Match Report

Slaz Mens 1s took the long trip to Ilkley to play Ben Rhydding with hopes that they could climb the table into the top 2. And Slaz got off to a rough start when a number of players failed to reach the pushback in team, leading them to start the game with a put-together starting formation.

Nevertheless, Slaz remained tight at the back and looked for opportunities on the counter, but going into the interval, neither team managed to break the deadlock despite good chances for Ollie Leonard and Mark Swinden.

The second half started much the same way, with Slaz defending deep and looking for chances on the counter. Unfortunately, a number of cheap green cards meant that Slaz found themselves a man down at crucial times in the game and their resistance was eventually broken. After conceding from a penalty corner and then again from a breakaway, Slaz looked likely to lose 2-0.

A late rally found a flurry of Slaz chances, with Asad Baig converting from a short corner, but a second goal went begging. It was a tough game for Slaz but there were also plenty of positives to take into the second quarter of the season after next week's slip week.

Man of the match once again went to Harry Firth, who looks every bit a first team player and growing in confidence week on week.

Match Report

Slaz men’s 2’s welcomed Alford and District 1’s on Saturday in what turned out to be a one sided affair, Slaz running out comfortable 9-0 victors.

In truth, Slaz were rarely troubled but James Walker kept his concentration in goal to step up when called upon with the rest of the team working hard throughout.

Richard Tuddenham marked his return from injury with 6 goals ably assisted by James Swindon with 2 and Jack Sumner also netting.

The result sees the men’s 2’s cement their position at the top of their division ahead of the slip week next week.

Match Report

A Roaring Performance at the Slazenger Zoo!

The gates swung open at Slazenger Zoo as Leeds 7s arrived for what they hoped would be a pleasant afternoon out. Unfortunately for the visitors, they had wandered into the predators’ enclosure, and Slazenger 3s were hungry for goals. The first attack came just two minutes into the match, when Tim Carr delivered an inch-perfect hit from the sideline, finding Aleks in full stride. Aleks kept his composure one-on-one with the keeper and calmly slotted the ball home. A beautiful bit of hunting from the Slazenger pack.

For the next twenty minutes, the visitors managed to keep the cages locked, but eventually the Slazenger attack struck again. Aleks, having wandered out wide, produced a beautiful pass for Ryan Bishop, who slapped the ball home with the sort of precision normally reserved for a crocodile snapping up its lunch. Leeds briefly fought back, scoring five minutes later to make it 2–1 and suggesting they might have a little bite of their own. However, the Slazenger animals were far from ready to retreat.

A short corner provided the next feeding opportunity. Scott unleashed a strike that was saved, but John was lurking in the perfect position to gobble up the rebound and restore Slazenger’s two-goal advantage. Then came a moment of midfield predation. Scott hunted down the ball, won it back aggressively and charged forward before releasing Tim through on goal. Tim made no mistake, effortlessly slipping the ball past the keeper to make it 4–1 at half-time.

The Leeds defence was beginning to look like a group of meerkats watching a lion approach. After the break, Slazenger wasted little time adding to the tally. Five minutes into the second half, Aleks was played through by Jack and calmly finished for his second of the afternoon, taking him to an impressive nine goals for the season. The Slazenger top predator was clearly enjoying his enclosure.

Ten minutes later, Josh joined the feeding frenzy. From a short corner, Tim Carr provided the perfect push-out, allowing Josh to unleash a clean strike from the top of the D. The ball flew into the net, leaving the Leeds keeper with about as much chance as a penguin trying to escape a polar bear. Just two minutes later, Slazenger completed the day’s scoring. Aleks turned provider once more, delivering the final ball for Bish to score his second of the match. Seven goals, six different moments of attacking brilliance, and Leeds were firmly back behind the glass.

The final whistle confirmed a 7–1 victory, with Slazenger producing a performance that had the home supporters roaring.

🦍 Man of the Match: Tim - Tim took home the award after an outstanding all-round performance. His inch-perfect assist for Aleks, perfectly delivered short-corner push-out for Josh, and relentless work throughout the match made him the zookeeper of the day. He controlled the feeding schedule from start to finish.

📈 The winning streak continues! - Slazenger have now won five consecutive games, scoring an incredible 25 goals and conceding just 5 across that run. The attack is thriving, the defence is keeping the animals contained, and the opposition are leaving the zoo with very little to celebrate.

🦁 Goals: Aleks ×2, Bish ×2, John, Tim, Josh

🏆 Man of the Match: Tim Carr

🔥 Winning streak: 5 in a row

📊 Last five matches: 25 scored, 5 conceded

Match Report

Walkover awarded in the YNE Peak & Wold Plate competition as Kingston Upon Hull were unable to field a side.

Match Report

Local Derby Delight for Slaz!

Slaz were well and truly up for it as they took on local rivals Wakefield in a derby that had plenty of drama, pressure and a well-deserved comeback! Slaz started strongly, dominating possession and keeping Wakefield firmly in their own half for much of the first period. The midfield was superb, with Amelia and Rebecca making excellent runs down both wings and delivering some quality balls into the forwards. Despite the relentless pressure and plenty of promising attacking play, the opening goal just wouldn't come. Wakefield made a rare break forward and somehow managed to scramble the ball over the line. Against the run of play, Slaz went into half-time 1–0 down.

But if Wakefield thought that was going to be enough, they clearly hadn't met the Slaz of the second half!

Slaz came out with renewed determination and piled on the pressure. The equaliser finally arrived when a loose ball was tapped off the back line by Coops into the path of Lou, who made no mistake with a tidy finish at the far post. With Slaz continuing to dominate possession, Wakefield struggled to get out of their own half. Around ten minutes later, the pressure told again as a Wakefield error gifted Slaz yet another short corner. This time, Kez stepped up to unleash the shot, with Lou adding the finishing touch to make it 2–1 and complete her brace!

There was even a chance to seal the game in style when Slaz won a penalty flick. Lou stepped up, eyeing a hat-trick, but sadly it wasn't to be for the old lass! Two goals would have to do.

Wakefield finally woke up for the closing ten minutes, throwing everything they had at Slaz in search of an equaliser. But the Slaz defence stood firm, showing real grit and determination when it mattered most. Erin was on hand to produce back-to-back saves to keep Wakefield out and ensure Slaz held on for a fantastic derby victory.

🏆 TART (The Award for Random Things): Kez, for her burning desire to find out how to milk oats. Priorities!

⭐ Player of the Match: Lou – Two goals, a match-winning performance and a hat-trick that just wasn't meant to be. The old lass still has it!

A brilliant team performance from Slaz, showing patience, determination and plenty of derby-day spirit. From dominating possession to digging deep in the closing minutes, the girls got the result their efforts deserved. Local bragging rights secured! 💪💚

Match Report

🏑 LADIES 2s SECURE A GREAT WIN AGAINST SELBY! 🏑

Slazenger started strongly, moving the ball well with some lovely passing and great structure across the pitch. Selby opened the scoring with a well-worked cross and a strong finish, but Slaz kept battling, with both teams enjoying relatively even play. The second half saw more of the same determination, before the game burst into life halfway through! A penalty corner saw Jess push the ball out to Millie, who fired a straight strike into the backboard to level the score. 🔥

The momentum was with Slaz, and Millie struck again within a minute! Just a few minutes later, Millie delivered a great cross to Izzy, who had found fantastic space on the edge of the D. Izzy’s strike took a deflection off Mia and flew into the net to complete an incredible three goals in five minutes! 💥Selby grabbed a second under increased defensive pressure, but Slazenger dug deep, showing fantastic fighting spirit, hard work and commitment right across the pitch to see out the game and secure the win! 💪

👏 A brilliant team performance, with everyone playing their part. Great resilience, clinical finishing and three goals in five minutes to turn the game around!

3-2 WIN FOR SLAZ! 💚🏑

Match Report

Slazenger Ladies 3s travelled to Ben Rhydding to take on the experienced Skipton Ladies 1’s. Skipton opened the scoring with a short corner. Goalkeeper Gemma Wilson did brilliantly to dive across and get a touch on the ball, but unfortunately, it still found its way into the corner of the net. Skipton added a second soon after to take a 2-0 lead.

Despite the early setback, Slazenger continued to work hard, with the midfield putting in an impressive shift. Lisa Minchella and Lauren Wood linked up particularly well, breaking down Skipton's attacks and driving play forward. Slazenger were then awarded a penalty flick after an attacking move was stopped on the line by a Skipton foot. Unfortunately, the flick was saved, and Slaz went into half-time trailing 2-0.

The second half saw Slazenger come out with a real belief that they could get back into the game. Their persistence paid off when they won a short corner, with Ellie Page delivering a clean strike that thundered into the backboard to make it 2-1!

With momentum building, Slazenger continued to push for an equaliser and were awarded a second penalty flick after another goal-bound effort was stopped by a Skipton defender's foot, but frustratingly, the second flick was also saved.

Far from letting their missed opportunities get them down, Slazenger raised their game further. The final 15 minutes saw them pile on the pressure, with Page firing dangerous crosses across the D and the team coming agonisingly close to finding the equaliser on several occasions.

As the clock ticked down, Skipton appeared increasingly concerned by Slaz's growing threat and resorted to taking the ball to the attacking corner flag to retain possession during the final three and a half minutes. Slazenger eventually won the ball back and drove forward in search of a late goal, only to narrowly miss the target once again. Skipton subsequently returned to the corner to run down the clock.

While Slazenger were disappointed to see the closing stages unfold this way, they could take real pride in their performance, their resilience and the pressure they put on an experienced opposition. The final whistle confirmed a frustrating 2-1 defeat.

Lauren Wood was deservedly named Player of the Match for her excellent display in midfield, combining skill, speed and determination throughout the game.

Match Report

Local derby, plenty of action and everything but the goals! Slazenger 4s faced Wakefield 5s in an exciting, end-to-end derby match, with both sides battling hard and creating chances but neither able to find the back of the net. There were some fantastic performances across the pitch, with Jess Morris producing a brilliant goal-line clearance and Katie Knighton pulling off some impressive saves to keep Slazenger in the game. Julie Bailey was excellent at the back, defending strongly and getting the ball out from defence to launch attacks.

Emily Roberts, Michell Adam and Poppy Thackrah put in strong defensive performances, while May Bailey and Toni Beverley worked tirelessly in the middle, linking play and driving the team forward. Mandy Greenwood and Kirsty Goddard worked hard on the wings, providing width and pushing the ball into attacking areas. A special mention to Cerys Wiper, making her ladies’ hockey debut! 👏 Some great build-up play and promising attempts on goal made for an impressive first outing. And it was lovely to see Michelle Adam back on the pitch following her most recent surgery — great to have you back! 💚

Of course, it wouldn't be a Slazenger match without a few comedy moments, courtesy of Phoebe Mitchell! 😂 Both teams had their chances and were unlucky not to score, but with excellent defending, great goalkeeping and plenty of determination on show, a goalless draw felt like a fair result. A great team effort, a clean sheet and plenty of positives to take away. Well played, Slaz! 💚🏑

Match Report

The U16 girls put in a fantastic performance to secure another win against Huddersfield Dragons, winning 2-0 and showing great teamwork, determination and skill throughout the
match. The scoring got underway when Amelia produced a brilliant solo run on the break before unleashing a powerful shot into the right-hand corner of the goal. It was a superb finish
that gave the team an early lead and set the tone for the game.

Defensively, Lorna, Beth, Katie and Tilda worked brilliantly together, keeping Huddersfield Dragons at bay and preventing the opposition from making dangerous entries into the D.
Their organisation and determination provided a strong foundation for the team's success. In midfield, Mollie, Amelia, Izzy and Lauren worked tirelessly, making great runs and
linking up play with accurate passing to move the ball up the pitch. Further forward, Erin, Marley, Ruth and Jess posed a threat to the opposition, creating opportunities and keeping
the pressure on.

The second half brought an additional challenge, as the team was reduced to just nine players. Despite being short on numbers, the girls showed incredible resilience, sticking together and continuing to work hard for one another. Their determination paid off as the team held firm and maintained their advantage. The second goal came when Lauren drove into the D and delivered an excellent cross. Erin showed expert touch to turn the ball into the goal, doubling the team's lead and rewarding the side's attacking play, securing another well-deserved victory against Huddersfield Dragons. Emily stood strong in goal but with very little to do, enjoyed some time to dance instead!

Player of the match went to Ruth which was very well deserved.

Thanks to Erin and Marley for stepping in to help, they were fantastic additions to the team! So proud of all the girls today, fantastic performance, the win was hard fought and well deserved. Thank you to the coaches for leading the team.

Match Report

Our U14 girls won 5-1 away at Kingston upon Hull H.C., with two goals from Tilda and one each from Cerys, Izzy and Jess, and Tilda was named player of the match.

Tilda opened the scoring from a short corner and later added a great solo goal, driving in and hitting it hard from the top right of the D. Dottie drove along the baseline and clipped the ball across for Cerys to finish, Izzy intercepted a clearance out on the left, went into space and shot in off the post, and Jess was quickest at the post to turn the ball in after one of our short corner shots was blocked.

Hull pulled one back on the counter five minutes into the second half. One of our best moves of the game went round the top of the D and set up several players running in, only to be stopped by a foot. The best thing about the day was how well the whole team played together, from Lydia in goal to Georgie, Katie, Etta, Florence, Amelie, Ruth and Hollie, with everyone supporting each other from start to finish.

Tilda got player of the match for her pressing in midfield, her attacking and the way she dropped back to help the defence.

Goals: Tilda 2, Cerys 1, Izzy 1, Jess 1

Four different scorers is a great sign for the rest of the season. Thank you to the coaches for leading the team, and to everyone who came to support.

Tournament Match Report

Our U12 1s were at Wakefield for Division 1 of the Yorkshire Youth Hockey League. We came away with a win, a draw and two defeats, and congratulations to Freddie, who was named player of the tournament.

Slazenger (1) vs. (0) Doncaster 1
We stayed organised against a strong Doncaster side, with Harry S and Harry R making some important blocks and Jackson clearing well. A great ball from Noah found Matthew, who shot early and finished well for the only goal, and Freddie worked hard on the left and found some good passes.

Slazenger (1) vs. (2) City of York 1
Alistair and Noah worked well together from the start, but York got through to score at the back post. Matthew and Freddie kept finding space and set up Alistair to sneak in the equaliser. Harry R and Harry S marked well and everyone tackled hard to keep York out, but York took a late chance to win it.

Slazenger (0) vs. (0) City of York 2
Noah, Alistair and Matthew linked up well and made plenty of chances, and Harry S, Harry R and Freddie defended well together. Harry S found some nice balls out from the back, Harry R caused havoc in their D, and when York had a good spell Jackson stood firm to keep their shots out.

Slazenger (2) vs. (4) Adel 1
Adel scored twice early, but we hit straight back when a run through from Noah and Alistair found Freddie, who finished well from the back of the D. Adel made it 3-1 and Jackson made a great save to keep it there, then Freddie and Matthew broke well and Noah followed up Alistair's shot to make it 3-2. Adel scored from a short corner for 4-2, but we kept playing some nice hockey to the end.

Freddie earned his player of the tournament award with constant good play in attack and defence, and his goal against Adel. Keeping two clean sheets in Division 1 says a lot about how well this team defended together, and with the chances we made in every game there are more goals to come. Thank you to Ste for umpiring and to the coaches for leading the team.

Tournament Match Report

Our U12 boys came second on the day in Division 6 at Norton Sports Park in Sheffield, with 6 points from two wins and two narrow defeats. A big part of that was how well we kept our shape, with Viren and Leon stretching the play on the left and right all morning and making us really hard to play against. We had seven players and no subs, so everyone played every minute. Congratulations to Dom, who was named player of the tournament.

Slazenger (3) vs. (0) Chapeltown 1
A really energetic start, with everyone holding their positions well and constant pressure on Chapeltown. Dom opened the scoring with a dribble and a reverse tap in, then crossed into the D for Alfie, who followed up his own shot and scored from the rebound. Dom dribbled in for the third. Viren ran up and down the left all game, Leon kept Chapeltown stretched by staying wide on the right, and Bryce and Jenson were strong at the back throughout, so James didn't get a touch in goal!

Slazenger (2) vs. (0) Adel 3
Viren scored a well deserved goal within seconds of the start. It was a tense game after that and Dom had a few efforts on goal, then Leon played a quick pass from a restart to Alfie, who ran on and scored with a strong open stick shot. Viren was excellent on the left again, stopping their counters, Leon made some great runs down the right, and both of them passed really well. Bryce and Jenson were a wall at the back.

Slazenger (1) vs. (2) Sheffield Uni Bankers 1
We kept our shape well again, and James had his busiest game, with some great saves including one from a Bankers short corner. Bankers took the lead from a good cross, but Dom found Alfie on the counter and Alfie got to the byline and crossed on his reverse stick for Dom to score. Bankers scored again to win it 2-1.

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Chesterfield 2
Plenty of energy again, with everyone running their socks off. Dom kept making great runs and we had a few 2 on 1s, and a lovely pass from Dom in one of them brought a good save from the Chesterfield keeper. Bryce and Jenson defended well, and Chesterfield got the only goal against the run of play.

Coming second with seven players and no subs is a great result, and the whole team should be really proud of it. Dom thoroughly deserved player of the tournament, scoring three goals and causing problems in every game, and Viren gets a special mention for his tireless efforts on the left. The team held its shape all morning and can take that into the next tournament. Thank you to everyone who came to support.

Tournament Match Report

The second Yorkshire Youth Hockey League Division 1 tournament of the season was at home for our U12 girls 1s, and they came away with a win, two draws and a defeat, with Grace named player of the tournament.

Slazenger (2) vs. (2) City of York 2
York scored first on the break, but we picked up the pace and Ella equalised with a great goal before Darcie finished a good team move to make it 2-1. Frances made some important saves, and Penny, Grace, Ella and Darcie kept pushing for a third. York equalised on the break, and with a couple of minutes left a great move from Ella to Darcie ended with Darcie crossing to Grace at the far post, and we came very close to winning it.

Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Adel
It was a close encounter between the two teams. The girls pushed for a winner against Adel, with some great play from the whole team at times, and it finished a tight 0-0.

Slazenger (4) vs. (0) Wakefield
Against our local rivals the girls were at their best. Pressure from Grace and Eden led to the first goal, with Ella finishing a good move, and Maia and Maddison kept Wakefield out at the back, with Frances making a couple of saves. Penny and Grace attacked well down both wings, Eden and Ella worked hard in midfield, and Darcie pressed all game and got her reward with a hat-trick to make it 4-0.

Slazenger (0) vs. (4) City of York 1
York 1s were always going to be the toughest game of the day, and they scored twice early. Ella, Eden and Darcie worked hard to make chances, Grace made some excellent runs and dribbled well, and Penny came on and put pressure on the York midfield, but York added two more well worked goals.

Goals: Darcie 4, Ella 2

Grace was a well deserved player of the tournament for her work rate, forward runs and dribbling. A win and two draws in Division 1 is a good day's work, the girls should be really pleased with how they played, and the next tournament can't come soon enough. Thank you to Rob for umpiring, to Will for his support and goalkeeper coaching, and to the coaches for leading the team.

Tournament Match Report

Two wins, two draws and not a single goal conceded for our U12 girls 2s in Division 5 at Chesterfield, playing Rotherham, Huddersfield, Adel and York, and Martha was named player of the tournament.

Slaenger (0) vs. (0) Rotherham
We started with a strong defensive game, defending an early short corner well with Martha leading by example, and Martha had our first shot too. Tilly saved Rotherham's first two attempts, and we had most of the ball in the second half, with Maci forcing a save from their keeper. Tilly then made four saves in quick succession to keep the clean sheet.

Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Huddersfield
Huddersfield couldn't get through either, with Hattie and Scarlett defending really well and making important tackles and interceptions all game. The midfield battled hard to give us long spells of possession, and the whole team stayed organised to keep Huddersfield out.

Slazenger (1) vs. (0) Adel
We got our first win against Adel, passing the ball well through midfield and making several chances, and when Adel did threaten Tilly made another big save. Maci scored after some great battling play, she and Martha had three shots between them, and the team defended well in the second half to see it out.

Slazenger (2) vs. (0) City of York 5
We saved some of our best hockey for the last game. Hattie played a great pass through to Maci, who finished well, and Scarlett set up Maci for her second. Scarlett and Sophie defended really well at the back, and it finished with another clean sheet.

Goals: Maci 3

Four clean sheets takes everyone defending, and Tilly's saves were a big part of it. Martha was player of the tournament for her leadership and hard work all day, and Maci scored all three of our goals. Clara, Georgia and Jess worked hard for the team in every game, and the effort and attitude from all nine players was lovely to see. The girls will be wanting more of the same next time out. A big thank you to the coaches for leading them, and to everyone on the sideline.