Ladies 1st’s (8) vs. (2) Doncaster 2nd’s
🌧️ Slazengers Weather the Storm to Drench Doncaster 8–2
The heavens opened on Saturday leaving spectators wondering if they should have brought snorkels instead of umbrellas, but it was Doncaster Ladies 2s who found themselves truly washed away as Slazenger Ladies 1s stormed to an 8–2 victory. After last week’s undeserved loss, this felt like the perfect downpour of goals to clear the skies and brighten spirits.
It did not take Slaz long to find their footing on the soggy turf. Captain Hannah broke the deadlock, slotting home to set the tone. Emma followed with a strike of her own before providing an assist for Alys — who, in her debut senior season, has clearly been soaking up her deflection drills in training. Doncaster briefly found a ray of hope by pulling it back to 3–1, but the clouds soon gathered again. The juniors shone through the downpour, proving to be Slaz’s silver lining — their skill and confidence growing like sunshine breaking through the storm clouds.
Then came Frankie’s thunderbolt moment. Somehow, she squeezed the ball under the keeper’s armpit, threading it through like she was sewing a patch on a raincoat — her career highlight to date. The central trio of Emma, Frankie, and Hannah swirled around the pitch like a low-pressure system, shifting play with fluency, while Hannah marshalled proceedings from centre back with the authority of a weather forecaster calling the shots.
Emma later tried her luck with a penalty flick but, true to the weather, it went straight down the middle like a rain shower on the keeper’s chest — wet, but not particularly threatening. Thankfully Amelia swept home just before half-time to make it 5–1, leaving Slaz walking on sunshine at the break.
The second half brought more stormy pressure. Juniors Millie and Amelia linked up beautifully, executing passages of play straight out of training, like rain running exactly where the gutters intended. Emma added another goal to the list but Doncaster did manage to find a second after Zoe’s foot in the D — a puddle of a mistake, still causing ripples from last week’s antics – maybe she will start taking on board Frankie’s advice. But it barely dampened Slaz’s downpour of goals with Coops conjuring two more goals — one a sensational strike lashed in on the bounce, flying over the keeper’s head like a gale-force wind.
Player of the Match went to Captain Hannah for her commanding performance at the back, distributing play like a seasoned meteorologist charting clear skies. Tart votes, meanwhile, were shared: Hannah for forgetting both the match balls (again) and half-time oranges, and Emma for her flick — proof that not all showers are dangerous.
With the clouds lifted, this was a performance full of confidence, flair, and promise. Next week’s forecast? A trip to Leeds Uni, where Slaz will be hoping for more of the same — and perhaps, finally, some hockey balls and oranges.
Ladies 2nd’s (4) vs. (1) City Of York 3rd’s
Slazenger L2s were at home again this week to City of York L3s. Both teams fresh from a winning start to the season, everyone was keen to take another 3 points. The first half saw York applying a lot of pressure to the Slazenger defence and after a sustained attack they were rewarded with a goal. Slazenger were determined not to go into half time chasing the game and managed to link up play down the left, switch to the right and a drive towards the goal, Vice Captain Louise Haigh claimed her first goal of the season.
It was all even at 1-1 as teams considered their tactics at half time. The second half was opened by a goal from Courtney Rowley, and Mia Davis scoring only 2 minutes later. York did not give up the fight and forced Slazenger defence and Keeper Erin Haigh, into protecting their lead from multiple short corners. The defence prevailed and through more beautiful link up play and a strong attack, Nichola Swindon claimed Slazenger another goal.
The game ended in Slazenger claiming all 3 points with a 4-1 win. Player of the match went to midfielder Courtney Rowley for showing her development and strength today.
Ladies 3rd’s (4) vs. (1) Selby 2nd’s
Slazenger 3’s travelled to Selby in tough, rainy conditions to take on Selby 2’s. Slazenger struck first when Ellie delivered a powerful cross from the right wing. Left winger Evie was perfectly positioned on the post to convert and give her side an early lead. At the other end, stand-in goalkeeper Gemma produced a fantastic save to keep Slazenger ahead as Selby pressed for a response.
The visitors doubled their advantage after a scramble in the D, when Evie dug the ball out and slipped it to centre forward Caro, who calmly converted to make it 2–0.
Selby came out fighting in the second half and pulled a goal back from a short corner, putting the pressure on Slazenger. However, the defensive unit held firm, with Charlotte slotting in seamlessly to cut out dangerous passes and quickly turn defence into attack.
Slazengers restored their two-goal cushion from a short corner of their own. Stacey’s powerful strike was brought down brilliantly by Sian, who finished smartly onto the backboard for 3–1. The final goal of the day was a moment of magic – Ellie single-handedly took on the Selby defence before firing home a cracker to seal the 4–1 win.
Player of the Match went to Charlotte for her excellent defensive work, with a special mention to Mollie in midfield, who put in an outstanding shift.
A great all-round team performance from Slazengers, who worked hard for each other and thoroughly deserved the result.
Ladies 4th’s (2) vs. (8) City of York 6th’s
A tough start to the season for the Ladies 4s, arriving in York in the pouring rain to face a more drilled City of York 6s team.
Despite the score line there were some great individual moments during the game; the biggest coming from previous Captain Julie Bailey, who deflected a shot on goal by May Bailey (from a short corner) into the back of the net. It almost looked like she meant to do it!!
Special shoutout to Beth Buckley, Lorna Godson, Poppy Thackrah and Phoebe Mitchell who made their ladies hockey debut.
Finally, what a pleasure it was to welcome Michelle Adams back onto the pitch after a prolonged absence due to injury.
Men’s 1st’s (2) vs. (3) Halifax 1st’s
Slaz Mens 1s travelled to Halifax for their first away game of the season with hopes of building on a good performance in the first game of the year, this time in torrential conditions. However, the game got off to the worst possible start when a couple of late Slazenger arrivals meant starting with a makeshift eleven.
Unfortunately, an early goal for Halifax followed, who took advantage of Slazengers’ disorganisation to gain an early flick from a short corner. However, Slaz grew into the game and quality play from Jimmy Swinden up top created an opportunity for Adam Fall to equalise, which he did with aplomb.
Much of the first half followed this same pattern, with Halifax sitting off and allowing Slaz safe possession at in their own half. Again, Halifax took the lead through a defensive error, but Slaz came back one more with a blistering strike from practically top D by Jack Sumner – starting his first game for the mens 1s – on the stroke of half time. Slaz looked good for the 2-2 scoreline at half-time and hopes were high in the second half.
Despite continuing to hold large swathes of possession in the second half, it was telling that Slaz struggled to make it pay. A failure to convert from a litany of chances left Slaz as victims to chance when Halifax scored yet another breakaway goal towards the close of the game.
The scoreline finished 3-2 to Halifax, but this was once again a solid Slazenger performance that should breed confidence that positive results will soon come. After a week off next week, they will hope for a better scoreline when they travel to the sunny seaside for Scarborough away the week after.
Men’s 2nd’s (1) vs. (2) Sheffield Uni Bankers 4th’s
Slazenger 2nd XI fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home against Sheffield University Bankers 4th XI, in what was a frustrating afternoon for the hosts.
The game started brightly for Slazenger, and when a penalty stroke was awarded midway through the first half, with Richard Tuddenham making no mistake in converting it to take a 1-0 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived as the home side began to unravel. Poor passing and repeated turnovers gifted the visitors possession in dangerous areas, and Sheffield took full advantage, scoring twice to flip the contest on its head.
Despite a late push from Slazengers, including a disallowed goal from a short corner that would have levelled the match, the equaliser never came. The hosts were left to rue their errors in a performance that will be remembered more for what was squandered than what was created.
There were, however, a few positives to take. Jack Lee and James Stephenson both put in strong shifts, with Player of the Match deservedly going to James Stephenson, who has impressed since joining the 2nd XI this season.
Final score: Slazengers 2nd XI 1–2 Sheffield University Bankers 4th XI.
Men’s 3rd’s (2) vs. (5) Kingston-upon-Hull 4th’s
The 3rds hosted visiting team Hull 4ths for a tough and soggy encounter at Southfield Lane. Slazenger scored 2 from Captain Damian Greig, and veteran goal machine Tim Carr. However, Hull were more fluid and angle to capitalise on the possession that they enjoyed. Slaz look to get back to winning ways next week when they travel to City of York 5th’s.
Men’s 4th’s (2) vs. (1) Sheffield 7th’s
Slazenger 4s travelled to Sheffield 7s at Abbeydale Sports Club this weekend. Sheffield 7s started the first half brightly, being a constant threat to the Slaz D but decent defensive efforts and some good keeping from Darren Saxton kept us even.
After weathering the storm, Slaz gradually asserted themselves more and the match was evenly fought. At around the 20 minute mark, Sheffield scored a well worked goal, somewhat against the run of play.
Good hockey from both sides meant both teams had good chances to score. Stand-in skipper Karl Ashford made two goal line pick saves to keep the score at 1-0 and strong running in midfield from Andrew Fisher, Alan Perry, Chris Tattersall and Paul Chilton and good link up play with the forwards meant Slaz were becoming an increasing threat on goal.
The Sheffield keeper made some decent saves and Fish was unlucky to be not awarded a clear goal just before half time…..meaning Slaz were unlucky to head in to the break behind.
Slaz started the second half strongly. Passing accuracy and movement improved, and we became the better side for much of the half.
Andy Birkett scored a well deserved equaliser from a short corner, and excellent work in midfield released John Sykes to score the goal that ultimately led to the 4s first win of the season.
The match was played in good spirits by both sides. Slaz team all performed well but I’d like to specifically mention Harry Cottrell for some really strong defensive work and Chris for good work on the right wing.
Captaincy baton now gratefully handed back over to Fluffy….
Development Team – Interclub Hockey Match Report – Soaked but Smiling
What was meant to be a fixture against Chesterfield took an unexpected turn when they were unable to field a full side. But thanks to the depth of our squad – especially our brilliant youngsters – we were able to turn the afternoon into a spirited interclub match that no amount of rain could wash away.
From the very first whistle, the pitch was more puddle than turf, but our youngsters splashed their way through with energy and skill that lit up the grey skies. Their pace, sharp passing, and fearless tackling were a reminder of just how bright the club’s future is.
Huge thanks go to the adults who joined in, making sure the teams were balanced and competitive – their experience proved invaluable in the wet and wild conditions. And, of course, a big shout-out to James and Alys (with Nicci as support), who bravely umpired in torrential rain and kept the game flowing beautifully.
The match itself was as end-to-end as the weather was relentless. By the final whistle, players were drenched, exhausted, but still grinning – proof that nothing, not even a downpour, can dampen our love of hockey.
Green team: 3 v 0: Red team
Goals – Jess, Izzy and Darcie
💚🏆Green Players of the Match: Matilda & Maddison – fantastic teamwork and determination in the downpour.
💚🍩Green Donut of the Day: Trevor – proving that rain makes even the best of us slip up!
❤️🏆Red Player of the Match: Adelaide – tireless energy and sharp play all match.
❤️🍩Red Donut of the Day: Adelaide (again!) – that’s three weeks running, a soggy hat-trick!
Final Word: It rained buckets, but our youngsters poured their hearts into the game. The storm was fierce, but the spirit of our club was fiercer. 🌧🏑💚
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