Ladies 1st XI

Match Report

Another glorious sunny Saturday saw the Ladies 1s make the absolute mammoth journey over to Lindum — a trip made even better by the long-awaited return of Hannah Field following maternity leave! 🥳🏑 Slaz came out firing and were aggressive from the first whistle. It took just five minutes for Coops to find the back of the net, following some genuinely lovely hockey. A transfer round the back opened up the right-hand side before Frankie produced some unreal play, driving the ball down the baseline and into the D before picking out Coops, who calmly slotted it home. 1–0 Slaz. Coops’ instructions in the team talk had been simple: start, score, then you can sub off.

Job done in five minutes. ✅

The game became increasingly physical, with both sides battling hard, and Lindum started to build some momentum by catching Slaz on the break. Kez, Millie and Melissa worked tirelessly throughout, battling to win balls back and making sure Lindum never had an easy ride through the middle of the pitch. Amelia also continued to show just how good she is becoming in midfield, looking composed on the ball, linking play and seemingly popping up everywhere she was needed.

It wasn’t long before another chance came our way. Ruth worked the ball brilliantly down the right before firing a cross towards Zoe on the penalty spot, who found the goal… only for it to be ruled out for obstruction.

At the other end, there was some excellent defensive work from Slaz, with strong communication when marking and picking up players. Emma and Nicci worked tirelessly at the back to deny Lindum any clear opportunities.

The remainder of the first half passed relatively drama-free… until Frankie took a ball straight to the thumb. 😬 Her main concern appeared to be less about the thumb itself and more whether she could make it to A&E, get it checked, and still be back in time to watch Wakefield Trinity later.

Half-time arrived with Slaz still 1–0 up, and after a lucky stroke of baby Spencer’s head, we headed back out ready for another strong half. 👶🍀

Lindum created some really good opportunities after the restart, but the Slaz defence continued to stand firm. Becca and Bella were excellent at clearing the lines and putting in some strong tackles, while Nicci developed a slightly terrifying habit of deflecting shots just wide of the goal — presumably to make sure Lauren stayed awake between the posts. Whilst also testing out Bella’s reflexes with an unbelievable goal line pick in the air to keep it 1-0 to Slaz. Huge moment. 👏. A great game for Lauren keeping a clean sheet.

With around ten minutes remaining, the message was simple: play smart hockey, keep possession and see the game out.

And then something truly remarkable happened.

For approximately 30 seconds, the hockey gods shone down upon Zoe.

Not only did she beat one player…

She beat TWO.

Everyone was shocked.

Zoe included.

Nobody knows where it came from. Nobody knows whether it will ever happen again. But those who witnessed it will remember it. ✨

From there, Slaz kept their heads, worked hard for one another and managed the closing stages to secure a hard-fought 1–0 win on the road.

Player votes were shared between Nicci and Ruth after two massive performances — Ruth causing problems going forward and Nicci putting in a huge shift at the back.

Unfortunately for Nicci, her afternoon didn’t end there…

Tart also went to Nicci. The reason? Probably best we don’t put that one on the internet. 👀🚑

Three points, a clean sheet, and Wakey Trinity are the super league grand final champions ❤️🤍💙

Worth the mammoth journey after all. 💚🏑

Match Report

On a fine birthday weekend, Slazenger arrived at Lindum not just to play hockey—but to celebrate in style. With birthday energy in the air and sticks taped with intent, the team lined up ready to turn cake into goals.

First Half: Pressure, Patience and the Party Starts. Lindum took the push-off, but it was Millie who set the tone early with fierce pressure, backed up by Slaz keeping the ball alive in midfield. Lindum tried to build, but Emma and Eliz stood firm at the back, shutting down any early attempts to break into the D.

Millie sparked an attack with a sharp interception and carry forward, though Lindum briefly regained possession. Slaz soon earned their first short corner after some tidy attacking play, but Lindum managed to survive the initial birthday scare. Momentum swung again as Lindum earned a short of their own, but Slaz defended bravely. Tilda showed pure determination, charging forward to turn defence into attack. Amelia and her Lindum marker battled hard in the D, but the breakthrough didn’t quite come.

Then—magic

A huge defensive clearance from Emma, a brilliant long ball, and pressure from Frankie earned another short. GOAL – AMELIA! A clinical finish and suddenly it was 0–1 Slaz. Birthday candles officially blown out. Lindum tried to respond, but Zoe’s interception, Rebecca’s strength in the middle, and Bella’s work on the wing kept them frustrated. Slaz continued to press—Alys firing a shot, Lucy’s strong runs and tackles up the line, and relentless work from Millie.

Despite Lindum earning another short, Emma calmly stopped it and cleared, summing up Slaz’s defensive discipline. The half ended with drama—Millie knocked over, Lindum countering quickly—but Ami pulled off a vital save just before the halftime whistle.

Half Time: Lindum 0 – 1 Slaz

Lindum came out firing, driving into the D early, but Tilda threw herself in front of a shot—a block worthy of wrapping paper and a bow.
Wave after wave came from Lindum, yet Slaz stood tall. Emma, Imo, Tilda and Eliz worked relentlessly, forcing shots wide and keeping the D locked down. Then Slaz struck again.

A flowing move up the wing saw Amelia drive into the D, earning a short. Amelia stepped up, took the hit… Frankie with the push shot… GOAL! 0–2 Slaz — candles relit, birthday wishes granted. Lindum refused to roll over and eventually pulled one back with a flick to the top corner.
1–2, game on. But Slaz didn’t panic. Emma and Eliz combined beautifully in defence, Frankie battled hard in midfield (even earning a green card for enthusiasm), and Alys, Millie and Zoe kept the pressure upfield.

Late drama saw Slaz earn another short after strong D work. Amelia fired again—blocked on the line with no glove! Another short followed, Lindum scrambling, Slaz pushing… but the final whistle blew before the icing could go fully on the cake. Final Score Lindum 1 – 2 Slazenger.

A performance full of grit, teamwork, and just the right amount of birthday sparkle. Goals, guts, blocks, saves—and a win to celebrate. Happy Birthday weekend Coops and Alys and what a way to mark it: three points wrapped up and taken home.

Match Report

The Storm and the Salvation

And lo, after many weeks wandering in the wilderness of illness, injury, and absence, the Slazenger Ladies 1s were finally restored to full strength. A complete squad assembled once more on home turf, ready to face the visitors from Lindum under ominous, cloud-laden skies. From the first whistle, Slazenger played with the fire of Pentecost — intensity, purpose, and faith in one another. The early passages of play were filled with promise as the forwards pressed and tested the Lindum defence time and again. At last, salvation came through Mollie, who struck the opening goal after persistent pressure — her reward for belief and hard graft.

But as with all good tales, temptation followed triumph. Lindum, not to be outdone, mounted attacks of their own, sending waves of pressure upon the steadfast Slazenger defence. Yet Emma, Rebecca, Bella, Eliz, and Marissa stood like disciples at the gate — resolute, unyielding, and backed by the fearless young guardian Ami, whose saves shone brighter than the rainbow soon to come.

Still, the Slazengers’ faith did not waver. Another barrage of attacking play from the midfielders Amelia and Zoe led to Frankie finding the net, doubling the lead before the blessed interval. With oranges for communion and the wise words of Ailish (a prophet returned to the sideline), the team prepared for the second half — a test of endurance and spirit.

However, as if to remind the faithful that no journey is without trial, Lindum struck early after the restart, slipping through the defence to claim one back. But Captain Hannah, calm and commanding, gathered her flock and restored order, distributing the ball with vision and grace. Mollie, Millie, and Alys continued to torment the Lindum defence, ensuring their prayers for respite went unanswered.

Then came the deluge — Storm Amy descended from the heavens, and the rain fell as though the floodgates had been opened. The pitch became a sea of puddles, sticks splashed, and passes flowed like rivers. Yet amid the chaos, Slazengers endured. Their reward came through Millie, cool and composed, who slotted home the third goal with divine precision.

As the final whistle blew, and the storm eased, the Slazengers emerged victorious — 3–1 the final score, a testament to unity, resilience, and faith under fire.

Next week, a local derby against Wakefield awaits — a new chapter in this season’s scripture. But for now, the gospel according to Slazengers is clear: believe, battle, and play with heart.

Man of the Match: Millie – calm, clinical, and heaven-sent.

Let us not forget Lord Coops, who surveyed the tempest from the safety of the sidelines and wisely decreed that the weather was far too unholy for her to grace the pitch. While others were baptised in the downpour, she remained dry — a figure of divine foresight (or perhaps just very good sense). We can only assume she’ll descend from on high next week, once the waters have parted and the sun has returned to the land of Slaz.

Match Report

The ladies 1’s and 2’s joined forces on Sunday for the first round of the Yorkshire cup, and both were hoping for their 1st win of the season against Lindum 2’s.

Slaz were determined from the start and applied the pressure early with Tyrrell and Field passing it around the Lindum defence to give an early lead.

Lindum hit back and tested the Slaz defence but Ritchie and keeper Wilson remained strong.

A short corner was fired passed the keeper to put Slaz 2 ahead. Not content with this, a strong cross from Whittam was anticipated by Gilbert the elder and deflected into the top corner.

Half time 3:0 - hurray

With sun in our eyes the second half started a little slower, but the team stayed strong and after much time in the attacking half Tyrrell’s Ariel shot found Gilbert the elder who batted the ball into the goal, 4:0.

Lindum broke late in the day and managed a consolation goal in the closing minutes but Slaz were already celebrating a second round tie which takes us to Thirsk in 2 weeks time
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