fourth goal, despite Lauren Hattersley pulling off some fantastic saves (seriously, she was on fire!). But Slazengers weren’t done yet – they won a short corner, and Loz Fealy calmly slotted it in to make it 2-4. Game on!
Otliensians hit back with another goal, though, and the match finished 5-2. It wasn’t the result Slazengers wanted, but there were some great moments of play and plenty of fight in the team. On to the next and final match of the season!!!
Ladies 4th’s (2) vs. (2) Selby 2nd’s
This weekend, the Slazenger Ladies 4s traveled to face Selby 2s, who are currently sitting 2nd in the league. Despite being the underdogs, Slazenger came out strong, determined to challenge their higher-ranked opponents. From the whistle, Slazenger applied immediate pressure on the Selby defense. This relentless attack quickly resulted in a short corner for Slazenger, which Rebecca Wade calmly slotted into the bottom corner to give her team a 1-0 lead.
Selby, however, responded aggressively. Their attacking play forced some excellent saves from Slazenger goalkeeper Charlotte Richardson, who kept the home side at bay. As the first half progressed, Slazenger’s offensive play continued to shine. A brilliant run down the left wing by Mollie Glover, combined with some clever link-up play with Alys Kaushiva, had the Selby defense scrambling. Kaushiva then took advantage of the chaos, scoring a well-deserved goal to double the lead at 2-0. The home side, rattled by the quick two-goal deficit, fought back fiercely. Within a minute, Selby managed to create an overload on the Slazenger defense, converting this pressure into a goal and narrowing the score to 2-1.
The second half saw end-to-end action as both teams sought to take control. Slazenger kept up the pressure, but Selby earned a short corner midway through the half, which they converted to level the score at 2-2. A hard-fought draw for Slazenger, showcasing their growth and resilience since their last encounter with Selby. Player of the Match: Mollie Glover – for her speed, skill, and determination throughout the match. Tart of the Match: Gemma Wroe – for the sheer volume of lifted balls throughout the game.
U10 Boys Cup Qualifier Tournament – Match Report
The boys secured four wins from four today qualifying for the @englandhockey In2 Hockey Cup Finals next month! It was a fantastic team performance across the squad, with great effort, skill, and determination shown by everyone. 🙌
Slaz vs Adel (3-0) – A good start from Slaz with Noah taking the ball forward and finding Matthew, who had his shot saved. Good defending from Harry S, Harry R and Dylan kept Adel out. A short corner won for Slaz saw the first shot saved well, but Matthew followed it up and put the ball in. Harry S made a good tackle, but Adel won a short corner, which was kept out by Noah and Dylan, making good deflections on the shot, and it was cleared away by Harry S. Alistair made a nice run down the wing and crossed into the D, but Adel kept it out again. Harry R was man-marking well in defence, keeping Adel to minimal attacks. Noah, Alfie, Matthew, and Alistair worked well together, passing and creating chances, and tackling back when needed. Harry R made a great interception, and Jackson cleared well, turning defence into attack and winning a short corner. Noah took a straight strike and slotted it into the bottom corner for a 2-0 lead. A great ball through to Matthew at the top of the D, who had a shot, only for the crossbar to keep it out. More pressure from Alistair and Matthew won Slaz another short corner, with Noah finding the other corner from a straight strike. Alfie was strong in tackles, keeping Adel out, and a strong run by Noah all the way into the D saw his reverse shot go just wide. Jackson, Dylan, Harry R, and Harry S kept Adel’s attacks at bay. A great start by Slaz with a well-deserved 3-0 win. Scorers: Matthew (1), Noah (2)
Slaz vs Thirsk (4-1) – A strong start with early defending set up a good run by Noah, Matthew, and Alistair, who won a short corner. A good save from the Thirsk GK kept the shot out. Dylan made a great tackle, turning over the Thirsk defender, but the cross was too strong across the D. Noah made a nice pass to pick out Matthew, who scored with a reverse shot. Noah and Alfie kept pressing and won the ball, finding Matthew in the D again to take a quick shot and score again. Harry R and Harry S marked and communicated well, keeping Thirsk’s attacks to a minimum. Matthew made space and had another shot from the top of the D, scoring his hat-trick. Thirsk had a good break forward and slotted the ball past Jackson to get one back but the team quickly responded. A Slaz long corner was worked well from Noah, finding Matthew to score again. Fantastic work by Dylan and Alfie closed down the Thirsk attack, clearing the ball well, leading to a Slaz short corner. The corner was saved, but a defender’s foot on the line gave Slaz a flick. Noah stepped up, but the Thirsk GK made a great save to keep it out. Alistair was a threat down the right, creating chances, and another short corner was won but kept out again by the GK. Thirsk attacked and won a short corner, but Noah was fast out and stopped the chance with a great tackle. Another strong performance from all, Jackson was quiet, the defence stuck to the task, and the midfield and attack did lots of running and effort with a well-deserved 4-1 win. Scorers: Matthew (3), Noah (1)
Slaz vs Wakefield (2-1) – Wakefield started strong with a well-worked run into the Slaz D and scored with a well-taken shot. Slaz started to press and work well from Harry R, Noah, and Alistair, creating chances but couldn’t get it past the Wakefield defence. Wakefield attacked quickly and had a shot well saved by Jackson. Harry S and Harry R marked well, and Jackson saved again. Matthew and Noah linked well and won a short corner. The shot from Noah was saved well by the Wakefield defender. Alfie, Dylan, and Alistair kept attacking well, creating more chances and winning a short corner, but Wakefield defended it well again. Captain Noah stole the ball and, from the top of the D, hit a great strike into the goal. A quick restart from Noah and Matthew made it 2-1 with a lovely reverse flick. Harry S found some lovely passes from the back to Dylan and Alistair, but Wakefield’s defence kept the attack out. Harry R made a great tackle to stop the Wakefield attack and set Slaz forward again. Wakefield showed some good strength and skill attacking, but Jackson made another reflex save to keep them out. Slaz kept the work rate high from Noah, Matthew, Dylan, and Alistair, pressing when Wakefield were in possession. Harry S and Harry R swept the attacks away. Slaz had more attacks, but Wakefield defended well to keep the attacks out. Wakefield always posed an attacking threat and won a short corner, but Jackson made a great save, and Noah cleared well. A tough game, but all did really well to keep battling and secure a great win.
Scorers: Noah (1), Matthew (1)
Slaz vs Hull/Driffield (7-0) – Slaz started quickly, putting Hull under pressure and creating early chances.
Noah was strong in midfield, and a good run forced a short corner, which he scored from. Alfie and Alistair made some good tackles to keep Hull out, with Harry S and Harry R cleaning up in defence. Slaz kept the pressure on the Hull defence, with Matthew and Alistair finding space and winning another short corner. After a few well-saved shots, the ball fell to Matthew, who flicked it home with a signature reverse flick. Hull had some possession and attacks, but a well-drilled Slaz team pressed and broke quickly. Noah entered the D and shot into the far corner to put Slaz 3-0 up. Alistair made it 4 with a great show of pace and a well-finished goal. More pressure from Noah, Matthew, and Dylan found Alistair again, who nearly finished again. A good run from Matthew won another short corner, and after another well executed play with Matthew’s precision injection and powerful strike from Noah extended the lead. Slaz kept attacking, and Noah scored again. Jackson in goal was quiet, but it showed how well the defence played. A wonderful final performance with an impressive 7-0 victory. Scorers: Noah (4), Matthew (1), Alistair (2)
Thanks as ever to Gemma for umpiring today, Ste for helping coach the boys and James for the match report. The boys should be proud of their performances today, they showed up as their best selves and were a credit to the club! They finished unbeaten, scoring 16 goals and only conceding 2 goals – well done Jackson! Captain Noah led by example, pushing the team forward but Player of the Tournament was Dylan, who’s performance was excellent today! Well done 👏
U10 Girls Cup Qualifier Tournament – Match Report
The girls headed to Leeds today, aiming to secure qualification for the In2Hockey finals. The girls did not disappoint, they played four matches today, winning all four and conceding just a single goal – well done Frances. This incredible performance means the girls have qualified for the @englandhockey In2 Hockey Cup Finals next month!
Slaz vs Harrogate – We started with great energy, applying pressure on Harrogate from the very first whistle. Our attacking lineup of Penny, Ella, Maia, and Darcie kept their defence on their toes. The opening goal was the result of a neat move, with Ella calmly slotting the ball into the net. Though Harrogate tried to respond with some pressure, Maddison and Izzy were composed in defense, leaving Frances with little to do. Penny’s impressive runs down the right wing created more chances, one of which led to Darcie setting up Ella for her second goal. Substitutes Bridgette, Sophie, and Maci seamlessly integrated into the team to help secure a strong start to the day. Result: 2-0 win Scorers: Ella (2)
Slaz vs Leeds Adel – Up next was Adel, arguably our toughest challenge on paper. Despite this, we began at a blistering pace, with Penny, Darcie, and Ella troubling their defenders. Ella delivered a fantastic pass to Darcie, who found the back of the net. Adel responded by increasing their intensity, but our backline of Izzy and Maddison stayed resolute, and Frances was quick to clear any dangers. A rapid counter-attack saw Penny drive down the right and cross the ball perfectly for Darcie to score her second of the match. Adel managed to pull one back after a moment of confusion in our defence. Recognising the need for fresh legs, Bridgette, Sophie, and Maci entered the pitch, injecting energy into the team. Their midfield efforts paid off when Darcie latched onto the ball, dribbled into the D, and calmly tapped it past the goalkeeper. It was a brilliant team performance.
Result: 3-1 win Scorers: Darcie (3)
Slaz vs York C – Once again, we started assertively, taking control against York, though we struggled to break through early on. York had a few attacking chances, but the defensive duo of Bridgette and Maddison managed to keep everything under control, with Maddison standing out as a rock at the heart of the defense. Ella was tireless in midfield, consistently creating opportunities. Our frustration subsided when Maci came on and caused havoc in York’s defense, scoring from close range to give us the lead. Maia, Penny and Sophie fought hard on the wings, while Darcie remained a constant threat upfront. Her perseverance was rewarded with a stunning strike from the edge of the D to secure the win.
Result: 2-0 win Scorers: Maci (1), Darcie (1)
Slaz vs Northallerton – The final game of the day saw some tired legs out on the pitch, but the team gave it their all. Frances, who had been largely untested during the tournament, made a couple of crucial saves to keep the game goalless. Our defensive trio of Maddison, Izzy, and Bridgette was outstanding once again. In attack, Maia, Ella, Maci, Spohie Penny, and Darcie all came close to breaking the deadlock. In the last minute, we earned a short corner, and a flawless routine ended with Darcie firing the ball into the bottom corner to clinch the win. Result: 1-0 win Scorer: Darcie (1)
Every player worked hard and contributed to what was a joy to watch. Player of the Tournament was a close call but ultimately went to Penny for her outstanding wing play throughout the day. Well done, Penny! Thanks to Mark for managing the team and a big thank you to Rob and Will for their coaching support, and also to Sarah for popping over to umpire. Bring on the finals! 💚🏑💪
