Slazenger Hockey Club

Harrogate

Report: 18-02-2012 – Ladies 2nds (1) vs. (0) Harrogate 5th’s

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The ladies 2nds were engaged in league competition against Harrogate 5th’s.

Their discisive 1-0 victory over Harrogate 5th’s, moves the team back into 2nd position and promotion spot. With 6 games left, its likely to be a photo finish for the league title.

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Slazenger started out with a high tempo, passing the ball swiftly and attacking the visitors from both wings. For large spells of the first half the home side had control of the pitch, with keeper Lisa Chappell having little to do. However, as time went on, Harrogate challenged on multiple occasions, breaking fast and making moves towards the home goal. However, some strong tackling from Karen Bates prevented them getting through.

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After several chances went close; from Zoe Bacon, Captain Nez Rollinson, and Sue Hope, it was Daisy Gee-Sanders who bagged the winner, picking up a through-ball from Stacey Binns, and slotting it past the keeper.

Though Slaz had further opportunities during the game, though it was the only goal of the game.

 

Report: 16-10-2011 – Slazenger Boys U16′s Tournament (Pocklington)

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A disappointing day for the Slazenger U16 Boys, which began with high hopes and some initial positive play. Due to Ben Rhydding not being able to raise a team, the boys were asked to play four matches on the trot at Pocklington, totalling 100 minutes hockey. While they persisted, the back to back matched took their toll.

Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Harrogate
A strong opening ten minutes against Harrogate showed some good passing interplay. Slaz took the game to their opponents and maintaining positional discipline, leading to a number of early strikes on goal, which required good play from the harrogate ‘keeper to avoid Slaz taking the lead. As the game progressed, Harrogate developed their own play and Slaz slipped back into their old, bad habits of mids and half-backs playing too deep. This gave Harrogate the freedom to press Slazenger inside their own half. The horbury side continued to compete hard, but conceded a number of penalty corners through indisciplined play. The last was conceded just as the final whistle was blown, but some quick work by Alex Calderley combined with work from James and Keeper Ralph Toon maintained the scoreline. The result was a fair representation of the game; Slaz had created the better chances, though a combination of good goalkeeping from Harrogate and continued pressure had maintained the equilibrium.

Slazenger (0) vs. (6) Gateshead
The second game on the trot was against Gateshead. After a hard game against Harrogate, the team lacked the fire and strong tackling which they had benefited from in the first game. Gateshead represented a stronger challenge than Harrogate, and took advantage of this weakness. Unfortunately, Slaz had not learned from the first match and continued to play too deep and not mark well enough. The skillful opponents pressed this advantage, forcing errors and playing fast effective free hits. Within 6 minutes, the team were trailing by 4 goals. Ralph Toon’s keeping unusually tentative – reflecting the mood of the team. On the few occasions Slaz broke out of our own 23, they failed to provide an outlet for the ball-carrier, who was too often left with no option but to hit the ball away or take it into contact. In the end, the Slazenger side were fortunate to keep the score to what it was, as it could easily have been in double-figures.

Slazenger (2) vs. (6) Doncaster
After such a coprehensive defeat, it was going to be tough for Slaz to raise their game. However, the team rallied and played a more competitive level of hockey. However in a repeat of the previous match, they were quickly behind by 2 goals, causing frustration and disquiet.

This was not helped by the implementation of a 3-2-3-2 formation which they were still adapting to. A third was conceded through direct pressure by some more physically powerful players on the Doncaster side. With slaz’s more inexprienced players unable to intercept the more experienced strikers, the team were 3-0 behind.

However, the team picked up and created several good chances through quick movement of the ball. Robin Brearton converted 2 to put them within touching distance. Unfortunately, a reversal was not to be, as injury led to 3 of the most experienced of Slaz’z lineup being substituted. With this loss, Doncaster quickly overran and scored a further 3.

In this case the result didn’t reflect the balance of play and there were many positives to take from it. Danny Croxall continued his good run of form from the Mens 4th (Development) team the previous day as a strong defensive anchor. Alex Spencer-Taylor excelled down the right wing, and Captain Tim Hunter who ran himself almost to exhaustion and didn’t let his head drop, which was remarkable. Finally the aggression around the D of regulary Luke Guelli and Brearton.

Slazenger (1) vs. (4) Halifax
The final game against Halifax was a much more even affair. Again, a couple of early lapses of concentration saw the team 2-0 down, but they battled back stronger. Spencer-Taylor and Brearton combined well down the right wing, setting up Gueli to net a response. However, the strains of the day were beginning to tell and gradually the boys faded, conceding two soft goals at the death.

Report: 08-10-2011 – Mens 3rd’s (3) vs (0) Harrogate 5th’s

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Slazenger 3rd’s took a break from the regular league matches to open their account in the Yorkshire Mens “E” Cup.

Slaz was looking for a good start after a stuttering beginning to the season, racing out at the start and instantly putting Harrogate under pressure. Slaz began playing some fast hockey, moving the ball through the midfield and out to Captain Paul Corney, leading the way up front. Few chances went close, but Slaz hindered themselves playing at such a high speed.

As the half went on, Slaz slowed their speed of play down. Taking time on the ball, they crafted better passes, setting up the first goal. Good work from the midfield and newly returned Andrew Birkett, fed the ball through the the front, where Man of the Match Steve Johnson scored the first of his hat-trick.

In the second half, the team continued the good play which had led to the first goal. A powerful ball was driven through the centre for Steve Johnson to secure the second midway through the second half. A cheeky swivel and backwards flick lifted the ball over the keeper, into the net.

The final goal came from a well worked buildup of play. Wingers Robin Brearton and Luke Gueli worked the ball, with Ste Roberts holding the midfield. A long corner ball from Ian Hedges was recieved by Gueli, who laid it off for Johnson to wrap up his hat-trick.

Next Week Slaz 3’s return to the league with a home encounter with Garforth.

Report: 13-03-2011 – Boys U12’s

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SLAZ FIGHT BACK TO SECURE PROMOTION
Slazenger’s U12 entered their last tournament after a mixed season that has seen them move onto the C pitch of the Yorkshire league. The team were confident that skills worked on in training could be put to good use. In the end, a strong performance will promote the team back to the ‘B’ pitch next year.

Slazenger Boys U12 (1) vs. (0) Bingley Bees
In their first game against Bingley the team were a bit at sixes and sevens getting late onto the pitch as the game was about to start. After a frantic first few minutes the boys got into their stride with Nick Caldersly and Ryan Denton working well on the right. Pressure in the opponents half led to a short corner for Slazenger’s. Nick was fed the ball from Harry Gunning and confidently scored. Slazenger 1 – 0 Bingley Bees

Slazenger Boys U12 (2) vs. (0) Kirklees
Almost immediately Slazenger’s were back on the pitch to play Kirklees (Huddersfield Dragons). The boys played confidently and played well with Nick Caldersly again and Elliot Kaye taking their chances and scoring quickly. A scare at the back with a counter attack saw keeper Daniel Alderson work hard keeping out a consolation goal and being equal to any challenge on his goal. Slazenger 2 – 0 Kirklees

Slazenger Boys U12 (0) vs. (1) Doncaster
A third game against a well organised Doncaster side saw both teams attack and defend equally well. Late in the game Doncaster attacked down the wing and although tackled by Ben Stevenson the Doncaster winger got a cross away. Ryan Denton whose defending is always dependable scuffed a clearance and caused an uncharacteristic own goal as the ball sliced in the wrong direction. The whistle blew before any further response could be made. Slazenger 0 – 1 Doncaster

Slazenger Boys U12 (1) vs. (0) Harrogate
Keen to make up for an unfortunate mistake the U12 boys attacked Harrogate in numbers in their fourth game. Ethan Peel ran the length of the pitch and pounced on a clearance from the Harrogate keeper. He shot low and scored. Slazenger 1 – 0 Harrogate

Slazenger Boys U12 (1) vs. (1) Ben Rhydding
The final game against Ben Rhydding had the boys fired up as they are traditionally a strong hockey side. Changing formation saw Harry Gunning move to centre forward and Jacob Dennison move onto the left wing. Slaz again attacked in numbers and defended equally well. A counter attack from a lost ball saw Ben Rhydding move swiftly down the left wing and slot home what they thought was the winner, but grim determination and confidence from other games saw Slazenger attacking again without fear. Ben Rhydding saw their own short corner stolen off them by Harry Gunning at the top of the D who he ran a full pitch length run around three defenders and even though Nick Caldersly and Elliot Kaye called for the ball Harry rifled the shot and beat the keeper coolly in the final minute to force a draw. Slazenger 1 – 1 Ben Rhydding.

Report: 18-09-2010 – Men’s 4th’s (1) vs (4) Harrogate 6th’s

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After their first success last week, Slazenger’s Development Squad went into this weeks encounter expecting plenty. With the home field advantage, they were looking to capitalise against a battle-hardened Harrogate squad. In the end, the vigour of youth was not enough to secure a second win against a more experienced side.

The first half started strong, with the squad passing the ball at speed. Notable performances from Tim Hunter and Matthew Smith provided a strong supply of balls through to the front men, but it seemed that strong initial defending would deny an early goal. As the first half progressed, Slazenger took greater control of the game, with some strong sequences of fluid play orchestrated by right wing thunderbolt Alan Bates, and Captain Andy Fisher in the center. However, a quick mistake was all Harrogate needed to break away, defeating the back line and punishing the team with the first goal.

After the restart, Slazenger pushed harder, and in trademark underdog style forced an equalised within minutes. A slick combination of play from Isaac Fisher and Jake Barras culminated in an inspirational finish, marking Jake’s first goal for the team. Even with the flow of play firmly in Slazengers favour, the team failed to expand their lead, coming up against a staunch back line. This inability to score was punished a second time, as Harrogate punched a hole through the midfield, forcing a fast break, and ultimately defeating the valiant efforts of Ralph Toon.As it was with the first concession, Slazenger struck back, claiming their second goal. But as the team celebrated, the Umpire’s whistle blew to disallow the goal, much to the dismay of the team. It seemed as though it would be impossible for Slazenger to score any further.

In the second half, Slazenger came out knowing what needed to be done, but the inexperience of the young side showed through, and Harrogate scored two further. An appearance by legendary wonder striker Paul Corney gave the team hope of a comeback in the closing quarter. Though after being defeated on the line, and landing on his face several times running, it seemed even his skills were not enough.

Unfortunately, the 4-1 result belies the closeness of the match, with the two teams evenly matched across most of the 80 minutes. Slazenger should be encouraged with their performance against such a strong side, having dominated possession for so much of the game. Against one of the potential winners of the league, the game should be considered by no means a great defeat.
Slazenger face Rotherham 5th’s away next week.

Team List: John Toon, Ralph Toon, Isaac Fisher, Robin Brearton, Tim Hunter, Matthew Smith, Ian Hedges, Jake Barras, Mark Kitchen, Alan Bates, Andrew Fisher, Alex Spencer-Taylor, Paul Corney

Slazenger Mens Development (4ths) (1) vs (4) Harrogate 6th’s
(Sat 18th Sept 2010, 4:30pm, Slazenger Sports Club)