Slazenger Hockey Club

Ben Rhydding

Report: 12-01-2014 – Boys U16’s Tournament

by

Slazenger U16 Boys made a great start to 2014 by returning to the top of the YYHL Division 1 following an unbeaten outing to Harrogate on Sunday.
Fresh from the holiday festivities, the team faced main rivals City of York as well as teams from Ben Rhydding and Harrogate.

Slazenger 1 – 1 City of York
Both teams started brightly, moving the ball confidently and creating chances at both ends. It was York who found a breakthrough with just under 10 minutes played, when an attack down the centre of the field produced a probing ball into the ‘D’ to find a striker who had lost his marker giving him time to tip the ball into the top left corner.

The Slazenger boys responded brilliantly to the early setback and within 2 minutes were rewarded with an equalising goal scored by Matthew Stacey, tipping the ball inside the right post of the York goal.

The remainder of the game continued very evenly with neither team managing to create any clear goal scoring opportunities.

Slazenger 2 – 0 Harrogate
The Slazenger team dominated the game from the start so it was no surprise when the opening goal came after 10 minutes when Aidan Hopkinson pounced on a rebound from a Luke Gueli short corner drag flick to fire the ball into the Harrogate goal.

Two minutes later, Slazenger extended their lead when Robert Cann finished off a flowing move involving Will Copley and Isaac Fisher. Despite concerted attacks the team were unable to find the net again. However, Isaac Fisher came very close when his reverse shot from the top of the ‘D’ glanced off the cross bar.

Slazenger 3 – 0 Ben Rhydding
With the Slazenger team now playing confident, flowing hockey, passing the ball quickly and working together, it was only a matter of time before they were rewarded with an opening goal inside 8 minutes. Will Copley finished another passing move with a reverse shot.

Matthew Stacey then scored 2 goals in under 5 minutes. The first picking up a rebounded shot and the second meeting a pass from Will Copley.

In other games, York beat Harrogate 3 – 0 and Ben Rhydding 1 – 0 meaning that Slazenger finished top on goal difference. The game between Ben Rhydding and Harrogate was won 3 – 2 by Ben Rhydding.

Report: 19-10-2013 – Ladies 3rd’s (0) vs. (3) Ben Rhydding 4th’s

by

“Go Hard or Go Home”

Slazenger Ladies 3s faced Ben Rhydding, who are currently defending their top of the league position. Slaz started out hard, with 100% determination to defeat what they anticipated to be a strong team. Minutes into the game, it was clear all Slazenger’s players were in it to win it, giving Rhydding minimal chance to attack, and maintaining over 80% possession of the ball. Right midfielder and player of the match Alex Stead along with right wing Justine Birkett, demonstrated some quality hockey and great build-up of play into the D.

After uncountable shots on goal, missed opportunities and 3 short corners, Slaz just couldn’t get it round Rhydding’s strong keeper. Rhydding had a couple of breaks but nothing our strong defence of Sarah Ritchey, Donna Wood, Rachel Hughes and GK Lizzie Tunstsall couldn’t handle. Slaz continued to play with composure and created a number of good openings, including yet more shots on goal, but couldn’t convert. After some great short corner routines from Claire Dunstan, Frankie Tyrrell and Justine Birkett, an attempt at goal was saved by a Rhydding player on the line, resulting in a penalty flick. However, Slaz again were denied a goal as Frankie’s flick was saved by the Rhydding GK. Slaz were not to be deterred and continued to play outstanding hockey, leaving the first half the stronger side of the two.

The second half started fast with Ben Rhydding playing the sort of hockey that has got them to the top spot and Slaz struggled to gain back their earlier match intensity. Rhydding took advantage of a break in play and much to Slaz’s disappointment, scored the first goal of the game. Slaz continued with determination, a number of long passes down the pitch to new recruit Becky Townsend and former 3rd team captain Gemma Whittam, saw more opportunities for Slaz, including yet another penalty flick. Captain and central defender, Sarah Ritchey stood up in attempt to score her first goal of the season. Sarah tried her luck with an attempt at the top corner, but unfortunately the height wasn’t enough to beat the experience of the Rhydding GK. Rhydding had their moments leaving Lizzie Tunstall to make a number of testing saves. Slaz began to tire and they were no longer making the ball do the work, resulting in another goal conceded. Slaz gave their all in the final minutes of the match, but after another short corner in the final minute the game ended 3-0 Ben Rhydding.

By Frankie Tyrrell

Report: 13-10-2013 – Boys U10’s Tournament

by

Slazenger’s Boys U10’s had a successful Sunday. The “A” team were promoted into the top Division 1, the first time in several years. The “B” team, made mostly of younger players (some only 6 years old!) had a great competition, but struggled to score!
Slazenger A vs. Ben Rhydding
The tournament kicked off with the first draw against Ben Rhydding – a team who have in the past offered tough competition to Slazenger. Initial play was mainly in the Slazenger half, but quick passing and an open goal saw BR take the lead. Good passing in the centre between Will Gascoigne and Captain Lucas Smith put pressure on Ben Rhydding and great stick work and good control gave Alex Stacey a well deserved equaliser. Final score 1-1
The return match saw two eager teams determined to win, but Stacey excelled on the wing blocking every chance the opposition had. Alex set up the only goal of the match, giving the perfectly positioned Charlie Bland a strike at the goal. Final score 1-0
Slazenger A  v  Leeds
Leeds scored within the first couple of minutes of the start of the game, but not to be outdone, Slazenger hit back with a perfect strike from Will Gascoigne. Leeds truly tested the defence of Fraser Cass and Josh Green, with Niran Tejura making some excellent saves. Play was fairly evenly matched, with both teams displaying a great deal of effort and determination. Gascoigne and Stacey had to work hard but a skilllful chip over Tejuras head saw Leeds take the lead. There were lots of chances by both teams, with Stacey levelling the score with a superb goal. In the last seconds, a Will Gascoigne and Charlie Bland set piece gave Slazenger a well fought for victory. Final score 3-2
Leeds were out for a win on the second game but they were left disappointed as both Alex and Charlie struck home giving Slazenger a repeat victory. Final score 2-1
Slazenger A  v Chapletown
This game started out by being fairly evenly matched, but Slazenger soon appeared to be the more dominant team. Slazenger displayed some strong attacking work in the ‘D’  and had opportunities from short corners. The Chapletown goalie had his work cut out but their defence didn’t relent. Final score 0-0
As the rain poured for the sixth game of the day, all the players looked a little tired, but both teams had something to prove on the second match. There was no let up of attacking play and Alex and Lucas were rewarded with a a goal each. The final score was 2-2.
Slazenger B
Slaz B in Div 4 played brilliant hockey after a slow start and by the end of the morning were really getting to grips with passing the ball and moving! just couldn’t score!

Beaten by Hudds Dragons 6-0 over two legs; beaten by Wakefield A 3-0 over two legs and drew against Sheffield B 0-0 over two legs. Aidan Coughtrey put in an impressive performance in goals for the first time for the whole tournament.

Captains: Slaz A Lucas Smith; Slaz B Joe Minchella

Man of match SLAZ A: Alex Stacey

Man of Match SLAZ B: Luke Minchella

Report: 13-10-2012 – Ladies 3rd’s (2) vs. (1) Ben Rhydding 4th’s

by

Slaz won a hard fought game against Ben Rhydding 2-1. The home team were quick to attack, scoring first from captain and birthday girl Gemma Whittam.

However, Ben Rhydding fought back into the game, winning a short corner. This was converted to draw the game level. With a break to regroup at half time, Slaz came back out stronger, scoring the second goal within minutes of the restart. Claire Dunstan took the honours, slotting the ball home.

Slaz travel away to Brigg 2nds this weekend.

Report: 18-03-2012 – Boys U12′s Tournament

by

A great last tournament for the U12 boys in Leeds this last Sunday 18th March. A larger than normal squad took to the last tournament with gusto.

Slazenger (3) vs. (0) Huddersfield Dragons
Playing Huddersfield Dragons first the boys had too much for them in all departments. Kian was first in goals with a small shuffle around as Harry Gunning called in sick at the last moment. Ryan dominated midfield as usual and played the ball through to Matthew Chilton with Matthew worked well up front and slotting away 2 easy goals. Danny Alderson made a surprise substitution on left wing and topped that off with a late goal to put three past the Dragons.

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Chapeltown
Slaz dominated all phases against Chapeltown but couldn’t capitalise on all the possession we had.  Caught high up the pitch in possession Chapeltown drove towards Kian in net and rounded him even though he was in a good position. Impressive work from Tom Atkinson and Matthew could get a goal back and Chapeltown came out as eventual winners.

Slazenger (0) vs. (0) York 
With Danny back in net and Joe Dickinson helping to shore up defence with Jacob Dennison Slaz looked comfortable against the leagues best team York. A classic hockey match with good competitive play showed both teams at their best. Danny made some fine diving saves snuffing out any chance of a goal for York but Josh Coe couldn’t break the York defence with Matthew either. A satisfying draw against some great opposition.

Slazenger (1) vs. (0) Sheffield 
Knowing we could compete at that level encouraged the boys on and Joe Dickinson up to left wing enabled him to provide a sweet solid pass across goal for Matthew to push past Sheffield. Solid defence work from Chris Gascoinge always turned defence into attack for us and we finished deserved winners.

Slazenger (1) vs. (0) Ben Rhydding 
The final game against Ben Rhydding had the boys fired up and the solid team work from everyone up front saw an early goal against much feared opposion. Swift triangular passes had the Ben Ryhdding defence chasing shadows whilst Josh Coe bagged another goal for this season at near post. Solid defending and discipline during corners and sideline balls kept our lead with no panic or worries. A deserved win from a strong Slaz side.
 
With three wins, a draw and a loss that should move Slaz up to the B league next year. Special thanks to parents who attend in numbers and Danny Croxall for umpiring come hail, rain or shine. (And we have had all three)