Men’s 1st’s (1) vs. (3) Sheffield Uni Bankers 2nds
Slaz Mens 1s faced Sheffield Uni Bankers 2s on a wet Saturday, but still had their loyal supporters in the stands. Sheffield opened the scoring in the first half from a short corner, a low drag flick sneaking in off the post. They came close again shortly after when their striker broke through the middle, only for Andy Loftus to tip a thunderous effort past the post with cat-like reflexes.
Both teams were evenly matched going into the second half, but Sheffield came out strong with a well-organised press, securing another short corner which they converted. Slaz responded well, winning a succession of short corners, with Asad Baig eventually converting an impressive flick. However, Sheffield’s pace proved decisive. Their striker caught the Slaz defence off guard, stealing the ball off the centre back before being brought down by Loftus, resulting in a penalty flick which they converted to seal the game.
Despite the 3-1 defeat, Slaz will look to bounce back next week on the road against Chapeltown.
Men’s 2nd’s (3) vs. (1) Chesterfield 2nd’s
The 2nd’s hosted Chesterfield 2nd’s on Saturday. The team played some of their best hockey of the season, ultimately coming away with a well earned victory. Slaz started brightly, even in the challenging storm conditions, and moved the ball around quickly. Chesterfield were caught on the break, as slaz caused trouble in their final quarter, winning several penalty corners on the bounce. After several fluffed opportunities, Jack Lee converted with a well taken drag flick to put the team 1-0 ahead and settle nerves. The team continued to press, but Chesterfield settled and broke down the opportunities which Slazenger created.
After the break, the game was again well matched, but with Slazenger having the majority of possession. A further well worked penalty corner move was finished by Jack Lee, to put the team 2-0 ahead, but the game wasn’t over yet. Chesterfield fought back into contention and scored to close the gap. With an injured James Swinden at the heart of midfield, the team had to reorganise, putting pressure on the home side. However, James Stevenson continued to cause Chesterfield trouble on the right wing. When an aerial was thrown from Adam Drake at the back, it found Ian Hedges in the middle, who played Stevenson into space, to neatly beat the keeper. The third goal put clear water between the two sides, but even then Slaz had to resist a last minute fight back to take the win. The result takes the 2nds up to 7th, setting up next weeks encounter with 6th place Rotherham 2nd’s.
Men’s 3rd’s (3) vs. (2) Selby 1st’s
Slazengers men’s three’s hosted Selby on a damp and chilly November afternoon, in a vital game in the lower half of the league. The game began with the home team forced on to the back foot, Mark Swallow and Dodge at the back dampening out early Selby attacks. Slowly the home team warmed up Seth Hoole and Trev Armitage securing play in the middle and out wide. After 15 minutes Slazenger’s took the lead, a break down the right saw Dan “the bear” Bailey slip a ball towards the penalty spot and veteran Tim Carr was able to fire the ball home. Despite tough battles in midfield and top saves from Lofty the visitors grabbed an equaliser after 26 minutes. The Horbury side though did not wilt and a well worked team goal saw captain Damian Greig send the ball down the right hand line to Tim Carr who beat the Selby defender to fire the ball to the top of the D where Will Carr had run in from the left wing to send the ball crashing into the goal, for his first goal in senior hockey and send the home time into the half time break in front.
The second half began with Slazenger on the front foot with some great work in midfield from Jack Sanderson, Jez Whawell and Aidy Buckley who made life difficult for the Selby side. It wasn’t long before the team in green saw there pressure pay off as Greig fired the ball home from a short corner. The two goal advantage saw the Addingford outfit take their foot off the gas and the visitors punished them with 20 minutes to goal to make the game 3-2. This seemed to invigorate the home side as Simon Taylor drove forward and Owen Wiper caused problems in the opposition half. Despite creating a few chances Slaz never capitalised and it took some brave defensive work from Josh Swallow and player of the match Sanderson to ensure the home side held on to win the game. Next week the mighty three’s are taking this new found confidence and battling team work to Harrogate to get two wins in a row.
Men’s 4ths
Game postponed due to the bad weather
Ladies 1sts (1) vs. (1) Leeds 4th’s
On a miserable, rain-soaked Saturday at Weetwood Sports Centre, Slazenger took to the pitch for their league clash against Leeds Hockey Club. The weather may have been relentless, but the team’s determination burned brighter than ever. The opening ten minutes were pure magic. Frankie, with superstar vision, fired the ball into the D, setting up Alys, who unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner. It was a moment of brilliance that lit up the gloom and gave Slazenger an early lead. Despite the downpour, the team showcased their new short corner routines, adding creativity and flair to their attacking play.
The second half saw Leeds come out stronger, using the slick surface to their advantage. They pressed hard, earning several short corners, but Slazenger’s defence stood firm like true champions. Eventually, Leeds managed to equalize, making it 1–1 and setting up a tense finish under the pouring rain. Every player dug deep, showing grit and resilience to keep the score level. Among the standout performances, Millie was relentless up front—creating chances, chasing every ball, and proving why she’s a star in the making. In defence, Lisa and Emma stayed strong, shutting down Leeds’ attacks with composure and grit, while Hannah held the middle brilliantly, linking play and keeping the team balanced. Across the pitch, teamwork shone through, with every player contributing to a performance full of heart and hustle.
The match ended in a draw, but Slazengers left the field as superstars—bold, brilliant, and undeterred by the elements. Rain or shine, this team knows how to sparkle.
Ladies 2nds (2) vs. (3) Hull Hawks
Hawks made a strong start, scoring early after winning the ball inside the Slazengers’ 23 and slipping it past the keeper. A second goal followed shortly after with a straight strike from the top of the D.
Slazengers then settled into the game, building good midfield connections through And and Kez, and linking well down the wing with Gemma, Alex, and Maisie. Ni created several chances in the D, earning at least three short corners, but Slaz were unable to convert before the break.
Slazengers began the second half much stronger and took more control of possession. Kez, who was named Player of the Match, distributed well through midfield and helped create several attacking opportunities. The team’s improvement was rewarded when Lou beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one to bring the score to 2–1.
Hawks regained a two-goal lead through an unlucky deflection, but Slaz kept pushing. A neat move involving And and Mia set up a short corner. Captain Ni put it away with a clean strike to the backboard to make it 3–2. Both sides continued to work hard, and Slazengers defended well against an onslught of long corners in the final ten minutes to prevent any further goals. Final score 3–2 in Hawks’ favour.
Ladies 3rds (4) vs. (0) Horsforth 1st’s
Slazenger Ladies 3s hosted Horsforth in a lively home fixture. Slazengers opened the scoring just five minutes in when Stacey Drake neatly converted a short corner, setting the tone for an energetic and competitive match. Both teams moved the ball well and created chances, but Slazenger held the edge throughout. Early in the first half, defender Lucy England was forced to leave the pitch through injury. Despite the setback, the defensive unit of Sarah “RitchTea”, Nicole Fillingham, Zoe Searson, and joint Player of the Match Beth Buckley remained composed, disciplined, and difficult to break down. Goalkeeper Lauren Hattersley also had a standout moment, winning a one-on-one race with the Horsforth centre forward and clearing the danger with confidence.
Buckley impressed not only at the back but also going forward, supporting attacking play at every opportunity. That pressure paid off when Lauren Fealy threaded a beautifully timed and weighted ball through the Horsforth defence to Ellie Page, who rarely misses chances like that. Page powered it home to double the lead. Moments later, Caro Scofield added a third, giving Slazengers a comfortable 3–0 advantage at half-time. The second half remained competitive, with Horsforth pushing hard to get back into the game. Hattersley was called into action again, producing several key saves — including a dramatic diving stop that saw her just get a hand to a dangerous strike.
Joint Player of the Match Mollie Glover shone in midfield, showcasing superb skill and tenacity. She linked play beautifully, disrupted Horsforth attacks, and provided vital support to both defence and attack. Slazengers sealed the result when Fealy got herself on the scoresheet from a well-worked short corner routine to make it 4–0. Both joint Players of the Match — Buckley and Glover — are junior players, highlighting the exciting young talent coming through the squad. A strong performance, a deserved win, and celebrations afterwards that were… perhaps a little too enthusiastic.
Ladies 4ths (3) vs. (1) Wakefield 5th’s
Slazengers Ladies 4s vs Wakefield 5s – A Match Report (With Added Drama, Determination, and the Occasional Collapse) Slazengers Ladies 4s welcomed Wakefield 5s for a home game, marching in with the kind of confidence you get after your first win of the season. Slazengers wasted no time piling pressure on Wakefield. May decided the entire pitch was hers and repeatedly carried the ball from one end to the other like a one-woman convoy. After 20 minutes of teasing the crowd, she finally put Slaz ahead with a glorious solo effort that included a dramatic mid-run tumble. She then calmly picked herself (and her dignity) back up and slotted the ball past the keeper as if that was the plan all along.
Sadly, the celebrations lasted roughly the length of the restart whistle. Wakefield marched straight up the pitch and equalised, reminding everyone that karma in hockey is swift and has no chill. But Slazengers regrouped. Toni caused absolute chaos down the left wing—Wakefield may still be having flashbacks—and soon a loose ball in the D was lifted over the keeper by Gemma, restoring the home side’s lead. The second half began with a rare and beautiful thing: Slazengers realising they were the fitter team. With this new and unfamiliar power, they pushed forward. From a short corner routine, Julie placed the ball perfectly (a bit too far to the right) for Gemma, who unleashed a no-nonsense strike into the bottom left corner. 3–1 and Slazengers were flying.
At the back, Michelle was as solid as ever, organising the defence like a woman holding a clipboard and a schedule. Emily charged out to meet anything that moved, distributing the ball wide. Poppy glued herself to her opposite number so effectively she could probably list her favourite meals by the end of the match, Sophie DB and Catreena shut down Wakefield’s attacks with ruthless efficiency. In goal Tori was an absolute warrior, stepping off the goal line to close down shots and saving shots like it was a training match. Upfront, Kirsty and Phoebe worked tirelessly in the D, popping up in all the right places like very determined jack-in-the-boxes. Eventually, a cross found its way to Gemma (aided by Kirsty) who bagged her hat-trick and put Slaz three goals clear.
Wakefield did sneak another goal back, but by then the clock was more tired than they were, and Slazengers safely saw out the win. Julie and Sophie patrolled the midfield relentlessly, smothering any last-minute Wakefield hopes. Player of the Match went to Poppy for textbook man-marking, following instructions like an absolute pro, and generally being everywhere she needed to be all game long. Another win for the mighty 4s—long may the chaos continue!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.