Slazenger HC

Men’s 1st’s (P) vs. (P) Ramgarhia 1st’s
Game Cancelled – Ramgarhia withdrawn from the league

Men’s 2nd’s (3) vs. (5) Horncastle 1st’s
Slazenger mens 2nd team took on Horncastle this week, having played them for that last 3 seasons with mixed results and some fantastic games. The Slaz men were up for the challenge to bring the points home.

The game started at a fast rate with Slaz having most of the ball, passing it well, Horncastle were not to be made fools of and push hard, running a very high press, which paid dividends when they broke after 15 min to get the first goal, this sadly was followed quickly with there second from a great drag flick at a short corner. Slaz kept going getting one back with some great work from James Stevenson cutting through their defence to get a well deserved goal. The half ended again with Horncastle netting again from a short corner, Slaz kept going to half time seeing the fruit of their work paying of and being awarded a penalty flick, sadly we could not convert this. half time 3-1 down. After the break Slaz came out fighting hard getting a goal back from Ryan Bishop with a great hit finding the goal 3-2, Horncastle once again find the net from the same short corner drag flick, again unstoppable 4-2.

Not to be put down Slaz continue to push working hard taking the lead from Horncastle playing our own high pressure, this payed off with the second goal from Ryan Bishop 4-3 could the comeback be done again, with only 5 mins left Slaz pressed hard but sadly with this left ourselves light at the back allowing Horncastle to seal their win with the last goal finishing the match 5-3.

Men’s 3rd’s (3) vs. (3) Ben Rhydding 4th’s 
A hard-fought game for the Men’s 3s ended in a 3–3 draw at home against Ben Rhydding 4ths. Slaz started brightly and put early pressure on their defence. Damian Greig opened the scoring with a well-taken finish, and after Ben Rhydding hit back, Damian struck again to restore the lead. Scott Carruthers added our third with a calm finish after some good team play. The game stayed competitive throughout, with both sides pushing for the win. Slaz created the better of the chances late on, but couldn’t quite find the final touch. Overall, a strong team effort, good energy across the pitch, and plenty of positives to take into next week.

Men’s 4th’s (4) vs. (2) Huddersfield Dragons 4th’s
This weekend the men’s 4s visited Huddersfield dragons 4s in a 4-2 victory. Slazengers dominated from the first push back and pressed constantly leading to an early lead. Just two minutes later we extended the lead with a second goal thanks to some excellent passing. With a 2 goal cushion both teams attempted to alter the balance of the game but neither side could until late in the first half when Huddersfield broke through with a goal from a short corner. A second short corner lead to an equaliser for the hosts before half time.  Slaz 4s showed excellent resilience to fight to restore our lead and managed to earn a penalty flick which was expertly slotted in the top left corner. With confidence and more importantly the lead reestablished slaz once again managed to establish a 2 goal cushion before the final whistle. Final score 4-2.

Development (1) vs. (2) Sheffield University Bankers
Travelling to Sheffield, Slaz Devs turned up to face a much older Sheffield side. Slaz got off to a great start, maintaining possession and fighting for every ball, their hard work paid off when Noah fired a ball into the D which Matthew calmly slotted away for Slazengers to take the lead with only 11 minutes played. Sheffield came back strong, winning themselves a few short corners (one leading to John questioning the umpire and being repaid with a 2 minute break on the sideline), but Nikolai (calm and collected as always) made sure these opportunities weren’t converted. However, Sheffield kept the pressure on and despite some outstanding clearances from Nikolai eventually managed to find the equaliser. Going into the second half both teams were fired up. Matthew, Cerys and Ruth managed to create a lot of space upfront but weren’t able to capitalise on the long balls being sent up the pitch.

In midfield, Izzy, Jess, Alistair and Jude held their positions out wide, working tirelessly to win the ball and drive up the pitch. In the middle Noah and John read the game too good for Sheffields liking at times, intercepting passes and distributing the ball around the pitch, with Noah running at/around/through Sheffields adults for fun. Katie (propping up the oldies in defence) prevented a lot of goal scoring opportunities and worked the ball up the pitch amazingly, supported by Harry who went out confidently to meet the attack and slow down Sheffields gameplay. Unfortunately with 10 minutes to go, an overload in the Slaz defensive D meant Sheffield took the lead. Slazengers didn’t give up but were unable to bring the score back level. The team played well beyond their years and are an absolute credit to Slaz.

Specials mentioned to Alistair and Jude for the Devs debuts. Slaz’s future is looking very bright (green). Player of the tournament went to Noah for a solid performance across the pitch. Donut went to John for his green card after taking a tomahawk to his bum!

Ladies 1st’s (2) vs. (1) Brigg 1st’s 
A great result for the Ladies 1s with a hard-earned 2–1 win away at Brigg 1sts. Slaz started well, moving the ball quickly and creating early chances. Sarah Sykes opened the scoring with a smart finish after a strong team build-up. Brigg levelled the match before halftime, but we kept our composure and stayed on the front foot. In the second half, Frannie Tyrrell grabbed what proved to be the winner with a well-placed strike. The defence held firm under pressure, and some solid work in midfield helped see the game out. A brilliant all-round performance and a deserved three points on the road.

Ladies 2nd’s (4) vs. (2) Selby 1sts
Slazengers came away with a well-earned 4–2 victory over Selby in an exciting and hard-fought match. Selby started the game brightly, dominating the opening ten minutes and earning a short corner early on. Slazengers’ defence held firm, clearing the danger with some composed defending to keep the score level. After weathering the early pressure, Slazengers began to settle into their rhythm. A well-timed tackle from Charlotte set up a quick move through Lucy and Lou, who found Mia perfectly placed to tap home the opening goal.Selby responded quickly, equalising soon after to make it 1–1, but Slazengers hit straight back with a brilliant counterattack to restore their lead at 2–1.

Just before half-time, Slaz extended their advantage again, taking a confident 3–1 lead into the break. The second half saw Slazenger start strongly once more, but Selby continued to battle and managed to pull one back. Despite the pressure, Slazenger stayed composed and sealed the result with a fourth goal to make it 4–2 at full time. It was a fantastic team performance, with Maisie and Mia both bagging two goals each to secure the win. Slazenger showed determination, teamwork, and composure throughout — a great result to build on for the rest of the season. Final Score: Slazengers 4–2 Selby

Ladies 3rd’s (9) vs. (2) Leeds University 4th’s
It was another classic Slazengers morning — 10am pushback, caffeine still settling in, and one player still dressed for Halloween. Forward Caro Schofield, channelling her inner Harley Quinn after the night before’s festivities. Leeds University 4’s came out firing, catching the sleepy Slaz ladies off guard in the opening minutes. A few frantic clearances later, the team collectively decided it might be time to wake up. Thankfully, forward Ellie Page had already done so. Intercepting a loose ball on the halfway line, she flew past defenders like they were training cones, slotting home to take Slazengers into an early lead. From there, Page was unstoppable — scoring two more goals before half-time with pace and flair. Not one to hog the limelight, Page even set up Schofield (aka Harley Quinn) with a golden chance in front of goal… but the post-party hangover had other ideas.

Leeds managed to sneak one in before the break. Half-time: 3–1 to Slazengers. Still all to play for. Leeds came out strong after the restart .Junior debutant Beth Buckley  slotted confidently into the Slaz defence, showing composure beyond her years. Nicole Fullingham was everywhere — making crucial tackles and blocking passes. Behind her, GK Lauren Hattersley’s quick reactions and cat-like reflexes stopped several promising attacks before Leeds grabbed another goal in a goalmouth scramble, closing the gap to 3-2. But that only seemed to re-ignite the Page Parade — Ellie grabbed two more blistering goals, bringing her total to five (yes, five!), and even found time to assist Sian Glover in adding her name to the scoresheet.

Mollie Glover bossed the midfield, distributing the ball smartly and timing her tackles perfectly, while Stacey Drake  cooly converted a penalty flick after a Leeds defender decided to play goalkeeper with her foot. Sian wasn’t done yet — she struck again before Schofield finally emerged from her Harley Quinn haze to slot home Slazengers’ ninth and final goal. Final score: Slazengers 9 – 2 Leeds University 4’s. A brilliant team performance with standout moments all over the pitch — but there could be only one Player of the Match: Ellie Page, for her five-goal haul and relentless energy.

U14 Girls (6) vs. (1) Harrogate
Slazenger v Harrogate – Halloween Weekend

The afternoon began under surprisingly warm sunshine, giving the pitch a bright and optimistic feel. However, as the first whistle blew, the skies gradually shifted to heavy grey clouds, before an unexpected rainbow appeared arching across the pitch — almost as if rewarding the team’s hard work and determination. Slaz started with confidence, moving the ball quickly and applying immediate pressure on Harrogate’s defence. The midfield of Adelaide, Amelia, Izzy and Ruth worked effectively to transition play from defence into attack, linking passes and driving the team up the pitch. Despite Slaz controlling possession early on, Harrogate earned the first short corner of the match. The strike was good, but goalkeeper Ami reacted brilliantly, blocking the shot before Tilda stepped in to clear the danger out wide. The defensive unit of Captain Lorna, Beth, Matilda, and Katie remained composed and well-organised, marking tightly and closing down any threat.

Slaz responded with attacking intent, earning two short corners. Both were executed well but denied by Harrogate’s goalkeeper. Amelia caused real problems for Harrogate down the baseline, beating players and delivering balls into the D, with shots going agonisingly wide. The breakthrough came when Slazenger’s defenders pushed high and joined the attack. Tilda carried the ball forward and played a precise cross into the circle. Izzy controlled it calmly and picked out Jess, positioned perfectly near goal. Jess finished with precision into the bottom corner. Darcie entered from the bench into midfield and immediately made an impact, showing maturity and confidence despite facing physically strong opponents. Slazenger’s pressure continued. Another short corner was awarded, and after a scramble in the D, the ball fell to Ruth, who struck firmly into the back of the net.

Fresh striker Georgie came on and formed a dynamic front pairing with Edie, pressing the Harrogate defence and forcing mistakes. Harrogate managed to pull one back via a well-worked short corner, making it 2–1, but Slazenger responded instantly. Persistent pressing from Edie, who had already created several chances, finally paid off as she won the ball and finished calmly to restore the two-goal advantage making it 3-1 at half time. Slaz continued exactly where they left off — controlling possession, maintaining shape, and pressing in attack. The attacking trio of Georgie, Edie, and Ruth worked tirelessly to force turnovers high up the pitch. A brilliant passage of team play saw the ball moved neatly through midfield before Adelaide timed her run perfectly into space and finished confidently, extending the lead. Moments later she sprinted straight off the pitch — dashing away for choir practice — leaving her team on a high and with a 4–1 scoreline.

With Adelaide gone, Katie stepped into centre midfield alongside Amelia and adapted seamlessly. She intercepted several passes, executed well-timed tackles, and distributed the ball intelligently to the attacking unit. Meanwhile, the defensive trio of Tilda, Beth, and Lorna held their line exceptionally well, reading play early and stepping in to intercept. Their work meant goalkeeper Ami had long stretches with little to do — a credit to the team’s defensive structure. On the wings, Jess and Izzy pressed the Harrogate defenders with energy, cutting off passes and forcing mistakes that allowed Slaz to regain possession quickly. From outside the 25, Amelia took a well-placed free hit, sending a precise pass into the D where Jess was positioned perfectly at the post. Jess guided the ball into the goal with a composed finish.

Moments later, another quick attacking move saw Amelia find Edie, who slotted home with confidence — her persistence paying off once again.
Final Score: Slazenger 6–1 Harrogate. Opposition’s Player of the Match:
 Ruth – Stepped into a new midfield role and excelled, scoring an important goal and working tirelessly. Players’ Player of the Match:
 Jess – A standout performance, constant energy on the wing, excellent pressing, and rewarded with two well-taken goals. A fantastic win and a brilliant team effort. Well done, Slazenger! 

U14 Boys

The boys faced two teams this afternoon in their first games of the season! 

Slazengers (0) vs (3) York
On a cold and creepy October afternoon, Slazengers stepped onto the pitch—little did they know York had arrived armed with a bag of spooky tricks. Within minutes, the Slazengers defence was haunted by York’s attacking spirits, who slipped through the back line and slammed in the first goal of the afternoon. Before Slazengers could shake off the fright, two more ghost-goals followed in quick succession, leaving the score at a chilling 0–3. But with ten minutes left, something stirred…

A spark. A surge. A resurrection. ️

The Slazengers boys rose from the dead like hockey-playing zombies, swarming forward and shutting down York’s advances. Short corners were won like trophies from a haunted treasure chest—but despite efforts from Owen and Noah, the York keeper was a brick wall of doom, refusing to let anything pass. Wicked crosses flew through the D, but no finishing touch came. Slazengers battled to the final whistle, showing heart, grit, and just a little Halloween madness.

Slazengers (7) vs (0) Sheffield
After the earlier defeat, a few tactical potions were mixed and—BOOM—the boys returned transformed like a pack of werewolves under a full moon. From the first whistle, Slazengers unleashed chaos. Owen, Alfie, and Noah bossed the midfield cauldron, stealing passes and distributing the ball to Nate and Charlie, who sprinted down the wings like bats escaping a castle tower. Up front, Matthew and Jude terrorised the Sheffield defence, opening space for the midfield to stalk into the D and unleash shot after shot. Sheffield tried to escape, but Ethan and Ollie were ready with perfectly timed tackles, while Zach cleared the ball with the fury of a monster awakened. Every break was shut down—ruthlessly.

Then came Owen…

Possessed by pure hockey magic, he danced through players and scored six spine-chilling goals. Alfie added one of his own after a wicked break from Nate—just to make sure the goal tally looked properly frightening. Meanwhile, with Slazengers dominating, Nikolai spent most of the game lounging in the D like a vampire sunbathing—relaxed, unbothered, and admiring the carnage unfolding ahead of him. Player of the Match: Owen

Outstanding work. Led by example. A Halloween performance so good it was scary. Thanks to John for managing the team and Gemma and Trevor for stepping in to umpire. 

U10 Girls
Slazenger A-Team under 10s girls division three west. Slaz under 10s girls A team second tournament of the season was in division three west having dropped down from division 2 following the previous tournament. They were without a couple of established players so some new younger players stepped up to help out the A-Team. Having struggled to score in the previous tournament it was a different story this time round with Slaz A team winning all six of their games without conceding a goal and finished top of the their league. With only 4 teams in the league teams played each other twice. 

• Games 1 & 4 were against Adel 2s with Slaz winning 3-0 with 2 goals from Izzy & 1 for Penny & 2-0 with both goals from Izzy. 
• Games 2 & 5 were against Slaz B team with Slaz winning 2-0 & 1-0, with all 3 goals scored by Izzy.
• Games 3 & 6 were against Slaz B Adel 3s with Slaz winning 1-0 with the sole goal scored by Izzy & 4-0 with goals from Penny, Hattie & 2 for Izzy.

The matches were similar with Slaz having majority of possession and most play was within the midfield & the opposition’s D but slaz’s defence was called upon to deal with attacks from the opposition with Frances being as reliable as ever making key clearances & Emily & Ellie making key tackles, with both helping out midfield when attacking. Hattie stepped up to help the A team last minute & held her own & wasn’t afraid to get stuck in playing defence or on a wing & her goal was well deserved. 

Penny played in the middle of midfield for the first time & put a solid shift in both running back to help defend but also pushing up & linking well with both wingers & Izzy up front, again her two goals were well deserved. Sophie & Tilly played mainly on the wings & were both strong on the ball & were keen on either getting the ball to Izzy or being an option up front, Tilly also showed real patience & held her position well to be an outlet out wide. With only her 2nd tournament as a sticker player of the tournament Izzy made real progress, her goals were not only the end product of a good team performance but also her hunger to attack, whenever she was unsuccessful her head didn’t drop & she was determined to go again. Well done Izzy for player & well done to the whole team for a positive performance throughout.

Men’s 1sts (4) vs. (7) Boston Spa 1st’s
Slazenger Men’s 1st Team made the short trip to Boston Spa for an early pushback on Saturday, missing a handful of key players but full of intent after recent strong performances. The visitors started brightly, settling quickly into their rhythm despite the reshuffled line-up. Their early pressure paid off when Emmett Fearn opened the scoring with a stunning individual effort — a thunderous strike that set the tone for what promised to be an entertaining contest.

However, Boston Spa’s midfield soon began to dictate play, their pace and physicality proving difficult to contain. In a punishing spell, the hosts scored three quick goals to take control of the match. Slazenger refused to roll over, and in-form forward Jordan Ingham continued his hot streak in front of goal, netting an impressive hat-trick to keep his side in contention. Despite his efforts, Boston Spa’s relentless attacking play eventually told, as they added to their tally to seal a 7–4 victory.

There were positives to take for Slazenger — not least the promising debut of young Owen Coughtrey, who slotted in confidently and looked right at home at this level. A tough result on the road, but plenty of fight and spirit shown from a side missing key personnel. Slaz will look to bounce back next week as they continue to build on the positives.

Men’s 2nds (3) vs (3) Huddersfield 2nds
After two wins on the bounce, the 2nds hosted huddersfield 2s for another battle of wits and guile. Under a gentle autumnal sun, the teams met. Huddersfield had the push, and started brightly, but Slaz employed a series of flowing pases to setup an early short corner. A sign of the determination from last week perhaps. However, this clearly pushed Huddersfield to react, clinically beating goalkeeper Walker to go one ahead. Slazenger redouble their efforts, and there were signs of life aim in the team. Some fanatic link up play set up Aleks Thompson to pick out an aerial pass and slot it into the back of the net on the volley.

Huddersfield fought back to take the lead once more, this time with ‘keeper Walker turning the ball into his own net. With 10 minutes to go, it wasn’t looking good for the home side. However a last minute revival was spurred when James Stevenson beat the goalkeeper to slot away a second. With minutes remaining, slaz surged forward, pressing the momentum and looking for an equaliser. With seconds left on the clock, a final penalty corner was won.

As the forward line positioned for the corner, the call went out for “the torpedo”. Up came young Adam Drake. The seconds ticked down. The ball was injected to the top of the circle. Drake stood ready. He strook the ball cleanly. As the vital seconds ticked away, he drilled the ball into the bottom left of the goal equalising the game. A once a decade goal, and the perfect time to score it. The win keeps the 2nd unbeaten run alive as they go into the half term break weekend.

Men’s 3rd’s (2) vs. (7) Ben Rhydding 4th’s
Slazenger 3rd team hosted Ben Rhydding 4th team for a 3pm autumn clash in crisp, lightly clouded conditions. The home side made a dream start, captain Damian Greig pouncing within the first 60 seconds to slot home after confusion in the visiting defence. Ben Rhydding responded swiftly, a talented youngster equalising with a superb reverse strike past keeper Daz Buttery. The visitors’ youthful energy and sharp passing began to show, stretching the Slazenger defence throughout the first half. Despite Slazenger’s resilience and Greig adding a well-taken second goal, Ben Rhydding’s pace and composure in front of goal proved decisive. Taking their chances clinically, the visitors pulled away in the second half to secure a convincing 7–2 victory. Slazenger battled hard to the end, showing moments of promise, but the day belonged to Ben Rhydding’s impressive young side.

Men’s 4th’s (0) vs. (4) Chapeltown 3rds
The 4s winning streak came to an end this weekend with a 4-0 away defeat against Chapeltown. The travelling side were unable to capitalise on early dominance; creating multiple solid chances and finding good positions, but not the back of the hosts goal.

The first goal came from a counter attack from the hosts. The second goal came shortly before half time from a flick to the keepers stick side despite him diving the right way. The second half was much the same with slaz creating many chances but being exposed on the counter. The hosts managed to extend their lead with another 2 goals in the second half. Final score 4-0

Development (1) vs. (1) Rotherham
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Rotherham – home of flat caps, steel, and a good old Yorkshire welcome! It was a big night for young George H, making his debut in goal. First game for the Devs and he looked more confident than Brian Potter ordering a Bacardi Breezer. And he didn’t disappoint – cracking clearances, fearless saves, and plenty of “calm down” hand gestures when the defence got lively. Early doors, Adelaide slid a beauty through to Matthew. Keeper saved it, but Matthew – like a dog on chips – fought for it back and tucked it away on the reverse. One–nil! The crowd went wild (well, Noah’s mum definitely did).

The back line of Matilda, Katie Amelia and John were like Phoenix Club bouncers – nobody’s getting through without a membership card. In midfield, Alan, Adelaide, Izzy and Noah ran like they’d been powered by garlic bread – never stopped. When Jess came on, she covered more ground than a Peter Kay tour, playing the whole left… and right… and probably the car park if needed. Up top, Ruth, Georgie, Cerys and Matthew gave the Rotherham defence nightmares, taking on their senior players with the confidence of Ray Von on the decks. Half time team talk? Inspirational. Captain Ruth rallied the troops, and George H gave his “view from the back” – mainly that Rotherham were piling the pressure on, but Slaz had the grit to hold firm.

Second half – chaos. Rotherham pressed, and pressed again. Short corner after short corner, and the Slaz wall held strong. George H made top–drawer saves. The defence threw themselves about like they were auditioning for Phoenix Nights’ “Stars in Their Eyes” special. Finally, Rotherham bundled one in to equalise. But not before Slaz showed grit, fight and a fair bit of comedy timing. Player of the Match: A three-way tie: Katie for solid defending, Adelaide for creativity, and Jess for sheer hard graft.

Final score: 1–1. Final verdict: Rotherham might have got the draw, but Slaz definitely got the garlic bread.

Donut of the Day: John – because every good story needs a fall guy.

Teas 6/10 – Chip butties 🥪

Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (2) City of York 2nds
A Second-Half Surge Seals the Victory

On a crisp autumn afternoon, Slazengers Ladies took to the pitch against a well-drilled York side in what turned out to be a nail-biting, high-energy clash. The opening whistle saw Slazengers take a calm and calculated approach, focusing on structure and defensive discipline. With players holding their shape and taking time to read their opposition’s movements, the early minutes were a tactical chess match.

However, York managed to break the deadlock with an early goal, capitalising on a brief generalised lapse in concentration. Slazenger responded with flashes of intent but were caught again on the counter. A superb response, culminating in a well worked goal taken by Amelia Sykes kept Slazenger in the game. York took a 2–1 lead heading into halftime.

A well-needed team debrief and a tactical reshuffle during the break brought new energy onto the pitch. With Emma dropping into centre back, Slazenger gained the strength they needed. Defenders ( now Emma, Eliz, Marisa, Bella, and Lisa) had an unbeatable back line, composed like a brick wall. Slazenger began to take control of the game. The defence’s patience and precision in transferring the ball created openings, and it was only a matter of time before the breakthrough came.

Hannah found herself in space at the top of the D, and with determination and power, unleashed a thunderous shot that nearly tore through the net — levelling the score at 2–2. The crowd erupted as Slazenger clawed their way back into the contest. The momentum shift was palpable. Midfield dynamo Frankie, alongside Hannah, Becca, and Laura, orchestrated the game with intelligent runs, crisp passes, and relentless energy. York pushed back, attempting to break through, but were met with a wall of resistance from keeper Ami, who delivered a string of crucial saves — including some fearless dives and decisive kicks to clear the D.

A pivotal moment came when half-back Bella made a blistering run up the flank, sending a perfect ball sailing into the D. Alys brought it down with composure and slotted it home to give Slazenger the lead for the first time. 3–2. Now in control, Slazenger turned up the heat. Wave after wave of attacking plays followed, with short corners and shots raining in. Marisa, with tireless leading runs and tactical awareness, was everywhere — opening up space and driving the team forward. Her all-round performance earned her a clean sweep of Player of the Week votes. Captain Hannah kept the team glued together with constant communication and leadership from the centre, ensuring the formation held strong under pressure.

As the clock ticked down, York pushed hard for an equaliser, but Ami stood tall — putting her body on the line with match-defining saves to preserve the lead. The final whistle blew to cheers from the side-lines. Slazenger 3, York 2 — a well-earned victory forged from teamwork, resilience, and second-half brilliance. The team spirit was lifted higher, thanks to the generosity of the Sykes family who knitted glamorous tart and player headbands. Final Score: Slazenger 3 – 2 York

Player of the Match: Marisa who donned the victory headband
Tart of the match: Frankie who despite the title, wore the headband with great panache!

Ladies 2nd’s (0) vs. (3) Chesterfield 1sts
Slazenger suffered a 3-0 home defeat against a strong Chesterfield side, but the score line doesn’t reflect the grit and determination shown throughout the match. From the first whistle, Slaz were on the back foot, with Chesterfield applying consistent pressure. However, goalkeeper Eren was in outstanding form, making a string of crucial saves to keep the hosts in the game. His efforts, combined with a solid defensive performance, helped Slaz weather much of the storm in the first half.

Despite the relentless defending, Chesterfield eventually broke through, netting three well-worked goals over the course of the game. Slazenger continued to battle and showed great resilience, never allowing their heads to drop. Joint Players of the Match go to Nikki and Erin – Nikki for her tireless effort and composure under pressure, and Erin for her heroics between the posts. A tough result, but plenty of positives to take forward.

Ladies 3rd’s (2) vs. (0) Pudsey 1sts
Slazenger ladies 3s travelled to Horsforth this week to take on Pudsey in what proved to be a fiercely contested and physical encounter. From the first whistle, it was clear both teams were up for the challenge, but it was Slazenger who took the early initiative. Moving the ball smartly through midfield and linking well with the forward line, they quickly put Pudsey under pressure. That pressure paid off when left winger Evie Mollart capitalised on a defensive error, calmly slotting the ball home to give Slazenger a deserved early lead. At the back, the Slazenger defence was solid and organised — marking tightly, breaking down Pudsey’s attacks, and turning possession back over efficiently. When called upon, keeper and player of the match Lauren Hattersley was outstanding, making several crucial saves. The pick of the first half came in a one-on-one situation, where Hattersley bravely went to ground and came away with the ball to preserve the lead.

The first half ended 1–0 to Slazengers.

Pudsey came out fighting in the second half, determined to find an equaliser. However, Slazenger continued to look composed and cohesive, keeping their shape and denying Pudsey any clear chances. Hattersley was once again pivotal, producing another brilliant save when a first-time strike from a long ball into the D looked destined for the bottom corner — only for her to get a crucial touch with her stick to divert it wide. Slazenger then doubled their advantage through captain Justine Birkett, who made her mark from a short corner routine. After injecting the ball, Birkett followed up and finished clinically with a first-time strike into the far corner, sealing the win in style. The game finished 2–0 to Slazenger 3s, who can be proud of a strong, disciplined, and all-round team performance.

Ladies 4th’s (3) vs. (5) University of Leeds 5th’s
Slazenger Ladies 4s went into their home clash against a youthful and energetic Leeds University 5s side with one clear goal: don’t concede more than 10. And while Leeds made an immediate impact by scoring straight from the whistle, what followed was far from the runaway victory many expected. Instead, it was game on. From the back to the front, Slazenger dug deep. The defence and midfield put in a determined shift, with Beth and Lorna making key clearances, while Emily stood her ground with calm and control. The guiding influence of Michelle’s coaching was clear to see in the team’s shape and tactics.

Despite constant pressure and a flurry of shots from Leeds, Slazenger didn’t sit back. In fact, it was Mandy who turned the tide – twice. Leading the charge with clever counters and calm finishing, she bagged two well-taken goals that gave the home supporters something to shout about. Heading into the second, Leeds tried to turn up the heat – but Keeper Lauren had other plans. Putting in a standout performance, she pulled off a string of remarkable saves to keep Slazenger in touching distance.

Then came the moment of the match. With just 10 minutes to go, Phoebe made a break down the right, went into receive the ball in stride, turned on the keepers and slotted it home to make it 4–3 – sending the home crowd into raptures. Leeds would go on to score once more, sealing a 5–3 victory, but Slazenger walked off the pitch victorious in spirit – having not only met their challenge but pushed their opponents all the way. The score may have gone to Leeds Uni, but the resilience, teamwork , and spirit of Slazenger Ladies 4s were the true winners.

Edie took her early chances in the D, converting from a well-worked short corner to give us the lead. Amalie, Ella, and Georgie worked tirelessly in midfield, while the defense held strong and kept the ball in our attacking half for much of the match.

Match 2 vs York (0–0 Draw)
York proved a strong opponent, but our defence — Katie, Etta, and Ella — held firm, making it difficult for them to break through. Frances was outstanding in goal, coming off her line confidently and making several key saves. York’s best chance hit the post, but our defence reacted quickly to clear the danger. Up front, Edie, Georgie, Cerys, Amalie, and Darcie worked hard to create opportunities, but York’s defence remained resolute. A well-earned clean sheet and a hard-fought draw.

Match 3 vs Doncaster (0–1 Loss)
The girls came out fighting once again in a tightly contested match. Play moved end to end, with both teams showing great determination. Doncaster were quick on the counterattack and managed to find the top corner with a superb strike. Our girls kept pushing until the final whistle, creating several short-corner chances late on, but couldn’t quite find the equaliser. A valiant effort from everyone on the pitch.

Match 4 vs Thirsk (3–0 Win) Scorers: Edie, Darcie, and Katie
Determined to finish strong, the girls dominated from start to finish. Excellent passing and movement up the pitch created plenty of attacking opportunities. Edie opened the scoring from a short corner, followed by a well-taken goal from Darcie. Katie sealed the win with a fantastic effort after a series of rebounds in the D. A brilliant all-round performance and a great way to end the day.

The girls finished 2nd overall in what was a very competitive division, with all teams evenly matched throughout the tournament. Every player worked hard for each other and showed real team spirit.Special mention to Etta and Amalie, who both played their first tournament and were fantastic. Player of the Tournament: Katie – for her tireless work across the pitch and consistent effort in every game. A big thank you to our wonderful parents for their support on the sidelines, and to Mark for umpiring!

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Wakefield 2
The first match was against Wakefield 2s. A keenly fought match, but Slazenger were still wiping the sleep from their eyes and Wakefeld scored on the break to take the victory. Penny was an absolute force in the game, covering the pitch, moving the ball and causing the opposition plenty of problems.

Slazenger (1) vs. (0) Halifax
The second match was against Halifax. Even though they towered over the horbury side., Slazenger worked harder. Hollie battling in midfield won the ball, setting up Matilda to get the ball to Grace who slotted it past the keeper. The goal proved divisive in winning the game for Slazenger.

Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Huddersfield
Slazenger too their efforts into the following game. They had the majority of possession, controlling the game. Madison and Maya defended well, and a combined effort of Grace, Hollie and Penny peppered the goal with shots, but unfortunately couldn’t find the back of the net. The game ended frustratingly goalless.

Slazenger (0) vs. (2) Ben Rhydding 2
The next game proved to be the toughest of the encounters. The team defended well, with goalie Lydia being called on for a series of saves. Again, Madison, Maya and Penny put in strong performances, as did Matilda in the middle. Ben Rhydding proved to be strong in possession and converted a short corner and a second goal in the final minutes of the game.

Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Ben Rhydding 3
This time, slaz came out flying. Grace and Hollie linked up well. Max made some fantastic attacking runs. It was some strong defending and goalkeeping from Ben Rhydding which prevented a goal being scored. The game ended 0-0.

Slazenger (0) vs (1) Wakefield 1
The game against Wakefield was the final fixture. The team worked hard, and moved the ball around well. Matilda was outstanding in midfield, tackling and distributing the ball. All of the players worked hard. Maya, Madison and Lydia kept the opposition out. Hollie, Grace and Max had good shots on goal; Penny never stopped running in the middle. However, Wakefield scored on the dying minutes of the game, to take the win.

The team put in a massive amount of effort, and it was fantastic to see them all playing well. For most of the results, it was only a goal in it, and on another weekend, a few more shots would have found their way into the back of the net to reward the teams hard work. There’s a great team coming together, and only some strong defending kept the team from plenty more goals. Matilda stepped up into midfield and made the position her own. For that she was the player of the tournament.

Proud coaches and parents. Roll on Tournament 3!

U12 Boys A Team Tournament Report – Division 1

A great forward ball from Noah found Edie in the D, she passed to Matthew on the penalty spot but his shot was well saved. Doncaster showed their strength and control as 2 quick goals put them 3-0 up. Harry, Zach and Nikolai did their best but couldn’t keep them out. Doncaster kept attacking and having shot from the top of the D but Nikolai made a brilliant stick save but from the long corner Doncaster scored again. Edie battled well and Caleb made some strong runs. Trysten now in midfield made some good passes but Doncaster were strong and held out at the back. Harry and Zach made some good stops and blocks with Nikolai saving and clearing well. This was a hard first game but they kept battling to the end and should be proud of their effort shown.

Harrogate vs Slaz (1-0)
Slaz started well but was on the back foot, they stayed organised and with some good tackling from Alistair and Noah started to find their rhythm. With good runs from Trysten and Matthew made a good attacking start. Harrogate turned the ball over in midfield and with their break shot and scored despite the efforts of Harry and Nikolai in defence. Zach made some good passes from the back with Noah breaking through the Harrogate defence setting Matthew up who unfortunately couldn’t get a solid shot off. Caleb and Trysten made some important tackles setting Slaz on the attack. Matthew did some great runs and Noah battled well in midfield but couldn’t break through the Harrogate defence. Harrogate looked strong on the attack and after some great tackles and saves from Harry, Zach and Nikolai the managed to squeezed the ball into the Slaz goal. With more pressure from Harrogate and several short corners but great defence by the 4 defenders kept it out. Noah went off injured from the short corner taking the 1st strike on the foot. But everyone worked hard for each other with Alistair, Caleb and Trysten attacking confidently. Zach and Harry battled and tackled tirelessly, trying to keep Harrogate out of the D. Another hard fought game where the boys never gave up and worked hard for each other with lots of effort and good play from all.

Sheffield vs Slaz (4-1)
Sheffield started quickly with an attack down the right, Alistair made a great tackle in defence to clear the danger and with some good passing from Noah and Caleb found Alistair in The D but just put his shot wide. Sheffield made their attacks count with some good play to breech the Slaz defence. Harry, Zach and Noah worked hard to stop the initial attacks but Sheffield took the lead. Caleb, Trysten and Alistair linked up well with Matthew posing a threat upfront but unfortunately Sheffield were strong and kept Slaz out. Noah found his teammates well in midfield and never stopped running and battling for the ball. Nikolai, Zach and Harry made some important blocks and saves to keep Sheffield at bay but Sheffield attacked again and with a well struck shot found the corner of the Slaz goal. Noah took control in the middle finding space and setting up the Slaz attacks with Caleb and Alistair making some great runs and won a short corner. Noah took the strike and slotted in the bottom corner to get Slaz back in the game. Sheffield attacked from the restart and a solo run and shot found the goal. Despite the best efforts of the defence a flick was given away and Sheffield scored to put them clear. The Slaz boys didn’t let their heads drop and worked really hard as a team. Nikolai made some good saves with Tristan and Zach clearing well, Alistair and Caleb making runs in the wings, Noah kept going in midfield and Matthew kept battling to the end.

York vs Slaz (2-1)
A good start from Slaz with Noah, Caleb and Alistair working the ball well between themselves. They looked well organised and kept the attacks out. Trysten made some great tackles on the left of defence and Nikolai made a great save from a York attack but on their next attack York played some nice hockey and used the spare player to put them 1-0 up. Noah made more chances in midfield with Matthew making good runs upfront but couldn’t make the chances count. Caleb and Alistair kept going on the right and linked up well with Zach having a chance saved. Harry made some good clearances in defence, with Noah breaking through and finding Alistair in the D but he just put his shot wide. Slaz kept pressing and putting York under pressure, Trysten and Caleb making good tackles and passes setting up the Slaz attacks. So much character and hard work showed by the Slaz boys to keep battling and creating chances. Noah was quick to react to a free hit and won a short corner. A lovely pass to Matthew from Noah gave him the chance to draw Slaz level and he did with a well taken “Matthew special” reverse flick. Slaz piled on the pressure winning another short corner but was saved and cleared well falling straight for a York attacker who shot and scored to give them back the lead.

That is how the game finished but Slaz can hold their heads high for a great team performance throughout the tournament, working for each other and playing well. They didn’t get the results but have positives to take to the next. Player of the tournament was Caleb for an impressive performance in midfield, displaying composure and confidence in the ball in only his 2nd hockey tournament 👏🏻

U12 Boys B Team Tournament Report – Division 4

Riding the momentum, Dom struck again almost immediately, extending the lead to 3–0. A smart pass from Harry to Jude, who picked out Dom in space, led to Dom sealing a well-earned hat-trick. At the back, Harry and Ewan were solid throughout, breaking down Aire Valley’s attacks and pushing play forward with assistance from a well placed Alfie out on the wing. One of their clearances found Jude, who made no mistake in adding a fifth goal to the tally. As the final whistle approached, more excellent work from Viran, whose strong tackling and precise pass to Dom allowed him to fire in his fourth goal of the match.

Slazenger Vs Adel 1-0
From the first whistle, the Slazenger defence stood strong, with Harry, Ewan, and Jackson putting in a solid shift to keep the opposition at bay. Jackson also made a number of crucial saves throughout the match, showcasing excellent reflexes under pressure. Ewan and Viran worked tirelessly working the ball through the opposition. Alfie made a key interception and drove forward with intent, narrowly missing the target after a promising solo run. Moments later, Ewan delivered a pinpoint cross to Dom, who was just inches away from converting. Adel continued to push, but Slazengers’ defensive line held firm. Jackson pulled off another great save to maintain the clean sheet, and Alfie created another golden opportunity with a sharp cross to Dom, who was again unlucky not to score. The breakthrough came after some outstanding teamwork between Jackson and Harry at the back. Harry then launched a perfect pass downfield, finding Dom in space. With composure and precision, Dom slotted the ball home to seal the win.

Slazenger vs Huddersfield – 0-0
Slazenger were the more attacking side for much of the match, with Ewan and Viran creating several promising opportunities. A first-half short corner saw a near miss on goal by Slazenger, followed by a sharp attempt from Viran that tested the Huddersfield defence. Dom also came close with a missed chance, as Slazenger pushed for the opener. Defensively, Harry, Ewan, and Jackson were rock-solid at the back, putting in a composed and effective performance to keep Huddersfield at bay. Ewan also made several impressive breakthroughs from midfield, driving the team forward with pace and intent. Alfie was instrumental out wide, consistently finding width on the wing and stretching Huddersfield’s defensive structure. The game ended with a short corner to Slazengers where Dom slotted the ball into the goal, but the effort was ruled out as the ball had not come out of the D—leaving the scoreline at 0-0.

Slazenger Vs Aire Valley 4-0
The tone was set early with a fast start from Dom, who opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Moments later, he struck again, giving Slazenger an early two-goal cushion and Jackson was on hand with a crucial save to preserve the clean sheet, keeping momentum firmly with Slazenger. The third goal came from an excellent attacking move — Dom once again made a strong run and fired a shot on goal. The initial effort was saved, but Alfie was alert and perfectly placed to pounce on the rebound, slotting it home on his reverse stick. In midfield and defence, relentless pressure from Harry, Ewan, and Viran kept Aire Valley from building any sustained attacks. Their energy and positioning helped ensure Slazenger maintained control throughout the game. The final goal — and Dom’s hat-trick sealed a well-deserved win and a clean sheet for the team.

Slazenger Vs Adel 0-1
Slazengers started the match with strong intent, with Dom, Viran, and Ewan linking up well to drive the ball forward and apply early pressure on the Adel defence. Viran worked tirelessly throughout, pressing high and disrupting the opposition’s rhythm. Alfie stood strong out wide for the pass towards the goal. In defence, Harry and Jackson were solid, reading the game well and working hard to keep Adel at bay. Despite their efforts, Adel managed to break through and score the only goal of the game. Slazengers continued to push for an equaliser, showing determination and teamwork across the pitch, but ultimately couldn’t find the back of the net.

Slazenger Vs Huddersfield 1-0
The match saw a strong attacking display from Slazenger early on. Ewan delivered a powerful cross into the D, with Dom narrowly missing a scoring opportunity. Slazenger pressed on with a short corner, where Harry made a confident attempt on goal. Viran continued to work hard putting pressure on the opposition. The breakthrough came thanks to excellent teamwork in the D between Alfie and a borrowed Adel player. Their combined effort created the perfect chance, resulting in the decisive goal that secured a 1-0 victory for Slazenger.

The well-deserved Player of the Tournament award goes to Ewan for his exceptional work rate, composure on the ball, and excellent link-up play. A fantastic well rounded performance from the U12’s B team on their first outing together finishing with 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss.

Our defence worked tirelessly under pressure, with Beth, Matilda, Lorna, and Katie, supported by Amelia, standing strong and keeping Leeds at bay for long periods. At half time, it was still just 1–0.

In midfield, we welcomed Lauren back, whose work rate and energy shone through as she chased back and drove forward. Adelaide put in a huge shift in the centre, with support from Izzy and, at times, Jess and Edie.

Up front, Ruth, Jess, and Edie battled hard to earn chances, with Darcie and Georgie coming off the bench to bring fresh legs in the first half.

Although the result finished 3–0 to Leeds, the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story. The girls matched the level, playing some real team hockey, never let their heads drop, and showed resilience, character, and great team spirit throughout.

I couldn’t be prouder of the effort from every single player. They gave everything, supported each other, and still managed a laugh afterwards despite the rain.

🌟 Player of the Match – Ami
🍩 Donut of the day – Awarded to…answers on a postcard!

We now move into the Plate competition with plenty of positives to build on. A massive well done to the whole squad – they should all be very proud of themselves! 💚