Slazenger Hockey Club

L.A.Carnegie

Report: 13-02-2005 – Boys U12 Tournament

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Slazenger U12s took part in a series of tournament games and although they did not manage a win were pleased with their progress during the day.

In the first match, Slaz started strongly against a skilled Halifax team, producing a well struck goal from Chris Wood, but Halifax hit back to win.

Against Driffield the result was a draw but Daniel Perry and Jake Barras both had half chances up front and posed a serious threat to the Driffield defence. It was however a competent and composed keeping by Jack Mumford and splendid tackling from Robert Furness that kept Slaz in the game.

The game against Normanby Park was a scrappy one, but both teams showed the will to win.

Good midfield play from Aled Davies with decisive tackling made Slaz look good on the counter attack, but Park took the glory with a great solo effort.

Against Ben Rhydding, Slaz’ were caught hibernating in the first minute, but then produced the best hockey of the day with good linking play down the wings from Ailish Hendry at the back, through Chris Wood, to Adam Driver up front, they looked like a team on a mission, but lacked the finish.

In the final match Jake Barras scored early on from a lovely cross, but L A Metros came back into it.

Strong defending from James Dransfield and Aled Davies, gave Chris Wood a belting strike from the top of the D but it was disallowed and L A Metros later equalized.

Report: 22-01-2005 – Mens 2nd’s (0) vs (4) LA Metros 3rd’s

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Slazenger’s seconds suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of LA Metros thirds in a game where the four nil score line was not a true reflection of the game. Slazenger’s were equal to their opposition in all respects, creating more chances and having plenty of possession but were just unable to make the final breakthrough.

Slazenger’s started well and nearly took the lead in the first ten minutes, with Ben Graham deflecting a Ben Garside through ball onto the post. Richard Hutchins also came close, forcing the Metros keeper to make a number of strong saves. Metros took the lead against the run of play however through a penalty flick, home keeper Lee Secker almost keeping the ball out only for it to drop just over the goal line.

Slazenger’s continued to play good possession hockey but went in at half time a goal down.

The second half was much the same as the first, Slazenger’s playing good hockey and creating chances only to fail to find the final breakthrough. Metros eventually scored a disputed second goal, and after Richard Hutchins’ indiscipline, which got him sent off, Metro’s scored two late goals to complete a scoreline, which Slazenger’s didn’t deserve. Tim Carr took the man of the match award and Neil Hutchins was strong in the centre of defence.

Slazenger’s have a tough few weeks ahead having to play runaway leaders Sheffield Hallam, twice, with a huge relegation crunch match against Halifax sandwiched in between. These games coming when a number of regular players are unavailable.

Report: 18-09-2004 – Mens 2nd’s (2) vs (4) Metrostars

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Slazenger prepared for their upcoming league campaign with a hard fought match against higher ranked opponents Metrostars and can consider themselves unlucky to lose.

As expected, the visitors started strongly and made much of the early running with home keeper Tom Penistone making some great early saves before Metrostars opened up with a two goal lead.

With ten minutes of the half remaining, Slazengers began to find their feet and really started to put some pressure on the visitors, pressure which eventually told with James Walker netting his third goal in three games.

Slaz started the second half as they had finished the first, creating chances and playing some great hockey. Richard Hutchins worked hard alongside Ben Garside in the middle of the park.

The pressure told again with Slaz drawing level through veteran Andy Foreman. The game then developed into a scrappy end to end affair with both defences working hard, however it was Metrostars who took the lead through a somewhat fortunate goal.

Ben Graham made some blinding runs forward and Murray Aymesbury was as solid as ever, but it was the visitors who sealed it with the last tough of the game after Slaz were reduced to ten men.

Slazengers start their league campaign next week with a trip to a strong Doncaster side.

Report: 15-02-2004 – Mens 1st’s (2) vs (1) LA Metros 1st’s

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Slazenger reached the final of the Mens 1st XI Yorkshire Cup after a dramatic victory scoring a golden goal in extra time to set up a mouth watering final against local rivals, Wakefield. LA Metros may be in the division below Slazenger, but they had not lost all season and the Horbury side were without several key players.Nevertheless, the home team started the stronger and opened the scoring from a Paul Wiper penalty corner.

The away side from Leeds tried to hit back but the Slazenger defence of Mike Thornicroft and Ben Wells tackled well an restricted them to a few scoring chances.

Jonny White made an excellent début in the Slazenger midfield showing good composure on the ball and making some telling runs and Richard Hutchins was a willing runner up front.

Slazenger looked to have sealed it, but with less than twenty seconds to go, LA Metros found a dramatic equaliser.

Slaz’ could have buckled, but they showed great spirit to recover from the hammer blow, with Richard Whawell the home side’s hero, calmly scoring the golden goal which took them into the final.