Slazenger Hockey Club

News

Report: 24-03-2012 – Mens 1st’s (3) vs. (3) L.A.Carnegie 3rd’s

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Slazenger mens 1st’s went into their final game of the season knowing that a win would secure their promotion ambitions, making it unlikely to be stopped by the chasing teams. Unfortunately, they could only take a tough 3-3 draw.

A depleted slaz team (including a missing Captain Will Buckley) took to the field, though struggled to make the impact they desired. The game was closely matched, with Slaz struggling to get their head in the game. Their usual fast attacking style was stifled by some poor passing and communication. This did more to help the visitors, who capitalised and scored the first goal. This was closely followed by a second, putting them ahead after 20 minutes.

Slaz fought back, with several attacks on goal only to be denied by the keeper and some strong defensive work. However, Slaz equalised before the break keeping them in the fight; a short corner effort from Richard Tudddenham

The second half proved a better performance from Slaz. they maintained their pressure and for times, their old performance appeared. The home team struck back to equalise. However, the game was far from over, with the visitors scoring a third midway through the second half. Slaz fought back again, and a well worked routine was finished off by Isaac Fisher, making it 3-3.

With minutes remaining, Slaz were given a penalty flick. Mark Swindon stepped up to take it, but put it agonisingly wide of the net.

The game ended 3-3, meaning Slaz will have to wait on other results to see whether they have achieved promotion.

Report: 24-03-2012 – Mens 2nd’s (3) vs. (4) Sheffield Bankers 7th’s

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Slazenger men’s 2nd team travelled to Sheffield university bankers 7s this weekend and narrowly lost 4-3.
 
Slaz did start sluggishly and were soon behind from a well-worked Sheffield gaol. This did make Slaz come to life after going behind and were soon the stronger team creating chances and were back on level term with a goal from Ben Graham. Not long after Sheffield were back in front, but Slaz reacted well and man of the match Anwar Al-Khaili scored twice for Slaz to lead at half time.          
 
After the break Slaz continued to pile pressure on a shaky Sheffield defence but didn’t manage to convert attack after attack, which proved costly in the end for Slaz. Sheffield levelled trough an uncharacteristic blunder from Anwar who passed the ball across his own D for Sheffield to slot home. The match continued with end-to-end hockey and it looked like a draw was going to be the likely outcome but Sheffield got a lucky short corner at the end of the match and scored from it to give them a vital win. Slaz travel to Doncaster 6s next weekend.

Report: 24-03-2012 – Mens 3rd’s (2) vs. (1) Sheffield Uni Bankers 8th’s

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Slazenger’s couldn’t have started their game against Sheffield Bankers any better with debutant Matthew Stacey neatly converting a goal scoring opportunity into the opposition goal in the 1st minute.

There were several other chances for the home side to increase their lead in the early part of the game, but Slazengers were wasteful in front of goal and the score remained 1-0.

Sheffield slowly dragged themselves back into the game by continually pressing the home side and looking to counter with long diagonal passes to their wide men.

Rowan Tejura and Paul Johnson had to work hard to stifle the opposition attacks and Man of the Match, Ste Roberts was tireless in midfield breaking down play and trying to set up counter attacks. It was in this stalemate that the away side managed to grab an equaliser with a well worked move that left the opposition attacker with an opportunity to shoot on goal which he duly took.

Half-time score 1-1.

The second half saw Slazengers begin to slightly dominate the play but once again chances were missed and shots on goal were scuffed wide. John Sykes and Andrew Birkett both worked hard trying to create themselves the time and space needed to have a shot on goal. Ian Hedges continued to press down the left flank but the home side just couldn’t break down the opposition defence with the little bit of quality that was needed.

As the half progressed the home side were getting more desperate for a winner to maintain their chances of promotion.
It was with some relief that a ball was crossed into the Sheffield goalmouth, with 10 minutes to go, that turned the defence and was pounced upon by John Sykes who gratefully shot over the outstretched keeper to score what proved to be the winner.

Slazengers saw out the remainder of the game to grab an important win.

Slazengers next game is at home to Chapeltown. 2 wins from the last 2 games will secure promotion.

Report: 25-03-2012 – Ladies 1sts (0) vs. (2) Kingston Upon Hull 1st’s

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After the drama of the Dragon’s game the day before it was natural that Slaz felt a little jaded for their trip to Hull. Glorious weather at the KC stadiumm they were greeted by a man in thick black jumper and woolly gloves who very rude to the Captain. He started to arise suspicion of the Slaz Goalie when seen arguing with a Tony Tiger mascot and loitering near the changing rooms, so she had him escorted from the premises! After all this excitement Slaz arrived at the pitch late, only to get completely soaked by the water jets and began the match on a very bouncy Hull pitch. The Hull players were clearly used to their pitch and it was evident that the Slaz players were not.
 
Nevertheless the team started well with the defence doing a sterling job of keeping the ball out of the net despite several threatening Hull attacks. Nez, Sue and Millie from the seconds stepped up admirably to assist keeping the half time score level at 0-0 with some intelligent play.  The team were grateful for all the support – as well as people travelling from Horbury, Kelly had also enlisted another local wierdo who cheered her on from behind the fence, drinking a can of lager.
 
To the suprise of the Slaz team, the pitch was again watered after half time, allegedly to stop the ball bouncing as much but this did not really seem to work. The Hull defence were solid and thwarted any attacking play leaving Slaz frustrated. Despite battling hard to maintain the 0-0 scoreline, in the last 15 minutes Hull piled the pressure on and were rewarded with their first goal which bobbled over the line, shortly followed by their second goal which sealed the game for them and a chance of moving closer towards Slaz in the table.
 
Only one match to go now which is on Wednesday night against local rivals Chapeltown. 8.15 pushback so if anyone fancies giving us support it would be gratefully appreciated.

Report: 24-03-2012 – Ladies 1sts (0) vs. (0) Huddersfield Dragons 1st’s

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Saturday’s match report below: Slazenger Ladies I team hosted Huddersfield Dragons in the much anticipated return leg of the local derby.  Dragons started their pre-match warm up full of confidence based upon their strong encounter in the pre-Xmas match which resulted in a win for the Huddersfield based side.  However, a buoyant Slazengers were full of determination to ensure they provided a tough match for the opposition and the Dragon slaying commenced. 
 
Slazengers dominated throughout the first half with great distribution from MOM midfielder Ailish Hendry.  Dragons opened up the 2nd half with continued pressure from their forward line but the Slazenger defence denied Dragons at every opportunity. 
 
Kelly Whittam took up the Slazenger warrior mantle in place of the injured Hobbsie and put her body on the line on many occasions.  The despondent visitors began to lose momentum and their team spirit began to unravel.  Slazengers won multiple penalty corners but unfortunately couldn’t find the back board.  Slazenger keeper Eleanor Townend kept Slazengers in the match by denying a number of shots in the dying minutes of the game which resulted in a 0-0 draw.