Men’s 1st’s (2) vs. (4) Rotherham 1st’s
Slaz Men’s 1s began their season at home against a difficult Rotherham side and, in the opening stretches of the game, showed plenty of promise for the season ahead. Flowing passages of passing play and solid pressing from Slaz meant that they took control towards the start and got a deserved early lead when a slick passing move ended with a dangerous ball across the D met by Isaac Fisher.
A second soon followed as Slaz finally made their steadily growing number of penalties corners pay with a strong finish from Asad Baig. Despite injuries and a late penalty corner goal conceded towards the end of the first half, Slaz had plenty to be happy about as they went into the halftime break 2-1 up. Good play followed in the second half also, with particularly strong performances coming from Man of the Match winner Emmett Fearn – whose passing was reliable and pressing relentless all game – and Joe Minchella, who dominated the full back positions.
Despite good patterns of play persisting, Slaz failed to make the most of their chances and this wastefulness came back to bite them. Poor discipline with cards left Slaz a man down at vital junctures in the game and allowed Rotherham to take a foothold at 2-2. Two late breakaway goals from Rotherham swung the game in their favour and Slaz will have to work on defensive discipline as the season progresses if they have ambitions of heading towards the top of the table. Nevertheless, this was an extremely promising start to the season that Slaz will look to build on in coming weeks.
Men’s 2nd’s (2) vs. (4) Lindum 4th’s
A new look second team travelled to lindum for the first game of their league campaign. Having finished the season in third place, they were looking to get back to the same form. However, Lindum 4ths had finished second so this wasn’t going to be an easy start, especially with captain Ste Roberts still playing some other silly sport, and Will “old man” Buckley, resting his bad back.
And so it proved. Lindum pressed from the start, making it hard for Slaz to get the ball moving. Lindum themselves looked dangerous on the break, and it took several important saves from goalkeeper moog to keep the visitors in it. Despite this, Lindum went into the break 2 goals up.
With a chance to reassess, Slaz came out stronger and more determined. A more aggressive midfield moved the ball faster, and caused more opportunities. Man of the match James Stevenson was clinical on the right wing and when Lindum’s goalie saved a shot from Ian Hedges, Stevenson was there to put it away. Slaz had several more chances, but strong goalkeeping from Lindum kept them at bay. However, another strike from Richard Tuddenham was saved, Ben Graham picked up the rebound, extending his record to scoring in 30 consecutive seasons.
Unfortunately Lindum had their own goal scoring chances, netting two of their own, leaving the score at 4-2. A challenging start to the season, but plenty of positives to take into the league campaign for the 2nds. They face Sheffield Bankers 4ths next week at home.
Men’s 3rd’s (3) vs. (2) Halifax 3rd’s
Slazenger travelled away for their first game of the season to the traditionally frigid pitch of Halifax. However it was the opposition who looked frozen in place as the new look team opened up their account with a 3 goal lead before half time. Goals from captain Damian Greig (2) and retuning veteran Tim Carr gave the side a commanding lead.
However, Halifax are rarely beaten so easily, and emerged in the second half with a renewed vigour, shutting Slaz down and creating their own trouble. Slaz conceded two in the second half, but held firm to take the first 3 points of their league campaign.
Men’s 4th’s (2) vs. (5) Chapeltown 3rd’s
A disappointing start to the season as the men’s 4s lost 6-2 at home to Chapeltown. After conceding twice within the first 20 minutes the 4s began to grow into the game and create chances managing to claw a goal back shortly before halftime.
Unfortunately the second half started the same with the 4s once again started slow and conceded yet again losing any control we had worked for in the first half. Much like the first half we grew into the game showing promising signs for the season.
Development Team (3) vs. (0) Chapeltown
The Development Team kicked off their season in style with a strong home performance against Chapeltown. From the first whistle, Slazenger looked sharp, moving the ball with confidence and linking up brilliantly across the pitch. Adelaide, John, Izzy and Noah combined well in midfield to set up the forwards, and it wasn’t long before Ruth, Matthew and Jess were causing real problems in attack. Their hard work was rewarded when Matthew bagged the first goal of the season — a well-taken finish to put Slazenger 1–0 up.
At the back, the defensive trio of Tilda, Gemma and T-Dog were solid, calmly snuffing out any danger and leaving keeper Nikolai with little to do — so much so he could lean against the post and enjoy the view!
Fresh legs came on with Charlie and Sarah slotting into midfield, and Darcie and Georgie joining the attack. Georgie quickly made her mark, finding perfect positioning to meet a cross and slot home Slazenger’s second. The team kept up their passing game, moving the ball smoothly across the pitch, and went into half time deservedly 2–0 ahead.
The second half carried on in much the same fashion. Nikolai was called into action a few times but dealt with everything comfortably. The juniors in the side showed great adaptability — Matthew and Matilda both dropping into midfield roles, and Noah slotting into defence when needed. Chances kept coming, and eventually Slazenger’s pressure told. After a Chapeltown foot on the line, the team were awarded a penalty flick, which Noah calmly converted to make it 3–0. A composed performance at both ends of the pitch also saw him voted Player of the Match.
A brilliant start to the season, with solid teamwork, good passing hockey, and a strong all-round effort.
Thanks to Amelia and Zoe for umpiring. Another home game awaits next week — let’s take this momentum forward!
Finally, a special mention for Adelaide — who had a super game in midfield, but still managed to earn herself Donut of the Day… for proudly running out in bright red socks while the rest of the team were in green! ❤️💚
Ladies 1st’s (1) vs. (2) Scarborough 1st’s
🌊 A Seaside Special 🏑
The first league game of the season saw Slazenger Ladies 1s take a trip to the seaside to face Scarborough – and it was anything but a breeze! Captain Hannah set the tone early by forgetting the balls – instantly netting herself “tart of the day” before a stick had even been swung. At least she didn’t clam up about it afterwards… though after all the stick tackles she might be in need of a new stick (or perhaps just a fishing net).
It was also a wave goodbye to Imogen, playing her final game before heading off to Newcastle Uni – clever clogs indeed, off to swap hockey sticks for textbooks. She anchored the defence alongside Bella, Eliz and the ever-experienced Lisa Minch, who was steering the back line like a seasoned lighthouse keeper. In midfield, Zoe was busy coaching us all on how not to tackle, before kindly demonstrating herself (we’ll call that a teaching aid). Hannah patrolled alongside, making sure Scarborough never got too much of the current.
On the wings, Amelia ran the full length of the pitch and fired one ball so straight it could’ve been measured with a pier ruler. Rebecca grafted hard too, chasing back and forth like the tide itself. Up front, debutant Alys joined Frankie and Coops to ruffle Scarborough’s defence like a seagull after chips. Coops bagged the only Slaz goal, showing that we can still make the net ripple like a deckchair in the wind.
Special mention to debut GK Ami, who was shore-ly solid in goal and deservedly scooped joint Player of the Match with defensive rock Eliz. Despite wave after wave of attack, including 17 short corners (yes, seventeen!), Slaz were left high and dry, slipping to a 2-1 defeat. But with so many chances, it’s clear the goals will soon come rolling in like the tide.
Not the result we wanted, but a cracking team effort – and plenty of promise to build on. After all, this was just the first dip of the season, and Slaz are ready to make a splash! 🌊
Ladies 2nd’s (2) vs. (1) Sheffield 3rd’s
Slazenger L2s were at home for their first game of the season in the new league. They hosted Sheffield L3s who started strong. Both teams had sustained periods of possession and pressure, with Slazenger defending several short corners successfully. 5 minutes before half time Naomi Frith took a long corner, passing to Ella Haigh on a run from the back, Ella expertly sent the ball into the D to Nicci Swindon, who finished the move to head into half time at 1-0 up. The second half told a similar story, with both teams showing different strengths with Slaz making strong switches and moving the ball into space, while Sheffield pressured in the D, challenging the defensive line of Ella, Gemma Syrett and Natalie Beech, testing keeper Erin Haigh who made some excellent saves. Once again though it was Slazenger who came out on top with a scrappy passage of play ending in Courtney Rowley seeing to ball into goal for Slazenger second. Sheffield came back and with 10minutes to go finally converted a penalty corner for a consolation goal. The game finished 2-1 to Slazenger with Natalie Beech being voted player of the match for her outstanding defending on her second team debut.
Ladies 3rd’s (0) vs. (3) Wakefield 4th’s
Slazenger 3’s travelled to Wakefield for their first league game of the season, but unfortunately found themselves short of several key players due to call-ups higher up the club.
In the opening 10 minutes, Wakefield came out strong while Slazenger were still trying to find their rhythm. Things were made harder when defender Donna threw herself into a challenge, only to come away with a painful knee injury that saw her sidelined for the rest of the match. Despite the early blow, Slazenger gradually steadied themselves and grew into the game steadied by Stacy in her midfield role. With Lauren making some brilliant saves at the back, Slazenger looked to play on the break – and when they did, they did it with style.
Debutant Arina showed blistering pace down the wing, catching Wakefield off guard and creating real danger. Mollie, Gemma and Sian were quick to support, and Slazengers penetrated the Wakefield defences but were just unable to convert. Slazengers forced a couple of short corners too, but sadly again, couldn’t quite find the finishing touch. At half time, Wakefield’s pressure had earned them a 2–0 lead.
The second half followed a familiar pattern: Wakefield pressing hard, Slazenger digging in deep. The defence worked tirelessly but were over run by the Wakefield attack and frustrations began to show, Wakefield eventually grabbed a third goal making it 3-0. Slazenger continued to fight as a team until the last whistle. Player of the Match went to Arina for an outstanding debut performance on the wing, showing great speed, determination, and a real eye for creating chances.
