Slazenger Hockey Club

Ladies 3rd XI

Report: 25-01-2014 – Ladies 3rd’s (11) vs. (0) Huddersfield Dragons 3rd’s

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Two players scored hat-tricks as Slazengers Ladies 3rds overwhelmed bottom side Huddersfield Dragons 3rds 11-0 in Division Five of the Yorkshire League.Gemma Whittam and Claire Dunstan were the treble stars as mid-table Slazengers left their young and inexperienced hosts still searching for a first win of the season.

Huddersfield fell behind inside two minutes when Linda Stacey netted with a solo effort – and it was 4-0 by the interval as Justine Birkett capitalised on a cross from Dunstan, who added the fourth goal after strike partner Whittam had put the visitors three up.Whittam poached two more goals at the start of the second half to complete her hat-trick, with Stacey then doubling up from a fine strike to make it 7-0.

Donna Wood added her first goal of the season from a short corner, Stacey passed for Birkett to add her second and Dunstan completed the tally with the final two goals to join Whittam on three for the game.

The man of the match honour went to young midfielder Hannah Chilton, who has just been promoted from the fourth team, after her attacks down the right-hand side set up a series of chances.

Report: 20-10-2013 – Ladies 3rd’s (5) vs. (0) Huddersfield Dragons

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‘Lets slay some dragons………..’

To say this was the second game of the weekend for the Slazenger’s Ladies 3s, the team went out with determination and showed off some ‘dragon slaying’ skills to win. From the start Slaz gave 110% keeping the ball in their oppositions half, attacking from midfield, with some very close calls in the ‘D’ resulting in penalty corners awarded to Slaz which were defended strongly by the young Dragons. Finally, the first goal of the game came from centre forward Louise Nock from a well worked penalty corner, followed shortly after a second from ‘player of the match’ Claire Dunstan. Dragons gained a lucky break after a defended penalty corner which caught the Slaz defence off guard. An attacking dragon had flown high up the pitch without the defence realising which resulted in a one on one moment in the ‘D’ between dragon and slayer Lizzie Tunstall, who cleared the ball leaving the dragon stunned and decked. Minutes before half time saw Louise put another goal in the back of the net, bringing the half time score to 3-0 Slaz.

Both teams came back fighting in the second half. Huddersfield had a few breaks over the half way line, but the Slaz defence, which included young Hettie Walker on her debut, were tight and soon put the young dragons back in their place. Slazenger’s picked up the pace, using the ball to do the hard work, and soon saw another goal, from Louise Nock. This was followed by yet more short corner action, however Slaz were unable to convert. However a well-timed strike from Claire Dunstan from the 25 found Becky Townsend’s stick in just the right place on the right post giving Slaz a fourth. Huddersfield dragons continued to battle hard, but were tiring and couldn’t defend a ‘hat trick’ goal from Louise Nock. Final score 5-0 to Slaz.

By Lizzie Tunstall

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

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“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: 12-10-2013 – Ladies 3rd’s (7) vs. (3) Pickering 2nd’s

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After defeat in their first league game Slaz 3s were hungry for a win and came away from Pickering with an impressive 7-3 win. The ladies started strong with player of the match Frankie Tyrrell in her new central role holding and distributing well and pushing forward to take Slaz into the lead in the 5th minute. Pickering came back catching the Slaz defence off guard with a quick free self pass from just inside the 25 making it 1-1 after 10 minutes.

Three more Slaz goals followed in quick succession, with Slaz making the ball do the work to beat the opposition. Frankie again in the 12th, Becky Townsend on her debut found the net in the 17th and sub Ingrid Coughtrey made it 4-1 by beating the keeper with her first touch having been on the pitch for 30 seconds.

Pickering came back after half time composed and fighting, scoring 2 from perfect edge of the D strikes in the 47th and 54th. But Slaz remained strong and focused and showing great skill continued to move the ball round the tired Pickering players. 2 goals from Claire Dunstan and a second from Becky took the final score to 7-3 Slaz.

Report: 05-10-2013 – Ladies 3rd’s (0) vs. (4) Sheff Uni. Bankers 2nd’s

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Slaz ladies 3s played their first league game of the season, and although they were convincingly beaten by the better team, the score wasn’t a fair reflection of the game played.

The ladies were short of 4 of their regular squad but youngsters Josie Hughes, Alice Gascoigne and Robyn Campbell stepped up from the 4’s to assist and didn’t look out of place.  Despite some great passing in midfield, sadly Slaz couldn’t get past the oppositions well organised defence to get a shot on goal.

Defensively Slazengers were committed from start to finish, but despite their efforts couldn’t keep the well drilled opposition out of the D, even with player of the match Rachel White, on her debut, returning to the game after 5 years. Final score Slaz 0, Bankers 4.