Slazenger
vs.
Leeds 4
All Fixtures
Match Report
It was less “winter sport” and more “summer series” as Slaz Ladies 1s welcomed Leeds W4s on a glorious, slightly suspiciously warm afternoon. The sun was shining, temperatures were high and by full-time a few players were looking less match-ready and more freshly laminated after catching a bit too much sun.
Slaz arrived with a strong squad and started the game brightly, enjoying plenty of possession in the first half and moving the ball well across the pitch. There were some lovely transfers around the back — exactly what we like to see — while the defence communicated brilliantly when picking up runners and keeping things organised. Erin was calling the shots from the back, keeping everyone switched on inside the D.
At the other end, Slaz managed to win more short corners than we would perhaps like to put into writing… particularly given that absolutely none of them found the back of the net. Plenty of opportunities, plenty of ideas, just missing that final touch.
Unfortunately, Leeds made the most of some scrappy play inside the Slaz D to bundle the ball home and take the lead. A second followed after a break in play, with Erin doing everything she could to close down the space, but Leeds managed to squeeze it past her to send Slaz into half-time 2–0 down.
But if there's one thing Slaz don't do, it's pack up and go home early.
The effort levels stayed high, with Frankie putting in an unbelievable shift and Amelia and Melissa causing problems with some brilliant runs and individual skill. All three were more than worthy of the player-of-the-match votes they picked up. The second half started much like the first — with Slaz winning yet more short corners. Eventually, though, the pressure told. Emma stepped up at the top of the D and absolutely leathered one goalward, with a deflection taking it past the keeper to finally get Slaz on the scoreboard.
2–1. Game on.
Not long afterwards, Lou got on the end of some great open play to bring Slaz level at 2–2, and suddenly the momentum had completely shifted. The forwards kept running, pressing and causing chaos, with Rebecca eventually being completely wiped out by Leeds inside the D. Penalty stroke. Up stepped Lou. Pressure? What pressure? She sent it top bins to complete the comeback and put Slaz 3–2 ahead. Up the Trin.
From there, Slaz had to show a different side of their game — keeping possession, staying organised and managing the closing stages. The final whistle confirmed a brilliant 3–2 comeback win, showing plenty of character after going two goals behind. Player of the Match: Melissa, for some fantastic running, skill and relentless work throughout the game.
Next up: Lindum.
And then, once the hockey duties are done, attention turns to another rather important fixture… Wakey in the Super League Grand Final. 👀🏉
Perhaps the comeback spirit is already rubbing off. Up the Slaz 💚🤍❤️. Up the Trin 💙🤍❤️
Squad
Match Report
Spring had officially sprung, the sun was pretending it might stay out for more than seven minutes, and Slazenger arrived ready for a tough afternoon against Leeds. We knew this was going to be a challenge, so preparations began in the most professional way possible: blasting absolute bangers in the changing room. However, it quickly became clear just how young this Slaz side is. Several players looked at the playlist with the same expression you’d give to ancient cave drawings. The classics were met with confused stares, polite nods, and at least one “What song is this?”—a sentence that should frankly be illegal when absolute bangers are involved. Once the generational music debate subsided, the warm-up began—and it was intense. Players looked sharp, focused, and fully up for the game. When the match started, that same energy carried straight onto the pitch.
Slaz began with clear instructions and three simple targets: mark players closely, communicate loudly and precisely, and work relentlessly for the ball. For large parts of the opening spell, this was exactly what we saw. Slaz communicated well and worked hard to stay organised. Unfortunately, Leeds proved why they’re a strong side. As concentration dipped slightly in a few areas, Leeds were quick to capitalise—sneaking in a couple of tap-in goals that felt like the sporting equivalent of someone quietly stealing the last biscuit when no one’s looking. Behind it all, Ami in goal was outstanding. She stood strong and repeatedly battered back the Leeds attack, pulling off saves and keeping Slaz in the fight. In front of her, Emma and Eliz worked tirelessly in defence, forcing Leeds into mistakes and doing their best to move the ball up field. Despite the effort, the first half finished 3–0 to Leeds.
The second half, however, told a very different story. Slaz came out firing and dominated possession—holding the ball for around 70% of the half. The only thing missing was the finishing touch. Chance after chance built up, but the goal just refused to arrive, as if the net had decided it was taking the afternoon off. Millie worked relentlessly off the ball, constantly making runs and stretching the Leeds defence. Amelia—officially the smallest player on the pitch—was also one of the most formidable. She challenged every Leeds player physically and then added a layer of skill that seemed to leave opponents both confused and slightly offended.
Frankie, battling through a cold, put in a determined performance. Not only did she keep going, but she did so despite being taken out at one point and picking up a hefty whack to the leg. Clearly the cold had not affected her commitment—just possibly her patience. Marisa stepped up the communication in the second half, constantly making calls and boosting team morale. The energy lifted across the team and the pressure on Leeds grew.
In the end, the second half finished 0–0. The final score remained 3–0 to Leeds, but Slaz certainly deserved a goal for their efforts. While it wasn’t the result we wanted, there’s a lot to take away from the match: strong spells of possession, excellent individual efforts, and a clear demonstration of what the team can do when communication and work rate stay high. Plenty to build on—and next time we might even educate the squad on what counts as a proper changing-room banger.
Squad
Match Report
On a miserable, rain-soaked Saturday at Weetwood Sports Centre, Slazenger took to the pitch for their league clash against Leeds Hockey Club. The weather may have been relentless, but the team’s determination burned brighter than ever.
The opening ten minutes were pure magic. Frankie, with superstar vision, fired the ball into the D, setting up Alys, who unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner. It was a moment of brilliance that lit up the gloom and gave Slazenger an early lead. Despite the downpour, the team showcased their new short corner routines, adding creativity and flair to their attacking play.
The second half saw Leeds come out stronger, using the slick surface to their advantage. They pressed hard, earning several short corners, but Slazenger's defence stood firm like true champions. Eventually, Leeds managed to equalize, making it 1–1 and setting up a tense finish under the pouring rain. Every player dug deep, showing grit and resilience to keep the score level.
Among the standout performances, Millie was relentless up front—creating chances, chasing every ball, and proving why she’s a star in the making. In defence, Lisa and Emma stayed strong, shutting down Leeds’ attacks with composure and grit, while Hannah held the middle brilliantly, linking play and keeping the team balanced. Across the pitch, teamwork shone through, with every player contributing to a performance full of heart and hustle.
The match ended in a draw, but Slazenger left the field as superstars—bold, brilliant, and undeterred by the elements. Rain or shine, this team knows how to sparkle.
Match Report
Slazenger Ladies 1s secured a well-earned 3-1 victory over Leeds in a game full of grit, teamwork, and a touch of karma. Leeds struck first with a goal from open play, capitalising on an early attacking spell. However, Slaz responded quickly, with Hannah equalising after a short corner ricocheted off a defender and rocketed into the back of the net. The home side then took the lead thanks to Emma, who converted a well-placed flick following a string of Leeds’ stick tackles.
With a 2-1 advantage at half-time, Slazenger’ defence turned into an impenetrable wall. MOM, Marissa was instrumental in the game, making crucial tackles and distributing the ball with precision. Despite winning multiple short corners, Slaz struggled to find another breakthrough. A moment of controversy arose when Zoe found the backboard in unorthodox fashion—via her boot. In a strong display of sportsmanship, Slazenger acknowledged the infringement, leading to the goal being disallowed. Mollie’s numerous ‘sitting sessions’ on the pitch earned her the coveted tart award for the day.
Justice was served late in the game when Coops sealed the win, slotting home a pass from Rudge right in front of goal. The finish was all the sweeter after Leeds’ questionable sportsmanship earlier in the match. Slazenger now turn their focus to a busy week ahead, traveling to Loughborough tomorrow for their quarter-final cup clash before wrapping up their league campaign with a trip to Pocklington next weekend.
Match Report
This evening saw us play under the lights at Weetwood.
Slazengers started strong, moving the ball with confidence and precision around the back, thanks to the accuracy and power from Marissa, Imo, Rebecca, Eliz and Bella. A powerful pass from Hannah was expertly trapped by Rudgey, who skilfully took the ball around a defender before unleashing a strong open-stick shot into the back of the net, giving Slazenger an early lead.
The defence was rock-solid, putting in strong tackles to prevent Leeds from breaking into the D. When Millie subbed on, she made an instant impact, pressing the Leeds defence and winning possession back. Up front, Mollie displayed her silky skills, effortlessly weaving through defenders.
Sustained attacking pressure earned Slazenger a free hit, which Hannah stepped up to take. Her precise strike found the back of the goal, doubling the lead to 2-0 before the break.
Slazenger came out firing again in the second half, with the forwards applying relentless pressure to regain possession, although early chances went unconverted. The team won several short corners, injected expertly by Amelia. Frankie capitalized on one, sweeping a well-timed strike into the bottom corner before celebrating with a proud bow.
The momentum stayed with Slazenger as they won another short corner. Rudgey's initial shot was saved, but Mollie reacted quickly on the rebound to slot home another goal. The junior players stepped up impressively, showing excellent channelling down the wings and well-timed tackles.
Slazenger sealed the dominant performance with another short corner, executed perfectly as Mollie found the net once again. Despite some heavy tackles flying in, captain Hannah remained composed, leading by example.
Player of the Match (Joint): Mollie & Marissa
A fantastic all-round performance from Slazengers, with strong defensive work, clinical finishing, and impressive contributions from the whole squad.
An honorable mention to our defensive team, especially the juniors, who are growing in confidence game by game. You guys are awesome!
Saturday sees us traveling to Harrogate. Fingers crossed it's another 3 points
Squad
Match Report
No match report available.
Match Report
No match report available.
