Men’s 1st’s (2) vs. (2) Wakefield 2nd’s
In unseasonably warm weather, Slaz Mens 1s travelled to local rivals Wakefield for their final game of the season.
Slaz started the game compact and functional but struggled to build any attacks of real significance in the early passages. As they became used to the bouncy pitch, they grew into the game and won a number of short corners, but failed to take advantage.
Unfortunately for Slaz, Wakefield took advantage of a short corner of their own and went into the half-time break 1-0 up.
Despite this, Slaz gathered themselves and started their final half of the season strong, with Isaac Fisher feeding a ball through for Adam Fall to finish first time.
Further chances fell to both sides who both struggled to get a stranglehold on the game. In the end, it would finish 2-2 with the points shared and Slaz finishing in 4th place ahead of their local rivals.
Men’s 2nd’s (5) vs. (7) Louth 1st’s
On paper, a 4 hour round trip to face an undefeated team sitting clear at the top of the league wouldn’t have been the most alluring prospect to wrap up the hockey season. Add to that a continued spate of injuries, and none of it spelled classic fixture. However, how wrong we were. After what seemed like an age trecking out to the furthest hockey pitch from Slazengers, a mere 2 hours to Louth HC, Slaz were met by blue skies and almost tropical temperatures. A cheeky warmup and everyone was in good spirits. Well until the hockey started.
Louth were well organised, fit and ruthless in front of goal. Soft passes were intercepted and Slaz found themselves under pressure from the off. It wasn’t long before they drew first blood and went 1-0 ahead. However Slaz were up for the fight, and when Ben Graham won a penalty corner, Richard Tuddenham put it away to go level and silence the crowd. However, Louth were top of the league for a reason and promptly banged in 4 goals in 10 minutes to open up an intimidating gap. Slazenger battled hard, James Stevenson and Captain Ste Roberts led the way in the middle causing trouble and creating opportunities. It was clear there was still a game on when Tuddenham beat the keeper again, making it 6-2 at the break.
The halftime talk kept the focus on simply scoring more. In a toe to toe slugfest between these two heavyweight it was going to come down to how many blows Slaz could land.
The second half saw Slaz battle harder. Things got off to a great start, when Tuddenham bagged his third. Ian Hedges provided a well placed cross for Aleks Thompson to smash the ball into the roof of the net to make it 6-4 which rightly started causing concerns in the Louth supporters. At the other end, Will Buckley, Jack Lee and Lucas Smith had their games of the season to keep Louth out, and as frustration in the home side increased, Tuddenham bagged a fourth to close the gap to a single goal.
Unfortunately, Louth converted a well worked penalty corner, and time ran out for Slazenger to find any further goals. In all however, it was a fantastic clash to wrap up the season, showing real grit, determination and effort from the travelling side and gives the team a solid 4th place finish in the league.
Men’s 3rd’s (2) vs. (7) University of Leeds 2nd’s
The final match of the season at Slazenger began not as a game, but as a mystery waiting to unfold. Under sunny Yorkshire skies, two sides gathered at the scene: Slazenger 3s and the visiting University of Leeds 2s. By the end of the afternoon, the evidence would point to a decisive outcome — but the investigation would not be without brave resistance from the home side.
Detective Sammy took up his post between the posts, the last line of defence and guardian of the crime scene. Ahead of him formed the defensive cordon: Jez, Harry, Josh, and Dodge, tasked with shutting down any suspicious activity before it reached the circle. In midfield, investigators Dan, Jack, and Aidy searched tirelessly for clues, linking play and probing for weaknesses in the Leeds operation. On the wings lurked Will, Scott, Ryan, and Seth, moving swiftly down the flanks like undercover agents tracking their suspects.
Leading the line were Tim, John, and Trevor, the attacking trio looking to crack the case at the other end.
But from the opening whistle, Leeds arrived with a carefully plotted scheme. Before Slazenger could fully piece together the clues, the visitors had struck repeatedly, leaving the scoreboard reading 4–1 to Leeds at half time.
The Slaz defence battled to contain the onslaught. Jez, Harry, Josh, and Dodge made crucial interceptions, throwing themselves into tackles as if sealing off crime scenes. Behind them, Sammy was everywhere — diving, blocking, and denying what looked like certain goals. Time and again he thwarted Leeds’ advances, keeping the investigation alive.
The second half continued the drama. Slazenger searched for answers, pushing forward through midfield as Dan, Jack, and Aidy tried to unlock Leeds’ defence. The wide players stretched the field, and the forwards worked tirelessly to create opportunities.
But Leeds’ plot proved difficult to unravel. The visitors added further goals as the minutes ticked by, despite more outstanding work from Sammy, whose reflex saves prevented the scoreline from becoming even more dramatic.
When the final whistle closed the case file, the verdict read: Slazenger 3s 2 – 7 University of Leeds 2s
A tough result to end the season, but not without heroics.
Amid the chaos and clues scattered across the pitch, one man stood out as the tireless investigator of the afternoon. With save after save and composure under relentless pressure, Man of the Match was unquestionably Sammy, whose performance in goal kept Slazenger fighting until the very end.
The season may have closed with defeat, but the case of the Slazenger 3s will reopen next year — and the detectives will be ready
Men’s 4th’s vs. Sheffield 7th’s
No game – Sheffield conceded
Ladies 1st’s (0) vs. (1) Harrogate 2nd’s
No Report
Ladies 2nd’s (2) vs. (3) Leeds Adel 2nd’s
No Report
Ladies 3rd’s (1) vs. (0) Huddersfield Dragons 2nd’s
Having narrowly edged the reverse fixture before Christmas, Slazengers knew they were in for another tough encounter—and with a chance to top the league still alive, the motivation was clear from the first whistle.
It didn’t take long for Slazengers to stamp their authority on the game. Within the opening minutes, Ellie Page produced one of her trademark surging runs down the right flank, gliding past defenders with confidence and composure. Her powerful strike was well saved by the Dragons keeper, but as has been the story all season, Caro Schofield was perfectly positioned to react first—coolly slotting home the rebound to give Slazengers an early lead. The connection between Page and Schofield has been a constant threat throughout the season, and once again they delivered when it mattered most.
Huddersfield responded with urgency, pressing high and searching for an equaliser, but Slazengers’ defensive unit stood resolute. Sarah Richey, Nicole Knox, Stacey Drake, Beth Buckley and Zoe Searson combined brilliantly at the back—timing tackles to perfection, intercepting dangerous passes and calmly turning defence into attack. Goalkeeper Lauren Hattersley was also in superb form, making several crucial saves to maintain the lead. A standout moment came when Nicole Knox read the game expertly to clear a goal-bound effort off the line—an intervention that proved vital in preserving both the advantage and the clean sheet.
Across midfield, Slazengers’ work rate and cohesion were evident throughout. Wide players Lauren Fealy, Mollie Glover and Justine Birkett applied relentless pressure, closing down space and linking effectively with the forward line. Player of the Match Mollie Glover delivered an exceptional performance, showing great determination and battling for every ball. Her persistence and willingness to keep driving play forward made a real impact, consistently supporting both attack and defence.
In the centre of the pitch, Sian Glover and Lisa Minchella once again demonstrated why they have been such an important partnership this season. Calm, composed and consistent, they controlled the tempo and disrupted Dragons’ rhythm, ensuring Slazengers remained organised and difficult to break down.
Slazengers held firm to the final whistle, securing a deserved 1–0 victory.
It has been a fantastic season for Slazengers Ladies 3’s, with every player contributing to a strong, united squad effort. Finishing joint top of the table is a remarkable achievement, although they narrowly miss out on first place on goal difference to York 4’s, Slazengers await confirmation, hopeful that their efforts will be rewarded with promotion.
Ladies 4th’s (0) vs. (4) Driffield 3rd’s
No Report
Development’s (0) vs. (2) Rotherham
The final match of the season delivered absolutely everything: goals, injuries, near misses, and a huge emotional milestone as Adelaide, Ruth, and Issy stepped onto the pitch for their last junior game before moving up to senior hockey. Cerys was deservedly named Player of the Match for the final Devs game of the year, capping off an excellent performance.
First Half
Slazengers came out firing. Within the first 30 seconds, Georgie took a blow to the head but shook it off with real grit. The early pressure paid off almost immediately: in the 2nd minute, Addy threaded a clever assist to Alastair, who buried the ball into the back corner for a brilliant opener.
At 8 minutes, Cerys carved through the midfield and slipped the ball into Ruth and Noah, but despite the promising build-up, the chance just wouldn’t convert. Slaz dominated possession, keeping Rotherham pinned back for long spells.
But Rotherham are nothing if not opportunistic. A sudden break forced Katie and Georgie into defensive action. A short corner at 14 minutes led to a nasty knock for Katie, who had to leave the pitch. The rest of the half became a frantic, end-to-end battle with both sides desperate to score. Katie returned at the 30-minute mark, giving the team a much-needed boost heading into halftime.
Second Half
Rotherham struck early, equalising within the first five minutes. Moments later, they earned another short corner but couldn’t convert. Their momentum continued, though, and a strong run saw them take a 2–1 lead.
The game descended into full-on carnage: Noah took a painful hit to the foot, and a Rotherham player had to be carried off with a knee injury. Slazengers kept pushing, dribbling the ball right across the goal line at one point, agonisingly refusing to go in.
A short corner for Slaz offered hope, but again the finish just wasn’t there. Then Issy unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the D — on target, but without a touch inside the circle, it couldn’t count.
Rotherham threatened again, but Nikolai produced a calm, confident save to keep Slaz in it.
Final Minutes
The last five minutes were played almost entirely in Rotherham’s D, with every Slaz player pushing forward in search of the equaliser. But a late Rotherham break forced the defence to scramble. Nikolai made two superb saves, but on the third attempt — with just 30 seconds left — Rotherham found the net, sealing a 3–1 finish.
Final Thoughts
Despite the scoreline, it was a thrilling, hard-fought match full of heart, determination, and moments of real quality. A fantastic game to watch — and a memorable send-off for Adelaide, Ruth, and Issy as they step up to senior hockey.
U10 Boys’s (0) vs. (0) In2Hockey Cup Qualifers
# Slazengers U10s at England Cup – Yorkshire Qualifying
**Squad:** Bryce, Max, Dom, Dylan, Theo, Alfie, Harry, Jackson, Edward
A long day at Weetwood for our U10s, competing in the Yorkshire qualifying tournament against some strong opposition. The squad played four matches, finishing with one win, one draw and two defeats, and plenty to be proud of.
## Game 1 vs Harrogate – Lost 0-3
Harrogate were on the front foot from the start and tested Slaz early, but the defence held firm initially. Edward made a crucial last-ditch clearance and Harry was solid at the back. Jackson in goal was outstanding, pulling off several saves to keep the score down. The best move of the half saw Harry carry the ball up the left before finding Alfie, who picked out Dom for a shot that was well defended. Harrogate took their chances though, scoring three times including a tap-in on the counter and a short corner conversion. After the subs came on, Dylan, Max and Bryce all had good moments going forward, but Harrogate were well organised and saw out a deserved win.
## Game 2 vs Bradford – Won 2-1
This was more like it. Max was tenacious from the off and Slaz created several chances, winning a string of short corners through Dom’s direct running. Alfie delivered a good cross from one and Dom had a shot that Max followed up on. Bradford caught Slaz out of position to take the lead against the run of play, but the response was immediate. Theo pushed a short corner to Dom who finished to make it 1-1. The winner was a quality goal – Harry played a long ball to Dom, who produced an excellent dribble and a strong reverse stick finish. Harry then helped shut the door at the back as Slaz held on for a well-earned 2-1 win.
## Game 3 vs York – Drew 0-0
A tight, competitive match against York that could have gone either way. Jackson was again the standout, making a brilliant save at full stretch with his hand pad early on. Edward made a great run out of defence and Theo put in a solid block. Max found Dom with a good pass that led to a reverse stick effort, well saved by the York keeper. The game was end to end throughout, with York winning several short corners but converting none. Dom held the ball well in the closing stages to see out the draw.
## Game 4 vs Sheffield – Lost 0-5
Sheffield came into this game unbeaten on the day and showed why. Sheffield’s quality told early as they built a 3-0 lead through clinical finishing including a well-placed shot on the post. Jackson was magnificent in a losing cause, making save after save – including three in quick succession – and diving around to keep the score respectable. Dylan and Harry both contributed good defensive work, and Bryce showed good feet on the ball, but Sheffield were a class above on the day.
## Tournament Summary
A mixed bag of results but a tournament full of positives. Jackson was outstanding in goal across all four matches and kept Slaz in every game. Dom was the main attacking threat, scoring both goals in the Bradford win and consistently carrying the ball forward. Max’s work rate and tenacity across the tournament earned him a deserved Man of the Tournament award.
For Jackson, Harry and Dom, this will be their last U10 cup tournament, with the plate competition in May still to come. One more chance to finish the age group on a high.
U10 Girls’s (0) vs. (0) In2Hockey Cup Qualifers
Slazenger Girls U10 A Team delivered an outstanding performance at the Yorkshire & North East Cup qualifying tournament held at the Grammar School at Leeds, winning all five of their matches in impressive fashion.
The tournament began with a dominant 4–0 victory over Harrogate B. The opening goal came from Maci, who finished confidently from a well-placed cross by Penny. Ella then doubled the lead, striking from the top of the D after a precise through ball from Izzy. The third goal followed a short corner routine, with Ella’s initial shot saved before Penny reacted quickest to convert the rebound. Ella completed the scoring, capitalising on another rebound after Maci’s effort was stopped.
In the second match, Slazenger secured a 3–0 win against Ben Rhydding, with Ella claiming a superb hat-trick. Her first came from a cross by Hattie, the second was an excellent solo effort, and the third a powerful strike from the top of the D. At a crucial moment with the score at 1–0, goalkeeper Frances made a superb stick-side save to deny Ben Rhydding a certain equaliser.
The third fixture saw a 2–0 win over Doncaster, with Hattie scoring both goals. The first was a well-worked team move, as Ella passed to Penny, who delivered a cross for Hattie to finish. The second was more scrappy, with Maci battling to win the ball and set up Hattie for her second of the game.
Slazenger continued their strong form with a 4–0 victory against City of York C. Ella opened the scoring with a driving run into the D and an early shot. Penny then split the defence with a superb pass for Izzy to score the second. Ella added her second with a run down the left wing, finishing cleverly at the near post, before Hattie rounded off the scoring with the fourth.
The final match proved to be the toughest test, as Slazenger edged a 1–0 win against City of York A. The decisive moment came from Ella, who produced an excellent tomahawk shot to secure the victory.
Across the tournament, Slazenger demonstrated excellent teamwork and resilience against strong opposition. Frances was assured in goal, while Maia, Izzy, and Penny rotated effectively in defence. Ella, who was deservedly named Player of the Tournament, controlled the game from central midfield. Penny, Tilly, and Hattie shared duties on the flanks, while Hattie, Maci, and Izzy rotated in the forward role.
With five wins from five matches, Slazenger now look highly likely to have qualified for the regional championship finals, pending confirmation from other group results.
U16 Boys vs. Chesterfield
Chesterfield arrived at Slazenger for the penultimate game of the season looking more like a men’s squad than an U16 side—towering well over six feet and clearly fuelled by a hearty breakfast. But Slazenger were never going to be intimidated, and what followed was a gripping, end‑to‑end contest packed with drama.
The game burst into life immediately, with both teams trading attacks. Chesterfield fired the first real warning shot, but George stayed calm under pressure, making a composed save to keep the scores level.
A short corner for Chesterfield soon followed, but Slazenger’s defence of Ally, Isaac, Ollie S and Harry stood tall. George produced not one but two excellent saves, drawing cheers from the home crowd.
Breakthrough at last came after half an hour of relentless back‑and‑forth, Slazenger finally found the opener. A strong midfield of Seth, Jack and Evan delivered the ball to the Chesterfield end. Will pounced on a loose ball in the D and slotted it home with precision, giving Slazenger a well‑earned 1–0 lead.
Five minutes later, Slazenger struck again. A rapid break saw Aleks thread a superb pass to Seth, who unleashed a spectacular finish to make it 2–0. The home supporters were buzzing.
But Chesterfield weren’t done. A short corner just before the whistle gave them a lifeline, and they converted to make it 2–1 at the break.
Half‑time: Slazenger 2–1 Chesterfield
The second half exploded into action instantly. Within the first minute, Aleks delivered another pinpoint assist, this time for Ollie Tuddenham, who fired home clinically to restore Slazenger’s two‑goal cushion.
But Chesterfield hit back almost immediately, scoring on the counter to make it 3–2. Two minutes later, they equalised, swinging the momentum sharply in their favour.
Slazenger, suddenly rattled, began giving the ball away too easily. Chesterfield capitalised again, taking the lead for the first time at 4–3. The visitors looked transformed, while Slazenger were visibly tiring and frustrated.
Owen kept batting, determined for a goal that just wouldn’t come his way.
Despite the pressure, Slazenger defended another short corner brilliantly, keeping themselves within touching distance.
Then came a tough spell: Evan was shown a green card with six minutes left, and Harry had to leave the pitch injured. With the clock ticking down, things looked bleak.
But Slazenger refused to fold.
With less than five minutes remaining, Slazenger earned a crucial short corner. The tension was palpable. This time, Aleks—who had been threatening all game—finally got the goal he’d been chasing, smashing home the equaliser to make it 4–4.
The final whistle blew moments later, ending a breathless, emotional contest.
Full‑time: Slazenger 4–4 Chesterfield
A match full of grit, skill, and heart. Slazenger showed immense character to claw back a point in a game that swung wildly in both directions. A true testament to their resilience.
U14 Girls vs. Thame (cup semifinal) – England Hockey Championship – Tier 2 Plate
The Slazenger U14 girls delivered a thrilling semi-final performance against a determined and strong Thame side, booking their place in the final after a tense and hard-fought 2–1 victory.
Fast Start and Early Pressure
Slazenger came out flying, with Edie testing the Thame keeper within minutes. Her early strike was well hit, but the keeper reacted sharply to keep it out. What followed was a breathless spell of end-to-end hockey, both teams carving out chances inside the D but neither able to find the finishing touch.
At the back, Ami made some crucial saves to keep Slazenger level, while the defence worked tirelessly, with key tackles from Tilda, Beth, Georgie and Katie stopping Thame’s attacking threats.
In midfield, Addy was given the tireless task of marking and controlling Thame’s key central player, doing an outstanding job to limit their influence. Alongside her, Amelia, Lauren, Izzy and Jess worked relentlessly—driving forward in attack and tracking back in defence.
Up front, Edie, Ruth and Jess kept the Thame defence under constant pressure, hunting down the ball and applying a tight press on free hits.
A breakthrough came at 23 minutes, as Slaz’s persistence finally paid off. Amelia burst down the wing with pace and purpose, cutting through the Thame defence before sliding a perfectly weighted pass into Edie. With trademark composure, Edie slotted the ball into the net to give Slazenger a deserved 1–0 lead.
Half-time: Slazenger 1–0 Thame
Second Half: Tension Builds
Ten minutes into the second half, Slazenger earned a short corner. The ball fizzed dangerously along the goal line, teasing the crowd, but somehow refused to cross.
Ami was called into action again, producing more crucial saves to deny Thame as they grew into the game. The defence continued to stand strong, with Tilda, Beth, Georgie and Katie making vital tackles under pressure. Tilda also produced a brilliant surge forward in the second half, driving upfield and creating an attacking opportunity that kept Thame on the back foot.
Thame responded with pressure of their own and were rewarded with a short corner midway through the half. A clean strike and a well-worked routine brought them level at 1–1.
Late Drama and a Heroic Finish!
Slazenger immediately pushed back. A rapid counterattack nearly restored the lead, but the final touch just wouldn’t fall. Another short corner followed, but again the ball stayed out.
Then came the moment of magic. From yet another short corner, Amelia reacted brilliantly to a loose ball, lifting it over the keeper and into the net. The crowd erupted as Slazenger surged ahead 2–1.
Thame pushed for another equaliser, but Slazenger held firm with disciplined defending and composure under pressure. A final short corner for Slaz didn’t convert—but it didn’t matter.
Full-Time: Slazenger 2–1 Thame
A gritty, spirited performance sees Slazenger through to the final. Determination, teamwork, and a touch of brilliance made the difference.
Opposition Player of the Match went to Tilda for some phenomenally well-timed tackles and an outstanding defensive display.
Slazenger Player of the Match was jointly awarded to Amelia and Addy—Amelia for her determination to drive the team forward and her excellent distribution, and Addy for ensuring Thame’s key player was constantly under pressure.
We’d also like to thank Thame for making the long journey to us today, which allowed the team to be involved in the Wakefield Hospice 10k/5k this morning with the fundraising amount nearly at £30k – #Run4Debs
Finals, here we come! 💚
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