Development

Match Report

What a game for the Slaz Devs Team today, battling out an exciting, fast-paced 0–0 draw against a strong Doncaster side. There was plenty of energy, determination and some really impressive hockey throughout, with both teams working hard to create chances and defend their goals.

Doncaster had a strong squad, including multiple adult players, but the Slaz Devs more than held their own. The team showed great composure, worked hard for each other and never looked overawed by the opposition. To come away with a clean sheet and a point was a fantastic result, particularly given the circumstances.

There were some brilliant individual performances, none more so than Meera, who was playing her first ever full-pitch game. She was absolutely relentless from the first whistle, throwing herself into tackles with confidence and showing no fear against either adult or junior opposition. A fantastic full-pitch debut and a performance to be really proud of.

The midfield worked tirelessly throughout, with Penny, Matthew, Meera and Ella combining really well. There were some impressive passes and lovely moments of teamwork as they moved the ball around the pitch and looked to build attacks. They worked hard both going forward and tracking back, helping the team maintain its shape against a very competitive Doncaster side.

At the back, Georgie, Katie, Harry S and Harry R put in a strong defensive shift, making sure Doncaster had to work hard for every opportunity. Katie was particularly impressive, putting in a tireless defensive performance and making some excellent tackles and interceptions. She was ably supported at different points by Gemma and Rob, who stepped in as supporting adults when needed.

Further forward, Cerys, Eden, Ella and Grace all showed some great movement and runs, looking to stretch the Doncaster defence and give Slaz options going forward. There was plenty of determination to keep chasing the ball and putting pressure on the opposition, even when Doncaster were able to put us under pressure.

And then there was Nikolai in goal… 🫣😂

Our GK stepped up when he was needed, making some important interventions and helping the team secure a clean sheet — all while ensuring he had plenty of time for his regular lying-down rest breaks! A very important part of his goalkeeping strategy, apparently. 😂

The result is even more impressive given that the team played the majority of the game with just one adult on the pitch. Add to that three players making their Development Team debuts — Meera, Eden and Grace — and there is plenty for everyone to be proud of.

🏆 Player of the Match: Katie

A thoroughly deserved Player of the Match award for Katie following another excellent defensive performance. She was tireless throughout, making some important tackles and interceptions and working incredibly hard to keep Doncaster at bay.

🌟 Special Mention: Meera

A special mention has to go to Meera for an outstanding full-pitch debut. Her confidence, determination and fearless approach against both adult and junior players was brilliant to watch. Definitely one to remember!

🍩 Donut of the Day: Rob & Harry S

A joint award this week! Rob takes his Donut of the Day for reasons that we're not entirely sure! Harry S, however, has a very specific reason for his award: avoiding the team photo. 📸 Everyone else managed to assemble for the obligatory post-match team photo, while Harry apparently decided that being part of the team was only required for the hockey bit. 😂🍩

A huge well done to the whole team. They showed great teamwork, resilience and a real willingness to battle for each other. A 0–0 draw might not tell the full story of how exciting the game was, but it certainly reflects just how hard the team worked to earn their point.

A massive thank you to Simon in his first game as Devs Team manager, who did a brilliant job keeping everything organised and supporting the team throughout. And, of course, ably assisted by the marvellous Sarah! 💚🏑😂

A fantastic team effort, three Development Team debuts, a clean sheet and a very well-earned point. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves today! 👏💚

Match Report

(Sponsored unofficially by Cadbury UK Mini Eggs). On a freezing cold morning (the kind that screams chocolate for warmth), we headed over to Doncaster armed with sticks, smiles, and an unspoken hope that mini eggs would appear at some point. Frances bravely stepped in as GK and also brought along Uncle Will for a stint in defence — although he clearly misunderstood the pre-match briefing and went to the wrong venue, possibly in search of mini eggs elsewhere!

Slaz started brightly, creating early chances with some great balls into the circle from Katie on the right and Alistair on the left. The defence dealt well with an early Doncaster short corner, clearing the ball decisively and launching an attack — clearly already running on pre-mini-egg energy.

Addy and Noah bossed the centre of the pitch, completely unfazed by the adult opposition players. Katie also stepped into centre mid during the half, working hard and linking play well. Frances made herself big when needed, confidently closing down attackers and pulling off a great save to keep things level. At the back, Harry drove the team forward from defence, while he and Georgie made several perfectly timed tackles — possibly sharpened by the anticipation of chocolate.

Ruth was absolutely buzzing in the first half, zipping around the pitch, applying pressure, winning the ball back, and driving forward relentlessly — like someone who knew mini eggs were waiting.

Half Time: 0–0. And then… IT HAPPENED. The family bag of mini eggs appeared. Mini eggs everywhere. Mini eggs being shared. Mini eggs being negotiated over. Mini eggs providing tactical clarity. Mini eggs providing emotional support. Mini eggs being discussed more than the opposition’s press.

Team talk? Yes
Energy levels restored? Yes
Mini eggs consumed? ABSOLUTELY!

The second half started strongly, with Slaz playing some really lovely hockey. The two supporting adults kept the ball moving and let the kids take charge — clearly understanding that post-mini-egg hockey is elite hockey. Frances continued to make important saves when needed, proving mini eggs are, in fact, excellent for reaction time.

Alistair dropped back into defence and made some strong tackles, while Cerys and Matthew worked tirelessly, chasing down balls like there might be a bonus mini egg waiting at the end of it. The team created several good chances but just couldn’t quite convert.

Ruth worked relentlessly on the left midfield for most of the second half, covering every blade of grass and somehow still running harder than everyone else combined — clearly fuelled by superior mini-egg intake. Georgie and Harry continued to time their tackles to perfection, working brilliantly with Gemma and Uncle Will (now at the correct venue and fully locked in).

Noah and Adelaide made some excellent driving runs with the ball, linking up well with teammates including Katie, Ruth, and Alistair in midfield. Despite not getting a goal, the team should be hugely proud of their performance against a strong Doncaster side that included three adults — and none of them had mini eggs!

Player of the Match: Ruth - For her unstoppable work rate, relentless pressure, constant support all over the pitch, and for playing like she had a secret stash of mini eggs powering her performance from start to finish.

Donut of the Day: Uncle Will - For turning up at the wrong venue — proving that even in a mini-egg-fuelled world, navigation remains important

Fantastic teamwork, great attitudes, brilliant hockey… and an outstanding contribution from mini eggs, the true heroes of the day.

Match Report

No match report available.

Match Report

No match report available.

Match Report

No match report available.