Slazenger Hockey Club

Ben Rhydding

Report: 28-03-2015 – Ladies 3rd’s (1) vs. (1) Ben Rhydding 4th’s

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Slazenger’s 3’s made the journey to Ilkley side Ben Rydding for their final match of the season.

The first half saw Slazengers on top of their game with the midfield ensuring that the Ben rydding side only encroached the Slazengers half on a handful of occasions and when they did they caused no concern for the experienced slazengers defence. Despite Slazenger’s controlling they were unable to convert their possession into goals and a 0-0 scoreline was taking into the half time break.

The second half started off positively for Slazenger’s when a change around up front led to centre forward Justine Birkett slotting the ball past the keeper and onto the back board after a defiant run down the right by player of the match Ellie Paige. However Ben Rydding caught Slazengers off guard when their counter attack was finished off with a goal only moments later. Slazengers continued to show their dominance however were unable to change the scoreline and a 1-1 draw was held until the final whistle.

A frustrating end to Slazenger’s season in a game where they should have secured all 3 points. However that being said the team have had a good season overall finishing mid table.

Report: 07-03-2015 – Mens 2nd’s (2) vs. (1) Ben Rhydding 4th’s

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Slazengers Mens 2nd team continued their recent good form with a 2-1 victory over Ben Rhydding 4’s and although the win was deserved, the match was far from a classic. Slazengers started well controlling possession and moving the ball to create openings but rarely troubled the Rhydding keeper early on. In fact it was Ben Rhydding who took the lead midway through the first half.

Slazengers quickly responded however when a quick switch through midfield saw Simon Chamberlain feed Ben Graham who played a telling ball for Matt Stacey to finish. Slazengers continued to press and took the lead when Ben Graham converted another successful short corner routine for Slazengers to lead 2-1 at the break.

The 2nd half saw both sides struggle in the heat, Slazengers went close on a number of occasions but couldn’t find the two goal cushion they were looking for and when Rhydding cam forward, the Slazengers defence were quick to close down any attacks. Slazengers visit Bradford Uni on Saturday hoping to avenge a defeat suffered earlier in the season.

Report: 29-11-2014 – Ladies 2nd’s (2) vs. (3) Ben Rhydding 3rd’s

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Another tough game with only 11 players proved a challenging match for Slazengers. Ben Rhydding scored 2 goals from short corners but could of had many more as Slazengers defended approximately 20 short corners.

Slazengers pulled back a goal after half time only for Ben Rhydding to score again. Another goal for Slazengers from a flick and the chase was on but Slazengers were unlucky not to score again. Final score 3-2 to Ben Rhydding.

Slazengers 2 goals belonged to Sue Hope and man of the match went to Alice Gasgoine for another excellent performance and showing how tough you have to be to play hockey after being taken out on many occasions and playing on.

Report: 12-10-2014 – Boys U10’s October Tournament

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Boys U10's - Alex Stacey, Fraser Cass, Aiden Coughtrey, Charlie Bland, Luke Minchella, Tommy Randle, Matthew Royston, Will Gascoigne.
Boys U10’s – Alex Stacey, Fraser Cass, Aiden Coughtrey, Charlie Bland, Luke Minchella, Tommy Randle, Matthew Royston, Will Gascoigne.

Slazengers’ under-ten boys A team made a great start to the season by finishing the opening Yorkshire Youth Hockey League tournament with an unbeaten record. Half the squad were playing in Division D last season, so the step up to Division A was a big one – but they took it in their stride to win three and draw two of their matches at the Weetwood venue in Leeds.

A goal by Alex Stacey was enough to seal a 1-0 victory against Leeds in the first game, before Will Gascoigne’s strike earned a similar outcome against Harrogate. Keeper Aidan Coughtrey was untroubled in both these matches as Slazengers dominated and although a strong Ben Rhydding side then gave them a little more trouble, a 0-0 draw was a fair reflection of the play.

Slazengers’ best result came next as they beat York 3-0, with Luke Minchella adding to a double by speedy winger Stacey. And although Sheffield took a 2-0 lead in the final game as Slazengers gave every player equal time on the pitch, Stacey and Gascoigne returned to pull their side level.

A special mention must go to new recruit Matthew Royston, after he only picked up a hockey stick for the first time three weeks earlier, as the points earned by Slazengers proved plenty to keep them in the top division for the next tournament.

The remaining members of the successful squad were Tommy Randle, Fraser Cass and Charlie Bland.

Report: 08-02-2014 – Ladies 3rd’s (3) vs. (6) Ben Rhydding 4th’s

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Slazenger 3rds never recovered from a slow start which saw them concede three early goals as they lost 6-3 at Ben Rhydding 4ths in the Yorkshire League.

Three wins in four games had lifted Slazenger away from trouble near the foot of Division Five but they were not helped by two of their players going to the wrong venue and only arriving moments before kick-off.

The hosts were 3-0 up inside about 20 minutes before Claire Dunstan continued her recent scoring spree by pulling one back after a solo run.

Unfortunately for Slazenger, the comeback was shortlived as Ben Rhydding restored their three-goal cushion before the interval. Seventh-placed Slazenger were much better in the second half against a side just one place above them and Linda Stacey set up Dunstan for her second goal, only for the home side to reply again to make it 5-2.

Stacey pulled it back to 5-3 with a shot from a narrow angle that took a deflection into the net but Ben Rhydding had the final say to end the day’s scoring. Three players shared the man of the match voting for Slazenger – midfield duo Stacey and Frankie Tyrell and defender Sarah Ritchey for some excellent tackles in defence.