Slazenger Hockey Club

Brigg

Report: 20-10-2012 – Ladies 3rd’s (2) vs. (3) Brigg 2nd’s

by

This exciting game of hockey was a spectacle to watch with end to end chances!

Slaz got the first break with a magnificent Claire Dunstan run through the middle, only for the shot to go wide. Brigg then caught slaz on the break and obtained a penalty corner which they converted 1-0 brigg.

Slaz kept the heads up and after many attempts on goal, slaz won a PC. The ball was expertly switched right to Alex Stead who smashed the back board with an awesome strike. The exciting hockey continued with Chloe bates (gk) making some awesome saves. Unfortunately the pressure was too great and Brigg converted another 2-1.

Half time and slaz regrouped. After half time, slaz obtained another penalty corner and second receiver Linda Stacey smashed the ball to bring the scores level. Slaz kept the pressure on but couldn’t convert their many chances.

Two minuets from the end, Brigg were awarded a series of penalty corners for Brigg who scored from in open play in the last minuet. Final score 3-2 to Brigg but many positives to be taken out of the game! Player of the game Linda Stacey said in her post match interview ‘we were excellent and things are coming together now.

We are playing as a team with an amazing team spirit, it’s a joy to play for Slazenger’s 3rds despite the result’

Report: 29-09-2012 – Mens 3rd’s (7) vs. (0) Brigg 4th’s

by

Slaz 3’s maintained the momentum which had begun with last weeks 3-0 win at L.A. Carnegie, with an incredible 7-0 demolition of Brigg 4th’s.

The team were again without Captain Andy Fisher, still recovering with a broken hand, along with several other key players. Last season, Slaz 3’s and Brigg 4’s had been locked in a close promotion fight, so it was anticipated to be a tough encounter. However, those who made the trip out to the most easterly fixture this season, certainly made it count.

Goal scorers were Darren Buttery (1), Steve Johnson (2), Ste Roberts (1), Jack Mumford (1), Chris Hopkinson (1), Matthew Stacey (1)

Richard Smyth stood in for the regular keeper, and had a good game!

The 3rd’s will hope to maintain their momentum into the next game away against Sheffield University Bankers 7th’s

Report: 28-01-2012 – Mens 3rd’s (0) vs. (0) Brigg 4th’s

by

Slazenger men’s 3rd’s hosted league high flyers Brigg 4th’s at home, succeeding at holding them to a goalless draw. After putting 2 past Brigg to take a draw in the away leg, Slaz were looking to improve and take the 3 points. However, the task was easier said than done.

The team struggled to get into a rhythm and their usual style of hockey was nowhere to be seen. That said, Brigg never appeared to be able to capitalise on this slow start, with both teams being evenly matched. The first half was tough going, with both teams trying to gain the momentum and upper hand.
As the first half progressed, the team began to settle. Man of the Match Ste Roberts continues to excel in midfield, stopping Brigg from controlling the centre, with Andy Fisher strengthened the midfield, holding and distributing the ball to the wings. As Slaz started to used the wings more, they began to challenge the Brigg defense. The visitors were prepared; an experienced back 3 limited the shots on goal, with the Goalie mopping up anything which got through.

There were stretches of the game, where Slaz were almost exclusively within the Brigg 25 yard line, with the visitors having to pull back and hold off continuous pressure. Some great work by the attacking elements of the team, including newcomer Rowan Tejura and regular Andrew Birkett gave the back line some problems and midway through the second half, Brigg seemed to be settling for a draw. Alex Calderly and Luke Gueli continue to go from strength to strength, with the latter almost nicking a goal in the closing minutes. With Slaz on the ascendancy, it was disappointing that they were unable to secure a winner.

The third team continue to develop a strong defence; however still need to work on upping their strike rate to compete for promotion. However, the draw moves them into 3rd place; with 2 months of the season remaining.

Report: 14-01-2012 – Mens 1st’s (3) vs. (0) Brigg 2nd’s

by

Slazenger mens 1st’s were the only team to play on Saturday, with all other matches being cancelled due to the frost.
However, the team did not dissapoint, logging a 3-0 victory over table strugglers Brigg 2nd’s. The game was swift with plenty of end to end hockey, and fast passing moves, Slaz started confidently on a very cold day, against the Brigg side.

Plenty of long passes and switching moves across the park meant that the home side looked in control for large stretches of the game. However, some poor passes in the midfield did at times, allow Brigg to break away, but they were unable to capitalise.

Richard Tuddenham broke the deadlock, firing the ball in from the top of the “D”, off of a short corner.

Man of the match Isaac Fisher scored the second. A solo effort from Danny Perry carried the ball from inside Slazenger’s half to the opposition “D”, crossing it to Fisher, who cooly put it away.

With Brigg continuing to attack, Slazenger searched for a final goal to put the contest beyond doubt. Some good running from Perry and Paul Wiper cut through the Brigg midfield, but struggled to find the net. Hard work by the Brigg keeper held the score, with the ball being saved off the line by defenders more than once!

In the end, a solo run from the 25yrd line lead and a powerful shot on goal from Mark Swindon sealed the game at 3-0. Not a great performance from slaz, but it is enough to keep hopes up for a promotion fight at the end of the season.

Slazenger maintain their second place promotion spot in the league, However, challengers still have games in hand.

Report: 03-12-2011 – Mens 3rd’s (2) vs. (2) Brigg 4th’s

by

Slazenger had a tough encounter away to Brigg 4th’s. Having struggled to score all game, the team put 2 away in the final 10 minutes securing a draw.

Slaz travelled away to a high flying Brigg team for their first encounter with the team this season, with only 11 men; no substitutes, with Paul Johnson and John Toon both carrying injuries. As the last game of the season, the team were looking for a good performance going into the Christmas break.

The game started at a steady pace. Slaz made some quick runs deep into the oposition half, with a series of close efforts marking the visitors intent. The team were missing frontman Steve Johnson, though Andrew Birkett made great work pressuring the defence and causing trouble in the opposition’s area. However Brigg at times were able to break fast and a lack of usual tight man to man marking gave them room to breath. The home team were able to capitalise on this freedom, with a piece of individual skill to carry the ball into the D and score the opener. Slaz attempted to equalise, though with a weaker-than-usual midfield, had less strength to build from.

The second half constinued in the same manner. Some great running from Ste Roberts held the midfield. Alex Calderley and Robin Brearton put in some impressive runs, but were suppressed by a strong defence and enough barging to wonder whether the game really was a non-contact sport! Brigg broke again to secure the second midway through the second half.

With 10 minutes to go, Slaz were 2-0 down. The formation was changed, bringing Brearton and Luke Gueli into the midfield to bolster the hard work of Roberts. A series of flowing passing moves followed, setting up Gueli on the D for a powerful shot. The rebound was collected by winger Ian Hedges, who tapped it in around the keeper.

With the first in, Slaz continued on the offensive, with Gueli having a second shot on goal. This time is defeated the keeper and securing the equaliser.

Slaz 3rds travel away to Bradford for a pre-christmas friendly, restarting their campaign in January.