Slazenger Hockey Club

Mens Development

Report: 16-10-2010 – Mens 4th’s (3) vs. (2) Barnsley 2nd’s

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Slazenger Development squad travelled to Barnsley on Saturday. After two matches against far stronger opponents, they were looking for a win to rebuild from, achieving this with a 3-2 victory over Barnsley 2nds.Slazenger started the match aggressively, controlling the play with quick passes and darting movement. However, Barnsley mustered a strong back line to deny a way through to goal. With such effort from the young front line, a break eventually came. A fast play from James Bennett and Matthew Smith was stopped by the keeper, only to be followed up by Isaac Fisher; securing the first goal.

The pressure was maintained throughout the first half, though a redoubled effort from the Barnsley back line held off the continued efforts of Slazenger. As with the first goal however, the relentless pressure paid off with Matthew Smith firing home a decisive second goal. The match was more closely fought than the scoreline suggested, and this deficit was rectified with two equalling goals from Barnsley; breaking through with co-ordinated play to defeat goalie Ralph Toon.

The second half started as the first had. With the addition of veteran Ian “Flash” Gordon, Slazenger continued to press. Barnsley looked as threatening as before, but with defensive superstar Rowan Tejura holding the line, there was no way through. Combination play coordinated by Robin Brearton looked to have secured the third, although it was disallowed. Even the cutting move from Andy Fisher and Ian Hedges found the woodwork, preventing a spectacular finish.

Finally, a third goal came from a great play which typified the growing teamwork of Slazenger. Passing play from Tim Hunter, Matthew Smith, and Robin Brearton quickly moved the ball, cutting straight through the midfield. Striker Isaac Fisher looked to secure his second goal, only to be denied by the keeper. The deflected ball was followed up by Ian Hedges, securing the winning goal.

Notable performances should also go to Paresh Tejura for his gazelle like midfield grace, Robert Cann for some great attacking play, and seasoned pro Nathan Crowther for a stalwart performance on the back line.

From 16th October 2010, 2:30pm at Barnsley Hockey Club

Report: 02-10-2010 – Mens 4th’s (1) vs (9) City of York 10th’s

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It was a confident Slazenger team who stepped out on Saturday afternoon. After the previous weeks unfortunate draw, the side were showing promise after only a few matches. However, as a young and often inexperienced team, Slazenger was going to struggle against the skills of an older and more developed York squad.

Within minutes of the first whistle, a goal had been conceeded. York broke quickly, and outpaced the Slazenger midfield. Outnumbered, the defence and keeper stood strong, but were ultimately conceeded. A slightly shell-shocked Slazenger team returned to the halfway line for the restart of play, and attempted to regain control of play.

For all the efforts of the away team, York piled on the goals, netting 7 in the first half. In any other game, the level of hockey played by Slazenger would have put them way above the competition, though in this match it was not enough.

As play started again, Slazenger redoubled their efforts. A reorganisation of play gave the team the confidence to push harder, and within minutes, Jake Barras scored. The renewed attacks of York were repelled by Slazenger, as they continued to control the match.

In the end however, as the match drew to a close, Slazenger conceeded two more. In this second half though, Slazenger acquited themselves admirably, with the second half’s goal diference more closely resembled the closeness of the match.

By Ian Hedges
From match played at York hockey Club on Saturday 2nd October 2010

Report: 25-09-2010 – Mens 4th’s (3) vs (3) Rotherham5th’s

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Slazenger’s first development league game of the season was away against a confident Rotherham team. However, Slazenger started the strongest and soon went ahead when Rowan Tejura scored from a short corner after the initial effort from James Bennett was saved by the defending team.
Slazenger’s were playing good passing hockey and continued to pressure the home side. With Chris Hopkinson and John Toon strong defensively it set up a good platform to attack the opposition with Robin Brearton and Isaac Fisher linking well and they created several opportunities to score. The home side were having to do some last ditch defending to keep the score at 1-0.
Mark Kitchen and Tom Pitchforth made several telling drives into the opposition goal mouth and added to their tally when Andrew Fisher scored two goals in quick succession. Slazenger were deservedly 3-0 up at half-time.
The game was a classic example of a game of two halves because in the second half Slazenger stopped playing the passing game that had being so successful in the first half and allowed Rotherham back into the game. The opposition started controlling the midfield against a tiring side who had worked hard but unfortunately didn’t have any substitutes and were further hindered with an injury to Aidan Hopkinson forcing him off the pitch to recover and so were down to 10 men for a while.
Goalkeeper Ralph Toon made several telling saves but the opposition pulled back the 3-0 goal deficit to make the score level at 3-3. Once the scores were level Slazenger raised their game again and created numerous chances to win the game but could just not convert any of these efforts.
Next week’s game is away at York 3.00 pm pushback.

From: Andrew Fisher

Slazenger Mens Development (4ths) (3) vs (3) Rotherham Development Squad
(Sat 25th Sept 2010, 11:30pm, Rotherham Hockey Club)

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)

Report: 11-09-2010 – Men’s 4th’s (4) vs (2) Huddersfield Dev.

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This season marks the first year of the new men’s development squad as part of Slazenger Hockey Club; A mixture of the brightest upcoming stars, and the experienced older players.
In their first outing, The team gelled well, and within the first quarter, they were pilling on the pressure. It was only a matter of time before it paid off. Cutting plays from Tim Hunter, and Ian Hedges broke up the defence, allowing Robin Braeton to fire home the opening goal, defeating the goalie in spectacular fashion.
The game restarted with the momentum firmly with the Slazenger squad. But a slip in concentration, and a concerted effort gave Huddersfield the equaliser. Slazenger redoubled their effort, resulting in 3 successive goals, and gave Isaac Fisher a well earned hat trick.
With an almost unassailable lead, Slazenger continued to press, but a combination of strong goal keeping and a resurgent defence prevented any further scoring opportunities. This strong back line allowed Huddersfield to make a break towards the goal, and against a truly dogged defence finally managed to scrape a second goal.
Slazenger gave a spirited performance and against a stronger, more experienced side, came out triumphant. With great performances from Captain Andy Fisher, Goalie Ralph Toon, and Defender Nathan Crowther, the team can go into next weeks confrontation with confidence.
Next week, Slazenger development squad host Harrogate at home. (4:30pm push back)
Team: Andrew Fisher (Captain), Ralph Toon (Goalie), John Toon, Rowan Tejura, Paresh Tejura, Ian Hedges, Nathan Crowther, Robin Brearton, Tim Hunter, Alan Bates, Isaac Fisher,Tom Pitchforth, Dan Pitchforth.

Slazenger Mens Development (4ths) (4) vs (2) Huddersfield Development
(Sat 11th Sept 2010, 4:30pm, Lockwood Park; Huddersfield)