Slazenger
vs.
Scarborough 1
All Fixtures
Match Report
On a December afternoon that couldn’t quite decide what it wanted to be, Slazenger stepped out onto a drizzly pitch that, in true Christmas-miracle fashion, soon transformed into bright, golden sunshine. The shifting weather set the tone for a lively, spirited and occasionally chaotic festive clash.
Slazengers opened confidently, their defence stringing together some seriously slick baubles—sorry, balls—around the back, with Emma, Eliz and Tilda calmly recycling possession like seasoned Christmas elves in a toy workshop. Their early dominance soon paid off. A sharp 1–2 down the right wing between Zoe and Tilda sliced through Scarborough’s defence, the ball then slipped into the D by Frankie. Alys’ first shot was smothered by the keeper, but she was having none of it—coolly flicking the rebound in off her reverse stick. 1–0 Slaz.
The pressure continued to build like presents under the tree. Hannah’s quick play and Millie’s relentless pressing earned a string of penalty corners—one of which featured Hannah making a collection of groaning noises reminiscent of a malfunctioning reindeer backing up a sleigh. Despite Slaz’ majority possession, Scarborough found a lucky break. A free high player slipped through and converted, levelling the match at 1–1, much against the run of play. But the response was instant and glorious. Hannah spotted Coops dashing across the pitch on a brilliant run. A perfectly timed pass found her stick, and her cross into the D was met by Millie, who swept it home on the reverse. 2–1 Slaz at halftime.
Slazengers returned from the break determined to keep the festive momentum going. They earned a sleigh-full of short corners, though none quite found the back of the net. Scarborough managed a couple of their own, but the Slaz defence stood solid—Marissa even clearing one off her back with complete composure. Frankie continued to steal more balls than the Grinch on Christmas Eve, snapping up loose passes in midfield. Bella and Rebecca worked tirelessly, supporting the press and keeping Slaz ticking forward. The final breakthrough came from another wave of attacking pressure. Millie held the ball beautifully as she drove into the D, her shot rebounding kindly off the keeper. Zoe swooped in and flicked it home with festive flair. 3–1 Slaz.
Final Whistle – A Merry Victory
The score remained 3–1 as the sun set on a gritty, energetic and entertaining match. Slazengers closed out the year in style, combining creativity, hard work and a touch of Christmas magic.
Final Score: Slazengers 3 – 1 Scarborough
And with that, sticks are down, shin pads off, and it’s time for a well-earned Christmas break.
Merry Christmas, Slaz!
Squad
Match Report
A Seaside Special
The first league game of the season saw Slazenger Ladies 1s take a trip to the seaside to face Scarborough – and it was anything but a breeze! Captain Hannah set the tone early by forgetting the balls – instantly netting herself “tart of the day” before a stick had even been swung. At least she didn’t clam up about it afterwards… though after all the stick tackles she might be in need of a new stick (or perhaps just a fishing net).
It was also a wave goodbye to Imogen, playing her final game before heading off to Newcastle Uni – clever clogs indeed, off to swap hockey sticks for textbooks. She anchored the defence alongside Bella, Eliz and the ever-experienced Lisa Minch, who was steering the back line like a seasoned lighthouse keeper. In midfield, Zoe was busy coaching us all on how not to tackle, before kindly demonstrating herself (we’ll call that a teaching aid). Hannah patrolled alongside, making sure Scarborough never got too much of the current.
On the wings, Amelia ran the full length of the pitch and fired one ball so straight it could’ve been measured with a pier ruler. Rebecca grafted hard too, chasing back and forth like the tide itself. Up front, debutant Alys joined Frankie and Coops to ruffle Scarborough’s defence like a seagull after chips. Coops bagged the only Slaz goal, showing that we can still make the net ripple like a deckchair in the wind.
Special mention to debut GK Ami, who was shore-ly solid in goal and deservedly scooped joint Player of the Match with defensive rock Eliz. Despite wave after wave of attack, including 17 short corners (yes, seventeen!), Slaz were left high and dry, slipping to a 2-1 defeat. But with so many chances, it’s clear the goals will soon come rolling in like the tide. Not the result we wanted, but a cracking team effort – and plenty of promise to build on. After all, this was just the first dip of the season, and Slaz are ready to make a splash!
