Men’s 1sts (3) vs. (1) Halifax 1st’s
Slaz Mens 1s hosted Halifax for their first home game of 2026.
Starting strongly, Slaz built up pressure by winning a number of short corners before Asad Baig converted one to make it 1-0. Slaz continued to show good patience against a low block throughout the first half, but conceded to a defensive error to make it 1-1 going into the break.
The setback proved troublesome for Slaz, who were increasingly stifled throughout the second half and struggled to put together flowing team moves. Despite winning a number of short corners, big chances were missed and it looked like the game was headed for a draw. A few minutes out from the final whistle, however, Adam Fall took a quick free hit, dribbled past a few men and calmly lifted a big chance over the Halifax keeper to make it 2-1 to Slaz in the dying minutes.
Capped off with a neatly taken drag flick from Keith Leonard on the final whistle, Slaz battled to a hard-earned 3-1 draw to give them back-to-back wins. They will hope to take that momentum into next week when they travel away to local rivals Huddersfield.
Men’s 2nd’s (2) vs. (5) Sheffield Bankers
Slazenger 2nds travelled down to Meadowhead for their more recent fixture against Sheffield Bankers 4ths. Slaz travelled with a strong side, but when they arrived, it was clear some buckets and spades may have been more valuable than hockey sticks given the depth of sand on the turf.
From the off, Sheffield started on the front foot, more used to the pitch. The generous coating of sand made the pitch slippery, and Sheffield took full advantage of it. Slaz struggled to react to some sharp passing, and Sheffield were several ahead in quick order. Slazenger countered and looked threatening in places, but couldn’t find the scoring chances to pull level.
Slazenger’s “bomb squad” bench may have had a combined age of nearly 200 years, but the psychological impact of the four man substitution was enough to unbalance Sheffield and Slaz gain the upper hand. Unfortunately they couldn’t convert the chances available, and it was only a matter of time before a gentle gust of wind resulted in stalwart Will Buckleys hamstring failing and once again Sheffield had the upper hand. It wasn’t for lack of defensive effort, with Matt Green, Adam Drake, and Maff Birkett steadying the ship at the back. By the break, Sheffield had gone 4 ahead, which wasn’t ideal, but a strong halftime talk was enough to strengthen the resolve and come out fighting..
Slaz came out stronger, maybe more assured on the shifting sand dunes, winning a short corner which Richard Tuddenham converted. This was quickly followed by a second, again with Tuddenham claiming his second of the game. The passing was sharper and the effort couldn’t be faulted. However, Sheffield ran in a 5th goal to keep the gap substantial. Man of the Match James Walker put in an outstanding performance in goal to deny several key chances. In the end however, it wasn’t to be. While Slaz won the second half comprehensively, it couldn’t overturn the first half deficit. The team looks to get back to winning ways at home next week.
Men’s 3rds (1) vs (4) Kingston Upon Hull 4th’s
Slazenger 3s made the trip to Hull on Saturday afternoon to face Kingston upon Hull 4s, with a 15:15 push back at a blustery away venue. Despite a committed performance, Slazenger were beaten 4–1 by the hosts.
The match started at a high tempo, with Slaz pressing Hull back into their D in the opening minutes. Hull defended well in the opening stages and eventually caught Slaz on the break to go up 1-0.
Rather than letting the setback affect them, Slazenger responded positively and began to grow into the game. This was rewarded when Will Carr found the net for the visitors, finishing neatly at the back post to level the score at 1–1 and cap off a strong spell of attacking play.
In the second half, Slazenger continued to work hard and showed good structure, but Hull’s clinical edge proved the difference. Hull restored their lead just after the break, capitalising on a defensive lapse. Two further goals from the home side extended their lead, as they made the most of their chances in the circle. Slaz showed determination having multiple opportunities denied by excellent goal keeping but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Despite the scoreline, Slazenger battled until the final whistle, showing determination and teamwork against a well-organised Hull side. The 4–1 result ultimately reflected Hull’s efficiency in front of goal, but Slazenger will take positives from their effort, particularly Will Carr’s second strike in two weeks, as they look ahead to their next fixture at home against Leeds.
Mens 4ths (2) vs. (3) Sheffield Uni Bankers 6ths
Slazengers 4s were narrowly beaten 3–2 at home by Sheffield University Bankers 6s in an entertaining and fast-paced encounter.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 10th minute, taking advantage of an early spell of pressure. Slazengers responded positively and were rewarded in the 22nd minute, drawing level with a well-taken goal following some sharp attacking play.
Despite the equaliser, Sheffield regained control before half-time, scoring twice in quick succession in the 28th and 30th minutes to take a 3–1 lead into the break and give the hosts a tough task in the second half.
Slazengers showed real determination after the restart and pushed hard to get back into the contest. Their efforts paid off in the 55th minute when they pulled a goal back, setting up a tense final period. The hosts continued to press for an equaliser, but Sheffield defended resolutely to hold on and secure the win.
A disappointing result for Slazengers on home turf, but an encouraging second-half performance highlighted their resilience and attacking threat.
Development (3) vs. (2) Sheffield Development
Led by Harry as captain, Slaz welcomed Sheffield for a home fixture. The game started with end to end hockey. However, it was Matthew who got the first chance of the game, but……having thought he had got the opener it appears the whistle had been blown and a short corner awarded to Slaz for a couple of fouls on Matthew as he entered the D. Unfortunately Slaz were unable to convert this opportunity.
Having the let off gave Sheffield a wake up call and it wasn’t long before they were peppering Nikolai with shots, but an unfazed Nikolai (supported with much needed clearances from Harry, Georgie, Katie and Ollie) prevented Sheffield from converting. Then it was Slaz’s turn to go again, with some great passing as a team, followed by a run on the back line Noah got himself in a goal line scramble to finally get Slaz the lead.
A superb and speedy run down the line by Darcie, finished with an outstanding cross across the D found Cerys, who slotted ball in the back of the net to give Slaz their next goal. Having sent a few convincing balls down the pitch that had led to nothing, Noah finally managed to get a pass across the D to Matthew, who calmly slotted it home from the P spot to give Slaz a 3-0 lead.
With lots of end to end hockey during the match; the adults on the pitch tracked back to support defence, distributing the ball out to Jude, Darcie and Izzy who really worked on holding the width and creating chances down the wings. Upfront, Penny, Matthew and Cerys found some great spaces and were a constant threat. At the back Harry, Katie, Georgie and Ollie made some crucial and well timed tackles to regain Slazengers possession, going out to meet the attacks confidently.
Sheffield didn’t give up and managed to catch Slaz on the break, giving the crowd a nervous end to the game when they clawed 2 goals back in the final 12 minutes. Overall, a lovely game of hockey, with some great skill and teamwork demonstrated by both sides.
🏆 Player of the match: Noah for his all round display 🌟Special mention to Penny on her first Devs league game!
🍩 Donut of the day: Robin
Great teamwork from everyone
Ladies 1sts (5) vs (1) Doncaster
Slaz finally shook off the Christmas hibernation and came roaring back to life with an energetic and ruthless performance against Doncaster, running out deserved 5–1 winners after controlling long spells of the match.
From the push back, it was clear Slaz had swapped mince pies for momentum. Early pressure pinned Doncaster back, with Zoe threading a superb through ball to Coops, whose first effort was unfortunately penalised for being too high. The warning signs were there though. Frankie soon slipped Coops in again with a clever reverse pass, while Eliz showed her sharpness early, firing a brilliant ball out of defence to keep Slaz on the front foot.
The opening five minutes were relentless. Emma’s shot from the top of the D forced a good save from the Doncaster keeper after slick passing play, while Emma also stood firm at the back, cutting out early balls and organising the defence. Slaz’s midfield pressed tirelessly, forcing errors and winning possession high up the pitch. Amelie earned a short corner after sustained pressure, and although Emma’s effort was saved, the pressure never let up.
Wave after wave of Slaz attacks followed. Zoe and Coops combined again inside the D, narrowly missing the target, before a rare Doncaster break resulted in a short corner, conceded by Matilda. Against the run of play, Doncaster snuck the ball low into the corner to take a surprise lead.
The response was instant and emphatic. Becca intercepted brilliantly in midfield, fed Coops, who linked with Millie before Slaz levelled at 1–1. Moments later, another short corner saw Frankie’s strike deflect off Emma and loop into the top corner – a goal that perfectly summed up Slaz’s hunger and alertness since waking from their festive slumber.
Slaz smelt blood. Constant pressure earned more short corners, with Emma again testing the keeper. Frankie and Amelie bossed the midfield, Millie narrowly missed a chance, and Kez tore down the line before feeding Zoe, only for Doncaster to scramble the ball clear. The respite was brief – another short was converted by Alys to make it 3–1.
Defensively, Slaz were just as sharp. Eliz shut down a dangerous Doncaster break, while the press continued to suffocate any attempt to play out. Just before half time, Matilda produced a superb forward pass to Millie, earning another short. Frankie’s shot was saved, but Coops reacted quickest to bury the rebound and send Slaz into the break 4–1 up.
The second half began with more evidence that Slaz were fully awake now. Matilda turned defence into attack, Coops drove into the D, and although her shot went wide, the intent was clear. A moment of frustration followed as Coops picked up a green card for a deliberate kick, giving Doncaster a brief spell of possession.
Doncaster tried to build momentum early in the half, earning a series of short corners, but Ami was in unbeatable form, making three excellent saves, including one from an unmarked attacker in the D. Slaz weathered the pressure and quickly reasserted control. Coops won a long corner, attacks were snuffed out at the back, and more chances followed at the other end, with shots just missing the target.
The fifth goal finally came through Alys, after some beautiful build-up play and an initial save by the goalkeeper. Slaz hunted in packs through the midfield, keeping Doncaster trapped in their own half and looking every bit like a side that had fully shaken off any festive rust.
One last Doncaster attack was calmly dealt with by Ami, sealing a comprehensive and confident 5–1 victory. After their Christmas hibernation, Slaz are well and truly awake – sharp, hungry, and back to playing fast, fearless hockey.
Ladies 2nds (1) vs. (4) City of York
Slazenger started strong against York, with attacks down the wings. Unfortunately for Slazenger York made a break down the middle to be the first to score, they then managed to convert a penalty corner on the half time whistle.
Slazengers came out after half time determined to stake their claim in the game. After multiple shots from several players, Courtney scored a fantastic goal from a tight angle. Slazengers dominated throughout most of the second half, before York begun a sustained attack in the last 10minutes to score 2 last minute goals, despite an incredible defence from players of the match Gemma Syrett and Keeper Erin Haigh.
Ladies 3rds (5) vs (0) Selby 2nd’s
Slazenger Ladies 3s welcomed Selby 2s at home this week and Slazenger looked impressive from the opening whistle, particularly in the first half, taking control of the game early on. The midfield unit of Mollie Glover, Sian Glover, Stacey Drake, Lauren Fealy and captain Justine Birkett dictated play superbly, winning key battles and releasing the forwards with well-timed passes.
The breakthrough came just nine minutes in when Ellie Page made her mark, firing home a confident strike that rattled the backboard to put Slazenger ahead. The pressure continued to build and Sian Glover soon added a second with a composed finish in front of goal. Page then grabbed her second of the afternoon before Fealy joined the scoresheet, sending Slazenger into half-time with a commanding 4–0 lead.
Selby emerged with renewed determination after the break and tested the Slazengers defence. Nicole Knox stood firm at the back, producing several excellent full-stretch tackles to deny Selby any foothold. Lisa Minchella was influential in defence, using her pace and strong tackling to break up play, dictating the tempo from the back and distributing the ball calmly and effortlessly. Beth Buckley impressed with a series of strong runs up the right-hand side, helping to relieve pressure and push Slazengers forward.
Page was not finished yet and completed her hat-trick with a well-worked short corner, sealing a convincing 5–0 victory and earning her the player of the match title. A confident, controlled team performance from Slazengers Ladies 3s, who continue to retain their excellent form as the season progresses.
Ladies 4ths (5) vs. (1) City of York 7ths
Slazengers surprisingly got off to a quick start, with Gemma opening the scoring in the 2nd minute and in the 10th minute Toni bagged her first Slaz goal. With the quick lead, the Slazengers kept their momentum. Toni dominated midfield, intercepting passes and distributing the ball through to Kirsty, Mandy and Gemma.
On the wings; Sophie, Julie and Phoebe worked tirelessly to create opportunities and minimise the risk of the counter attacks from York. At the back Michelle ran a calm and steady ship, with Poppy, Jess and Josie all working hard to prevent slaz conceding. The odd shots that got through to Tracy didn’t cause too much concern as they were all quickly cleared to send Slazengers back on the attack.
In the 20th minute Gemma managed to get Slazengers the 3rd goal of the day, which concluded the scoring in the first half. Coming out for the 2nd half, a lapse of concentration from the whistle meant York managed to claw a goal back in the opening minute.
Luckily Slazenger regrouped and put the pressure back on York, Julie made some great runs down the right and got some great ball into the D. Gemma secured a further 2 goals for Slazenger meaning the final score was 5-1 and the first win of the year for the Ladies 4s. Player of the match controversially went to Toni for her work rate and 1st Slaz goal.
U14 Girls (0) vs. (2) Morpeth
Slaz welcomed Morpeth to Slazenger this afternoon for what proved to be a highly competitive and entertaining U14 girls fixture. With an impressive squad of 16 players available, the team played well throughout the match, maintaining energy, intensity and structure from start to finish.
From the opening whistle the game was played at a fast, end-to-end pace, with Slaz looking to push forward and take the initiative. When Morpeth threatened, goalkeeper Ami was outstanding, producing a series of excellent saves to keep Slaz firmly in the game and giving confidence to the defence in front of her.
Captain Matilda led the team superbly by example, showing great determination and composure throughout. She drove the team forward from the right, while on the left Lorna also pushed high up the pitch, providing width and support in attack. In the heart of defence, Beth and Katie worked extremely well as a partnership, communicating effectively and dealing calmly with Morpeth’s attacking pressure.
Slaz earned a well-worked short corner, and following a rebound Amelia struck a powerful effort which was excellently saved by the Morpeth goalkeeper.
Etta and Amelie both came on in midfield and immediately fitted into the flow of the game, linking play well and working hard both defensively and in attack. The forwards created numerous chances, with Ruth making some excellent runs into space and continually looking to get on the end of passes, but despite the pressure Slaz were unable to convert their opportunities.
Addy played a crucial role in marking a key Morpeth player, significantly limiting their possession and influence. Despite Slaz’s efforts, Morpeth managed to find the net just before half time, leaving Slaz 1–0 down at the break.
The second half began at pace, with Slaz showing great determination to get back into the game. The contest remained end-to-end, with neither side giving much away with Georgie slotting in to play with Beth. All of the defence worked well together to clear any attacks. Lauren and Amelia continued to work tirelessly in centre midfield, supported well by Izzy, Jess, Addy and Amelie, who all contributed strongly to maintaining possession and driving play forward.
Slaz created several promising chances in the second half. Amelia had another strong attempt on goal, while Edie, Jess, Darcie and Ruth all came close with shots that narrowly missed the target. The team’s attacking intent and work rate were excellent, and the players continued to support one another right until the final whistle.
Unfortunately, Morpeth added a second goal late in the game from a short corner. While the match ended in a 2–0 defeat, the score line did not truly reflect the balance of play or the quality of Slaz’s performance. It was a highly competitive and enjoyable game, and it was particularly pleasing to hear that Morpeth described Slaz as the nicest team they have played — perhaps helped by the warm Slaz welcome and the much-appreciated Yorkshire teas!
Player of the Match was deservedly awarded to Tilda, whose tackles were timed to perfection throughout. Her work rate was outstanding, and her influence on the game was clear in both defence and attack.
Donut of the Day went to Beth, for varying reasons such as “just because” and for changing Amelia’s middle name to David instead of Daisy — we think it suits her. You alright, Dave! Beth is also soon to be moonlighting as Elsa in the Frozen Jr production with @kids_from_crigg Crigglestone Community Theatre Company — we’ll be expecting a pitch-side rendition of Let It Go any day now! Tickets still available so book now!
A huge thank you goes to Alys and Mark for umpiring the match today — their support is greatly appreciated!
Wakefield HC (3) vs. (0) Boys U16’s
After a good win last week the Slazenger’s boys were ready for an always tricky away derby with Wakefield. Due to further injuries, Slaz were down to just 11 players. Slaz started the game confident, led brilliantly in the midfield by captain Seth and Will. It was against the play when they went down one nil. But Slaz kept playing their game by using the width and speed of James and Evan, together with Aleks and Ollie T in attack. Unfortunately a quick break saw them go 2-0 down. Slaz had the majority of the ball so far but didn’t manage to create enough pressure in the D to get a goal back. They went down 3-0 before half time.
The half time talk was positive and we looked at points to work on to get ourselves back in the game. Slaz kept working hard in the midfield with Will, James and Jack making great runs forward. The Wakefield defence stood strong and Slaz were unable to get through. In defence, Slaz had stepped it up in the second half. With some strong clearances from Ollie S, Harry and Isaac, supported by some outstanding saves by GK George, they kept Wakefield scoreless in the second half. Ending the game 3-0.
We’ll have another good training session this week and with some players back from injury, the Slaz boys are looking forward to the trip to Hampton-in-Arden next Sunday.
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