2025 League – Week 5 – Match Reports

Men’s 1st’s (3) vs. (0) Huddersfield 1st’s
Slaz Mens 1s aimed to follow up their first win of the season against Scarborough with a second this week as they faced local rivals Huddersfield. Slazengers took control from the very start, building pressure early and making it count with a powerful strike by Asad Baig from a penalty corner. A second goal followed soon after as Slaz won a penalty flick, keenly scored by the returning Danny Perry.

Throughout the first half, Slaz maintained an effective press and fashioned good opportunities from winning the ball back high up the pitch. A third goal came from one such press, with Slaz winning the ball up high, Adam Fall jinking in the D and superbly setting up Jordan Ingham for what is his second – and surely final – goal of the season. After entering the halftime break at 3-0, Slaz struggled to maintain flowing hockey in the second period, but remained defensively resolute and shut up shop effectively. A largely eventless second half will be welcomed by Slaz, with their second 3-0 in two weeks vaulting goalkeeper Andy Loftus up the clean sheet charts as he looks to defend his title.

Special mentions go to man of the match Jordan Ingham and full-time left back / part time Bob Ross enthusiast Emmett Fearn, who ran tirelessly and showcased his silky stick skills throughout. Tougher tests will come for Slaz this season, but three more points for them provide a great platform to build upon next week as they travel to Boston Spa.

Men’s 2nd’s (1) vs. (0) Doncaster 4th’s 
If last week had been a slightly hollow victory against bottom side Chesterfield 3’s, this week was a real test of the 2nd’s grit and determination. On a sunny Saturday morning, with the sun still wiping the sleep from its eyes, Slaz trecked out to meet Doncaster for a truly unreasonable 10am start. However the visitors were keen from last week’s win, keen enough for an unheard of 20 min warmup routine!

From the first whistle, Slazenger were the brighter. Green shirts slipped into formation with quiet confidence, and within minutes the side had found its rhythm. The midfield of Steve Roberts, Ben Graham and the impressive Owen Coughtrey ticked with energy, threading passes into the channels. The front line of Alek Thompson, Ian Hedges and James Stevenson buzzed and wove, pressing the Doncaster defence into hurried clearances. Chances came — several — yet none would yield. Doncaster really were the immovable force; an old school back line, backed up by some impressive saves from the keeper. Slazenger continued to press; an irresistible force winning multiple short corners. However the irresistible force found itself, for now, resisted.

Half-time brought a pause, a breath, and the words of young Matt Birkett, calm but certain that when the game was over, only a single goal would separate the teams. The truth of it hung there, suspended, both a warning and a promise. And so, when the second half began, it did so with fresh conviction. The press tightened, the passes snapped, and the tempo lifted. The pressure provided a penalty corner, and Lucas Smith stepped forward. His drag flick was not one for the highlight reel — a little scuffed, a touch imperfect — but perfection is rarely the measure of glory. The ball bobbled and bounced into the bottom corner. One-nil to Slazenger.

Yet the battle was far from over. Doncaster, wounded but unbroken, threw themselves forward. They pressed with urgency, but the Slazenger defence — disciplined and defiant — met every surge. James Walker picked out a couple of key saves to keep his clean sheet intact, with the whole side battling hard to deny the equaliser that Doncaster so desperately sought. As the final minutes bled away, the rhythm slowed. The morning had become a contest of will, sweat, and belief. When the whistle came at last, it carried both relief and quiet triumph. One goal had indeed decided it. Not a flamboyant goal-fest, but this one was well earned. Through grit, determination and persistence of the entire team and a single, slightly imperfect goal. Followed by a well deserved morning pint and a portion of chilli and rice. The things dreams are made of! Next week Slazenger 2nds look to make it 3 wins in a row as they host local rivals Huddersfield 2’s.

Men’s 3rd’s (2) vs. (1) Leeds 6th’s
What a difference a week makes from the cold, wind and rain of the previous week to beautiful autumnal sunshine this week. Just like the weather has turned around, Slazenger men’s 3’s hoped their fortunes on the pitch would do the same against an experienced Leeds outfit, who in their gleaming white shirts were intent on not allowing that to happen. The game was scheduled to be an away fixture but due to issues with the oppositions pitch this game would be played on the hallowed Horbury turf. Slazenger began very strongly and were camped in the Leeds half of the pitch for the opening 20 minutes. It was the tenacity of Jack Sanderson and Dan Bailey in the midfield who didn’t let their opponents have a second on the ball. That added with the endless running of Tim Carr and Owen Wiper meant the Leeds defence were constantly unsettled and unable to break through a strong Slazenger press. The team in green took the lead after 25 minutes when a well worked move down the right wing and a deceptively placed ball by Ryan Bishop allowed a flying Scott Carruthers to dive in and send the ball soaring into the Leeds net. In the moments that followed neat play by Aidy Buckley and Matt Warwick-Giles almost carved out another chance.

Slazenger then had a period of time in which they had a series of short corners, one of which saw Trevor Armitage come close to converting. Concern was etched all over the faces of those on the terraces as Slazenger stalwart and defensive rock Mark Swallow had to leave the field through injury. The green army had to readjust at the back and as the first half was entering its final moments Leeds managed to find a way through the Slazenger defence. A miss-hit shot bobbled and its way past goalkeeper Daz Buttery into the Slaz’ net. 1 a piece going into the break.

The second half began in the same manner as the first with the Addingford outfit dominating play in the middle of the pitch. Simon Taylor driving forward at every given opportunity and creating havoc with the Leeds players who were unable to tackle him cleanly. It was only a matter of time before the Leeds players started to let their frustration boil over as they received a series of green and then yellow cards due to their inability to tackle the “Horbury locomotive” Taylor as he choo-chooed down the line. On the other side of the field it was Seth Hoole and his spins which were sending the Leeds side dizzy. However, for all their possession Slazengers could not create a clear chance and although they had a series of short corners were unable to convert. It was no surprise that Leeds started to have more possession and play in the Slaz half and James Taylor who was a bystander for long periods of the game was called upon to make some trademark tackles and blocks to frustrate the team in white. It was man of the match Buttery in goal that produced a phonominal save in the final minutes, as he managed to dive down and stop a shot that was fired ferociously towards the bottom corner and deflect it around the corner. This moment of heroism from Buttery drove the Horbury side forwards for one final attack allowing them to win a short corner. Captain Damian Grieg barked out the instructions, he was going to slip it to Carr for a one-two back to him. However as the ball was injected in the Leeds runners spilt which allowed Greig to have his moment in the Saturday morning Sun, a drag flick into the net leaving the Leeds goalkeeper and their defence in a state of bewilderment.

Leeds rushed to push back no sooner did they do so, the umpire raised the whistle to his lips ending the game. The Slazenger supporters went wild as they cheered their heroes from the field. 2-1 winners and feeling like they could beat anyone, let’s hope they can as they face Ben Rhydding next week in what could be a tough game.

Mens 4th’s (1) vs. (0) Rotherham 3rd’s
After sizing the team up and reviewing their previous results Slaz knew it would be a tough game. The day was sunny and bit too warm for some. Rotherham started quicky and dominated the first fifteen mins with Slaz needing most of their players back in their own half. After riding out the pressure Slaz started to grow into the game and finished the first half nil nil. The half time talk was all positive Slaz recognized that we need to support the player with the ball better.

In the second half Slaz started strongly which resulted in Roo Birkett striking the ball into the back of the net from open play. Slaz then started to find the wings more and more as the game went on as Chris and Ben found the space. They were supported well by James, John, Paul, Andy in the midfield in attack. Without the ball Slaz marked up every time and reduced Rotherham to hopefull hits up the middle. Harry and Mark teamed up well to snuff out any of those chances having each others back. Towards the end Rotherham had a last push for the equalizer and came close but always missed the target just being outside of the posts. Dave, Isaac and Lucas tracking back hard to either get a stick in or put pressure on.  The game finished at 1-0 win for Slaz.  It was great to see some big smiles from the team and  especially from Daz Saxton who was buzzing about the clean sheet. A great team effort

Development (2) vs. (1) Doncaster 
What a glorious day for hockey! The sun was shining, spirits were high, and the Slaz Devs put on a brilliant performance full of teamwork and determination. With two goalkeepers available, Nikolai stood strong between the posts while Frances kindly played for Doncaster — though she certainly didn’t make life easy for us! At the back, Harry, Katie, Captain Noah and Will were rock solid, with sharp tackles and clearances. The midfield worked tirelessly, with Adelaide, Izzy, Amelia, Harry, James and Alan spreading the play beautifully, supported by stints from Noah, Ruth and Matthew. Up front, Cerys, Jess and Georgie pushed hard, always looking for opportunities.

The kids showed no fear against their adult opposition, unfazed by the loud shouts as they fought for every ball. Their bravery was rewarded when Ruth struck early in the first half after some excellent build-up play. Chances kept coming — Matthew and Noah both had shots that tested the keeper — but Doncaster eventually equalised (with a little “help” from Uncle Will!). But Slaz wasn’t done. With just 10 seconds left on the clock, Captain Noah drove forward to win a short corner. The pressure mounted, a second corner followed, and Ruth calmly slotted home her second of the day to seal a dramatic 2-1 win!

Player of the Match: Ruth – tireless work rate and two well-deserved goals.
Donut of the Day: Uncle Will – for providing Doncaster with their best assist of the game!

A superb team effort in the sunshine – so much positivity, teamwork and resilience on show.

Ladies 1st’s (4) vs. (4) Wakefield 3rd’s
On the sun-baked plains of Wakefield, the warriors of Slazenger marched to battle upon a *water-based pitch that had not tasted water since Caesar was a boy*. The ground was dry, the dust rose, and the omens were unclear. The enemy struck first, stealing a goal against the run of play. But our shieldmaiden Hannah, captain of the defence, rallied the troops. She led the legion forward, until the ball found Coops, standing alone in the enemy’s D. With no foe brave enough to challenge, she struck true – 1-1, the crowd roared.

Behind her, the defensive wall of Hannah, Marissa, Bella, and Eliz held fast like Roman shields at the Colosseum gates. Yet scandal echoed across the amphitheatre when Amelia was cut down in the D and the umpire – blind as a soothsayer’s goat – saw nothing! Clearly, he had not read the scroll that said: *“Thy task is to watch the game and make decisions.” The forwards pressed. Alys, ever the scout, darted into open space like a cunning gladiator. At a short corner, Emma loosed a strike, Coops deflected, and the scoreboard favoured Slaz: *2-1.* Then Hannah herself, no longer content to defend, unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the D: *3-1.* The people chanted her name.

At half-time, wise Coach Isaac spoke as generals do: “Die by the sword.” The second act saw Frankie, Emma, Amelia, and Rebecca command the midfield, marshalling the ball like Roman cavalry. Eliz stormed the right flank, laying down tackles with the precision of a seasoned legionnaire. Soon Alys struck — sliding in a finish from Coops’ cross. *4-1, and Slaz seemed in control.* GK Ami cleared with bravery, repelling the invaders.

But fate is cruel. Against the run of play, Wakefield clawed back three goals. Some claimed skill, others muttered darkly: “Well played, umpires…” With the score tied at *4-4*, Slaz fought to the final whistle but could not find the winner.

Still, the honours of battle were shared:
Player of the Match: Alys*, for cunning movement and a clinical strike.
*Tart of the Day: Frankie*, for bellowing at spectators louder than any Roman trumpet.
As Coach Isaac declared: “They defend a lot, so they’re getting quite good at it.” And so, the dust settles. The battle ends in stalemate. But the legions of Slazenger live to fight another day.

Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (3) Harrogate 3rd’s
Slazenger 2s travelled to Harrogate for a challenging away fixture and made a strong start to the game. The visitors took an early lead through a well-worked short corner. Lou stepped up with confidence and fired a straight strike past the Harrogate keeper, giving Slaz the perfect start. However, Harrogate responded quickly, ramping up the pressure and finding their rhythm. Before the break, the home side struck twice in quick succession, turning the scoreline around and heading into half-time 2–1 up.

A focused team talk at the interval saw Slazenger come out with renewed energy. Arina and Ellie made some excellent driving runs, breaking through Harrogate’s lines and creating several good chances. And Lucy continued to battle hard in midfield and defence, showing great work rate and determination throughout. Despite the strong second-half effort, Harrogate remained clinical on the counter and added two more goals to extend their lead. Slazenger kept pushing until the final whistle, but the hosts held firm to secure the win. A committed away performance from Slazenger 2s, with plenty of positives to take forward. Final Score: Harrogate 4 – 1 Slazenger 2s

Ladies 3rd’s (4) vs. (0) Harrogate 5th’s
It was a warm one as Slazenger 3s welcomed Harrogate 5s to their home turf. With a new formation in play and spirits high, Slazenger came out fighting from the first whistle — and it quickly showed. The early pressure paid off when Evie Mollart, perfectly positioned in front of goal, made a composed conversion to give the hosts an early lead. The midfield was dominant throughout the first half, with Lisa Minchella, Stacey Drake and Mollie Glover controlling the play. Minchella, later named Player of the Match, was particularly impressive, while Glover’s growing confidence on and off the ball was evident.

Just before half time, Slazengers doubled their advantage. Centre forward Caro Scofield called for the ball at the penalty spot, and Minchella delivered a pinpoint long pass straight to her stick. Scofield made no mistake, slotting it home to send Slazengers into the break 2–0 up. Harrogate came out stronger in the second half, but the Slazengers defence stood firm. The back line of Sarah Ritchtea, Nicole Fillingham, Zoe Searson, and Lucy England worked seamlessly together to shut down the visitors’ attacks. On the rare occasions Harrogate broke through, goalkeeper Lauren Hattersley was there to clear the danger.

Slazenger extended their lead when a powerful pass from Drake found Mollart, who coolly converted again — another goal to add to her growing tally this season. Harrogate continued to press and came close, forcing a fine save from Hattersley and a brave goal-line clearance from England. The hosts weren’t finished yet. Scofield struck again late in the game to make it 4–0 and secure a well-deserved victory for the home side. It was a dominant display from front to back, with several standout performances. Player of the Match was a close call between Mollie Glover and Lisa Minchella, but Minchella just edged it for her tireless work and midfield control. A great team performance — and a well-earned win in the sunshine for Slazenger 3s!

Ladies 4th’s (0) vs. (5) Tadcaster 2rd’s
Slazenger Ladies 4s were back on the road this weekend, travelling to face a strong Tadcaster 2s side. Despite a determined effort, it was a tough outing for Slaz, who fell to a 5–0 defeat in a match that was closer than the scoreline suggests. Tadcaster struck early, taking a 1–0 lead within the first five minutes after a swift counterattack caught Slaz off-guard. The home side doubled their advantage soon after, converting a short corner in a goalmouth scramble that left the visitors trailing 2–0. 

Slazenger regrouped at halftime and came out in the second half with renewed optimism and improved structure. The midfield worked tirelessly to build play, and the defence remained resilient under pressure. However, Tadcaster raised the intensity in the closing stages, and as fatigue set in, Slaz conceded three more goals in the final eight minutes. Despite the result, there were positives to take from the performance. Goalkeeper Tori was outstanding between the posts, pulling off a string of excellent saves to keep the scoreline respectable and deservedly earning Player of the Match.

It was Edie who finally broke the deadlock, striking first to put her name on the scoresheet! The momentum kept rolling, and moments later captain Ruth’s pinpoint shot found the bottom corner to double the lead. At the back, Beth, Lorna, and Tilda were rock solid – timing tackles perfectly and clearing danger with confidence. With the defence locking things down, the forwards pushed again, and Edie grabbed her second of the game – tireless pressing and hard work earning her a well-deserved goal.

Short corners came thick and fast, but Leeds defended bravely to deny more goals. In midfield, Amelia, Adelaide, Izzy, and Jess worked tirelessly to keep play flowing, with Katie stepping in brilliantly out of position to support the team. A superb pass out of defence released Jess, who delivered a perfect cross for captain Ruth to slot home – 4-0 to Slaz! Georgie and Jess then joined the front line, finding excellent space and helping keep the pressure on right up to the half-time whistle. Half time brought a quick team talk in the warm sunshine, and the girls were buzzing. Leeds, however, came out determined and pulled one back with a well-worked team goal. But Slaz showed their grit, pushing forward again. Ami continued to shine in goal with a string of brave saves, but Leeds managed to sneak in two more after defensive lapses and some tired legs. Even so, Slaz never let their heads drop. The whole team but especially Adelaide battled ferociously in midfield, showing true Slaz spirit and driving the team on. That fighting energy paid off when Edie – who was unstoppable all match – completed her hat-trick and a bonus goal to secure a 6-3 win. It was a cracking game of hockey, full of team goals, smart passing, and brilliant teamwork. The coaches were bursting with pride, and the Ladies 1s captain watching from the sidelines said the team looked incredible.

Opposition Player of the Match: Ami (for those top-class saves!)
Team Player of the Match: Matilda (solid in defence!)
Donut of the Day: Gemma – for making it to the wrong venue (but on time!)
Another fine victory for the U14s – and in the sunshine too! Next week it’s a cup clash… against Leeds once again. Bring it on; Home at 3pm so come down to cheer us on! 

Immediately after, Owen W showed some great skill to take it round the right, teeing up Aleks for a simple finish, doubling the lead with 15 minutes played – 2-0 Slaz. Now using this momentum, Slazenger capitalised on the off-guard Rotherham defensive lines, and Aleks played James in for his first of the day – 3-0 Slaz. The lads in green continued to press on, attempting to increase an already impressive lead, and in the 21st minute, they used a short corner effectively when Owen C slipped it left for James to make it 4-0. However, the opposition scored a solid goal in retaliation, a reverse hit from the top of the D – 4-1 Slaz. 

In nets, GK George made some very good saves, and supported by outstanding defence led by Jack with Harry and Ollie S. Slaz returned to the early goal scoring form, as James got yet another goal (give it a rest mate), after a great solo run – 5-1 Slaz. Shortly before the half closed, a central attack coordinated by el Capitano, Owen C ended up with Ollie T slotting it for 6, then a quick combination of Seth to Aleks to Ollie T made it 7-1 to Slaz at the break. An extremely impressive display from everyone on the pitch; special mention to younger players Ollie S and Alfie who stepped up incredibly, helping the team build a great lead at half time.

In the second half, the lack of substitutions began to take effect, as tired legs kicked in, and Rotherham, despite losing a player to injury, attempted to fight back. GK George had an outstanding half (winning him an unanimous Player of the Match); making save after save, keeping the gap large. Unfortunately, on 58’ and 63’, Rotherham converted two short corners, making the difference 4 – 7-3 Slaz. Slazenger did have chances of their own in the second half including short corners and passes across the D, but couldn’t quite convert any, keeping the final score 7-3. 

A valiant performance away from home rounded off an excellent run of games – the players should be proud; coaches Aidan, Ingrid and Tuddy certainly are, based on the team performances so far this season! Three good wins from three !!!