TestL1

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!

Match Report

Slazengers Weather the Storm to Drench Doncaster 8–2

The heavens opened on Saturday leaving spectators wondering if they should have brought snorkels instead of umbrellas, but it was Doncaster Ladies 2s who found themselves truly washed away as Slazenger Ladies 1s stormed to an 8–2 victory. After last week’s undeserved loss, this felt like the perfect downpour of goals to clear the skies and brighten spirits.

It did not take Slaz long to find their footing on the soggy turf. Captain Hannah broke the deadlock, slotting home to set the tone. Emma followed with a strike of her own before providing an assist for Alys — who, in her debut senior season, has clearly been soaking up her deflection drills in training. Doncaster briefly found a ray of hope by pulling it back to 3–1, but the clouds soon gathered again. The juniors shone through the downpour, proving to be Slaz’s silver lining — their skill and confidence growing like sunshine breaking through the storm clouds.

Then came Frankie’s thunderbolt moment. Somehow, she squeezed the ball under the keeper’s armpit, threading it through like she was sewing a patch on a raincoat — her career highlight to date. The central trio of Emma, Frankie, and Hannah swirled around the pitch like a low-pressure system, shifting play with fluency, while Hannah marshalled proceedings from centre back with the authority of a weather forecaster calling the shots.

Emma later tried her luck with a penalty flick but, true to the weather, it went straight down the middle like a rain shower on the keeper’s chest — wet, but not particularly threatening. Thankfully Amelia swept home just before half-time to make it 5–1, leaving Slaz walking on sunshine at the break.

The second half brought more stormy pressure. Juniors Millie and Amelia linked up beautifully, executing passages of play straight out of training, like rain running exactly where the gutters intended. Emma added another goal to the list but Doncaster did manage to find a second after Zoe’s foot in the D — a puddle of a mistake, still causing ripples from last week’s antics - maybe she will start taking on board Frankie’s advice. But it barely dampened Slaz’s downpour of goals with Coops conjuring two more goals — one a sensational strike lashed in on the bounce, flying over the keeper’s head like a gale-force wind.

Player of the Match went to Captain Hannah for her commanding performance at the back, distributing play like a seasoned meteorologist charting clear skies. Tart votes, meanwhile, were shared: Hannah for forgetting both the match balls (again) and half-time oranges, and Emma for her flick — proof that not all showers are dangerous.

With the clouds lifted, this was a performance full of confidence, flair, and promise. Next week’s forecast? A trip to Leeds Uni, where Slaz will be hoping for more of the same — and perhaps, finally, some hockey balls and oranges.
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Match Report

After last week’s game slid out effortlessly — a dominant 8–2 win over Doncaster that was as smooth and satisfying as they come — this week was... not that.

Playing against a lively Leeds Uni side, we struggled to get anything going. The whole match felt like an uphill battle: slow to start, awkward in transition, and everything just that little bit harder than it needed to be. Leeds didn’t score anything particularly special, but somehow the scrappy, bouncing mess always seemed to work in their favour. Right place, right time — every time. But even in a performance that felt clunky and hard to shift, we found some moments of relief.
Millie opened our account after a rogue, bobbly ball squirmed through a crowd of players. It wasn’t pretty, but she was there to guide it in — a gritty finish in a messy passage of play.

Emma followed it up with a far more satisfying moment, the result of Frankie going absolutely feral through the midfield. She bulldozed her way past defenders like she’d been possessed, leaving Leeds in disarray and Emma with a clean shot. Clinical. Cathartic. Just what we needed. Defensively, Eliz was a wall. Calm, composed, and constantly in the right place, she pulled off some perfectly timed tackles and kept the back line from completely unravelling. She rightly took Player of the Match for her consistency and command. Alys, brand new to ladies hockey and still fresh-faced, looked like she'd been playing for years. Calm under pressure, cool in tight spaces — not a single moment of panic. One to watch.

Zoe was relentless — up and down the pitch all game, pressing, tracking, and generally running herself into the ground. A real shift put in from first whistle to last. And Frankie… dear god. The chaos she brought was unmatched. Aggression, energy, and limbs flying. She left parts of the Leeds midfield questioning their life choices — and left herself with Tart of the Day honours for a mysteriously sore bum cheek. We didn’t ask.

It wasn’t the smooth, free-flowing performance we wanted — more stop-start, awkward, and harder to move than it should’ve been — but sometimes that’s how it goes. We’re shaking it off, regrouping, and looking ahead to next week, when the full squad’s back and we can get things shifting properly again."

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

On the sun-baked plains of Wakefield, the warriors of Slazenger marched to battle upon a *water-based pitch that had not tasted water since Caesar was a boy*. The ground was dry, the dust rose, and the omens were unclear. The enemy struck first, stealing a goal against the run of play. But our shieldmaiden Hannah, captain of the defence, rallied the troops. She led the legion forward, until the ball found Coops, standing alone in the enemy’s D. With no foe brave enough to challenge, she struck true – 1-1, the crowd roared.

Behind her, the defensive wall of Hannah, Marissa, Bella, and Eliz held fast like Roman shields at the Colosseum gates. Yet scandal echoed across the amphitheatre when Amelia was cut down in the D and the umpire – blind as a soothsayer’s goat – saw nothing! Clearly, he had not read the scroll that said: *“Thy task is to watch the game and make decisions.” The forwards pressed. Alys, ever the scout, darted into open space like a cunning gladiator. At a short corner, Emma loosed a strike, Coops deflected, and the scoreboard favoured Slaz: 2-1. Then Hannah herself, no longer content to defend, unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the D: 3-1. The people chanted her name.

At half-time, wise Coach Isaac spoke as generals do: “Die by the sword.” The second act saw Frankie, Emma, Amelia, and Rebecca command the midfield, marshalling the ball like Roman cavalry. Eliz stormed the right flank, laying down tackles with the precision of a seasoned legionnaire. Soon Alys struck — sliding in a finish from Coops’ cross. 4-1, and Slaz seemed in control. GK Ami cleared with bravery, repelling the invaders.

But fate is cruel. Against the run of play, Wakefield clawed back three goals. Some claimed skill, others muttered darkly: “Well played, umpires…” With the score tied at 4-4, Slaz fought to the final whistle but could not find the winner.

Still, the honours of battle were shared:
Player of the Match: Alys, for cunning movement and a clinical strike.
Tart of the Day: Frankie, for bellowing at spectators louder than any Roman trumpet.
As Coach Isaac declared: “They defend a lot, so they’re getting quite good at it.” And so, the dust settles. The battle ends in stalemate. But the legions of Slazenger live to fight another day.

Match Report

A Second-Half Surge Seals the Victory

On a crisp autumn afternoon, Slazenger Ladies took to the pitch against a well-drilled York side in what turned out to be a nail-biting, high-energy clash. The opening whistle saw Slazenger take a calm and calculated approach, focusing on structure and defensive discipline. With players holding their shape and taking time to read their opposition’s movements, the early minutes were a tactical chess match.

However, York managed to break the deadlock with an early goal, capitalising on a brief generalised lapse in concentration. Slazenger responded with flashes of intent but were caught again on the counter. A superb response, culminating in a well worked goal taken by Amelia Sykes kept Slazenger in the game. York took a 2–1 lead heading into halftime.

A well-needed team debrief and a tactical reshuffle during the break brought new energy onto the pitch. With Emma dropping into centre back, Slazenger gained the strength they needed. Defenders ( now Emma, Eliz, Marisa, Bella, and Lisa) had an unbeatable back line, composed like a brick wall. Slazenger began to take control of the game. The defence’s patience and precision in transferring the ball created openings, and it was only a matter of time before the breakthrough came.

Hannah found herself in space at the top of the D, and with determination and power, unleashed a thunderous shot that nearly tore through the net — levelling the score at 2–2. The crowd erupted as Slazenger clawed their way back into the contest. The momentum shift was palpable. Midfield dynamo Frankie, alongside Hannah, Becca, and Laura, orchestrated the game with intelligent runs, crisp passes, and relentless energy. York pushed back, attempting to break through, but were met with a wall of resistance from keeper Ami, who delivered a string of crucial saves — including some fearless dives and decisive kicks to clear the D.

A pivotal moment came when half-back Bella made a blistering run up the flank, sending a perfect ball sailing into the D. Alys brought it down with composure and slotted it home to give Slazenger the lead for the first time. 3–2. Now in control, Slazenger turned up the heat. Wave after wave of attacking plays followed, with short corners and shots raining in. Marisa, with tireless leading runs and tactical awareness, was everywhere — opening up space and driving the team forward. Her all-round performance earned her a clean sweep of Player of the Week votes. Captain Hannah kept the team glued together with constant communication and leadership from the centre, ensuring the formation held strong under pressure.

As the clock ticked down, York pushed hard for an equaliser, but Ami stood tall — putting her body on the line with match-defining saves to preserve the lead. The final whistle blew to cheers from the side-lines. Slazenger 3, York 2 — a well-earned victory forged from teamwork, resilience, and second-half brilliance. The team spirit was lifted higher, thanks to the generosity of the Sykes family who knitted glamorous tart and player headbands. Final Score: Slazenger 3 – 2 York

Player of the Match: Marisa who donned the victory headband
Tart of the match: Frankie who despite the title, wore the headband with great panache!

Match Report

A great result for the Ladies 1s with a hard-earned 2–1 win away at Brigg 1sts.

We started well, moving the ball quickly and creating early chances. Sarah Sykes opened the scoring with a smart finish after a strong team build-up. Brigg levelled the match before halftime, but we kept our composure and stayed on the front foot.

In the second half, Frankie Tyrrell grabbed what proved to be the winner with a well-placed strike. The defence held firm under pressure, and some solid work in midfield helped see the game out.

A brilliant all-round performance and a deserved three points on the road.

Match Report

Under the glow of Bonfire Night skies, Slazenger took to the pitch ready to bring the fireworks in their clash against Driffield. From the first whistle, Slaz came out strong, showing crisp passing, solid communication, and effective transfers across the back. Emma was a rock in defence, patrolling the backline with confidence, while Ami made some excellent saves to keep Driffield’s attack at bay.

Despite the bright start, Driffield managed to steal an early goal in the opening minutes, and later snuck in another. But Slaz refused to let the fire go out — and it wasn’t long before Hannah struck back, slotting home a goal to get Slaz on the scoreboard and reignite the team’s energy.

After a quick half-time huddle, Slaz returned to the pitch determined to turn up the heat. The midfield worked tirelessly, pushing play forward and keeping the pressure on in the attacking D. Hannah continued her red-hot form, firing in two more goals to complete a stunning Bonfire Night hat-trick.

Despite Slaz’s relentless pressure and moments of real brilliance, Driffield managed to sneak in one more goal before the final whistle, leaving the match to finish 4–3 in Driffield’s favour.

It was a fiery contest full of passion, teamwork, and determination — proof that Slaz have plenty of spark left for the season ahead!

Final Score: Slazenger 3 – 4 Driffield
Player of the Match: Hannah – for a hat-trick performance that lit up the pitch.
Tart of the Match: Imo – for getting a bit lost in the Bonfire Night chaos!

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

The Slippery Fields of Slazengers

On a cold and gloomy day in the kingdom of Horbury, our brave young hockey heroes set out onto the enchanted field. A hard winter breeze swept across the turf, carrying whispers of challenge and adventure. An early ominous sign of gloom bestowed its self on the Slaz heroines as Millie attempted the push back from the wrong line. Before they had even settled into their battle lines, a mischievous early strike from the opposing clan slipped past our defenders—catching our middle lines out of position and pushing them back from the wrong magical boundary. By the time the sun hid behind the clouds again, the scoreboard read 2–0 at half-time.

Following a tough & frustrated team talk, The horn called the heroes back for the second half and our chosen ones started much stronger, every quest has its champions, and Frankie was first to rise—darting up the wing like a swift woodland sprite, weaving through cold air, stunned defenders and gloomy shadows. Hannah, though frustrated, fought on with the fire of a woodland warrior. Millie & Alys harried the front line and the overworked defence bravely, standing firm like a stone pillars of the ancient ruins.

Attention wavered at times (even heroes can be distracted by swirling winter magic), but when they focused, the team strung together long passes and quick little spells that shimmered across the frosted turf. Amelia burst forward with excellent runs, as though guided by enchanted boots. One bright moment came when Millie dashed forward and sent a clever pass to Frankie, forcing the rival keeper into a scrambling dance to protect their goal. The team worked tirelessly—never giving up, even as the cold tried to slow their spirits.

In the defensive circle, our heroes attempted a short-corner spell, but the magic fizzled and the ball rolled straight through our warriors to the enemy attacker. The opposing team were well-drilled—almost as though trained by ancient forest guardians—and they took full advantage. At 4–0, even the bravest hearts felt the chill but “Play well, heroes—and raise your heads. Every quest leads to the next adventure.

Yet despite the wintry hardship, our squad showed courage, improvement, and the spark of future triumphs. The final message from the enchanted field was clear: Defeated heads shall be raised, The Slaz fight and spirit shall return, dust yourselves down brave hearts. This team will raise from the ashes of defeat, thou shalt triumph once again and conquer the hallowed fields of Harrogate.

Match Report

Slazenger Serve Up a Sweet Slice of Victory in Harrogate

On a crisp, chilly Harrogate morning—the kind perfectly suited for warm scones and steaming pots of Earl Grey—Slazenger arrived ready to whisk up something delicious against their hosts. With an average age of 23, the travelling side brought a delightful blend of fresh éclairs and well-proved fruit loaves; a mixture of youthful bounce and seasoned reliability.

It was the *experienced* layer of the cake that broke the deadlock. Coops, ever the crafty baker, pilfered the ball from a faffing defender on a 16-yard hit-out—like swiping the last bun from the counter when no one’s looking—and sent a high, crisp shot straight into the top shelf. A proper ginger-snap of a finish, giving Slazenger a 1–0 lead to savour.

Through midfield, Hannah danced like she was twirling through the tearoom with a silver cake stand, gliding past challenges with the grace of a perfectly iced fondant fancy. Meanwhile, debutant Lauren — swiftly dubbed 'Mini Emma'—served up defensive tackles as smooth and reliable as a clotted-cream dollop. Alongside her, the backline trio of Senior Citizen Emma (adding maturity like a vintage fruitcake), Eliz, and Becca battled with the density and determination of a well-baked Yorkshire parkin.

The second half saw Slazenger dominate possession like a table overflowing with afternoon tea delights. But despite the pressure, the extra helpings wouldn’t come. Coops narrowly missed a back-post tap-in—like a profiterole just slipping off the fork—followed by an opposition foot on the goal line that went unnoticed by the umpires, who were perhaps distracted by their frequent tea-break-style chats with the captains. Chances for Arina and Alys rolled just wide, like rogue currants escaping a scone.

That second half felt longer than queueing for Betty’s on a Saturday, but when the final whistle finally chimed like a polite teacup on saucer, the scoreboard remained a sweet, satisfying 1–0 to Slazenger.

Three points secured, the perfect pastry tucked neatly into the tin. Slazenger now look forward to next week’s home fixture against Scarborough—hoping to serve up another delicious performance.

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!

Match Report

Walkover Awarded to Slazenger HC. University of Leeds unable to raise a side.

Match Report

Slaz finally shook off the Christmas hibernation and came roaring back to life with an energetic and ruthless performance against Doncaster, running out deserved 5–1 winners after controlling long spells of the match.

From the push back, it was clear Slaz had swapped mince pies for momentum. Early pressure pinned Doncaster back, with Zoe threading a superb through ball to Coops, whose first effort was unfortunately penalised for being too high. The warning signs were there though. Frankie soon slipped Coops in again with a clever reverse pass, while Eliz showed her sharpness early, firing a brilliant ball out of defence to keep Slaz on the front foot.

The opening five minutes were relentless. Emma’s shot from the top of the D forced a good save from the Doncaster keeper after slick passing play, while Emma also stood firm at the back, cutting out early balls and organising the defence. Slaz’s midfield pressed tirelessly, forcing errors and winning possession high up the pitch. Amelie earned a short corner after sustained pressure, and although Emma’s effort was saved, the pressure never let up.

Wave after wave of Slaz attacks followed. Zoe and Coops combined again inside the D, narrowly missing the target, before a rare Doncaster break resulted in a short corner, conceded by Matilda. Against the run of play, Doncaster snuck the ball low into the corner to take a surprise lead.

The response was instant and emphatic. Becca intercepted brilliantly in midfield, fed Coops, who linked with Millie before Slaz levelled at 1–1. Moments later, another short corner saw Frankie’s strike deflect off Emma and loop into the top corner – a goal that perfectly summed up Slaz’s hunger and alertness since waking from their festive slumber.

Slaz smelt blood. Constant pressure earned more short corners, with Emma again testing the keeper. Frankie and Amelie bossed the midfield, Millie narrowly missed a chance, and Kez tore down the line before feeding Zoe, only for Doncaster to scramble the ball clear. The respite was brief – another short was converted by Alys to make it 3–1.

Defensively, Slaz were just as sharp. Eliz shut down a dangerous Doncaster break, while the press continued to suffocate any attempt to play out. Just before half time, Matilda produced a superb forward pass to Millie, earning another short. Frankie’s shot was saved, but Coops reacted quickest to bury the rebound and send Slaz into the break 4–1 up.

The second half began with more evidence that Slaz were fully awake now. Matilda turned defence into attack, Coops drove into the D, and although her shot went wide, the intent was clear. A moment of frustration followed as Coops picked up a green card for a deliberate kick, giving Doncaster a brief spell of possession.

Doncaster tried to build momentum early in the half, earning a series of short corners, but Ami was in unbeatable form, making three excellent saves, including one from an unmarked attacker in the D. Slaz weathered the pressure and quickly reasserted control. Coops won a long corner, attacks were snuffed out at the back, and more chances followed at the other end, with shots just missing the target.

The fifth goal finally came through Alys, after some beautiful build-up play and an initial save by the goalkeeper. Slaz hunted in packs through the midfield, keeping Doncaster trapped in their own half and looking every bit like a side that had fully shaken off any festive rust.

One last Doncaster attack was calmly dealt with by Ami, sealing a comprehensive and confident 5–1 victory.

After their Christmas hibernation, Slaz are well and truly awake – sharp, hungry, and back to playing fast, fearless hockey.

Match Report

Right from the start, Slazengers looked to dominate possession, spending plenty of time in Wakefield’s half. Ami was solid in goal, commanding her area calmly as Matilda and Emma formed a reliable defensive line alongside Eliz and Bella. The midfield trio of Amelia, Zoe, and Frankie worked hard to recycle possession, with Imo dropping back regularly to support the middle. Becca’s pressing and movement combined well with Coops, while up front, Alys and Millie looked to create openings and keep the pressure on.

Around the 5-minute mark, Frankie tested the keeper with a powerful shot that was well blocked. Matilda and Emma’s accurate passing helped transition play swiftly to the forward line, with Coops driving decisively into the D to win the first short corner of the match at 15 minutes. Though the corner was missed, Slaz kept up the intensity.

A high ball from Wakefield struck Alys in the leg but led to another short corner for Slaz shortly after, showing the team’s persistence. Emma’s quick interceptions and strong defensive work caused problems for Wakefield, leading to a slick build-up involving Matilda, Amelia, and Millie, who earned a short corner. Emma’s strike on that set piece was blocked but demonstrated the team’s attacking threat.
Ami continued to make important saves as the half ended with the teams locked in a tight battle.

The second half continued with hard tackling and midfield scrambles. Millie sent several strong balls forward, while Becca and Alys combined well near the D, though they couldn’t quite break through Wakefield’s defence. Eliz’s strong tackling helped stem some of Wakefield’s attacks, and Imo’s energetic runs down the line kept Slaz pushing.

About eight minutes in, Wakefield broke through after a fierce battle in the Slaz D, managing to score the only goal of the match. Despite this setback, Slazengers kept their heads up. Frankie and Amelia linked well in attack, and a sharp pass from Frankie set Amelia up for some dangerous play. Becca’s tough work was interrupted when she was tripped by a Wakefield player, briefly halting momentum.

Slazengers earned several short corners in succession later on, with Emma’s exceptional drag-flick narrowly missing the top corner. Ami made some crucial saves to keep the scoreline close, demonstrating her composure. Despite Slaz’s best efforts, the game ended 0-1.

Player of the Match: Eliz, for playing a brilliant game with smooth tackles. Tart of the Match: Hannah, for starting a riot with a grumpy parent in the car park

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

Slazenger Ladies 1s were back in action against Brigg this weekend, and after last week’s ice-induced cancellation, it genuinely felt like we’d gone from Antarctica to April. Blue skies, a bit of spring sunshine, and—despite being a few key players down thanks to some selfishly timed holidays—Slaz turned up in a very warm mood and put on a proper team performance to win 5–0.

From the first whistle there was loads to like: crisp link-ups from defence through midfield into the forwards, plenty of movement, and a back line that kept things tidy. Brigg had a few moments in the first half, but none of their chances found the net—and when they did get close, Ami in goal decided she simply wasn’t allowing it. She pulled off a string of unreal saves, kept the clean sheet, and rightly took Player of the Match. In front of her, the defensive unit worked like it had been spring-cleaned: organised, sharp, and calm under pressure.

The scoring started at 12 minutes. After a great cross from Emma, Coops got the all-important touch to send it across goal, and Millie—posted perfectly at the back —slotted it home for 1–0. Coops was next, getting a clever deflection from an Emma short corner strike at the top of the D to make it 2–0. Brigg tried to hit back with some quick breaks, forcing Slaz to scramble and recover, but just before half time Zoe produced a glorious sequel to her Brigg-away tomahawk: a perfectly struck effort from a harsh angle that made its way toward goal, where Millie was again in the right place at the right time to deflect it in (or, depending who you ask, bravely protect herself). 3–0 at half time, and Slaz were flying.

Brigg came out properly fired up in the second half and Slaz had to work. Tilda and Bella put in some cracking tackles, Marissa was a steady (and loud) organiser at centre back, and Becca kept finding acres of space down the right side-line. Brigg even had a short corner goal disallowed after the first strike was above the backboard—but they moved it smartly and kept asking questions. Slaz weathered it, found the tempo again, and the front line started stretching play: Alys and Coops made some great runs, Lucy and Amelia worked tirelessly in midfield to drive the line and pick out passes, and eventually the pressure told. After a strong move down the left, the ball spent an age flirting with the goal line before Coops popped up to tap it in for 4–0. Then—after what looked like an active decision not to score—Emma finally gave in. A great run from Millie and a pass across to the right at the top of the D, Emma calmly slotted home for 5-0.

And because every sunny win needs a little comedy: with two goals already, Coops was encouraged to go for a tomahawk. It was valiant. It was ambitious. It was… chaos. The ball was missed, the stick left her hands, and the side-line collectively winced. Add in being far too busy chatting to Brigg’s centre back, and Coops secured Tart of the Day with ease.

A brilliant all-round performance, a clean sheet, and proper spring energy throughout. Next week: top of the league.

Match Report

Slaz made the trip to Driffield this weekend, starting the day in entertaining fashion when one player improvised their red kit with a vintage T-shirt and distinctive sock combination! The team began well, with Emma and Eliz commanding at centre back. Millie and Alys worked tirelessly up front, pressing and creating space. Driffield earned the first short corner, but Ami made a solid save and the defence cleared the danger. Slaz responded well, with Coops winning a short corner and Emma narrowly missing the target.

Zoe worked hard in both attah and defence, leading the team well. Frankie and Amelia combined effectively on the right wing, while Marissa and Bella defended strongly throughout the half. Driffield managed to take the lead just before half-time from a short corner. After a quick refuel (jelly babies included!), Slaz continued to battle against a strong home side in the second half. Lucy and Becca kept running hard in midfield. Although the final score finished 7–0, there were clear positives in teamwork, effort and resilience. With Driffield likely to be in promoted, this could well be our last trip there for a while — and we wish them well for the remainder of their season.

Plenty to take forward as we look ahead to the next fixture - preferably nearer a Costa!

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.

Match Report

Crufts Canine Classic: Slazengers Show Their Pedigree at York

Sunday morning arrived with a mixture of weary limbs and determined spirits. Some of the players had played the day before, some were delicately managing hangovers, others were nursing various aches and strains—while a few had somehow arrived fresh as a daisy and ready to enter the arena. Either way, the team assembled and travelled to face City of York Hockey Club in what felt less like a routine league match and more like stepping into the ring at Crufts.

This twice-rearranged fixture required such a reshuffle of talent that an entirely new WhatsApp kennel—sorry, team chat—had to be created just to keep the pack organised.

With players drawn from the Ladies 1s, 2s and 3s, Slazengers fielded a proud and experienced pack for the early Sunday outing. This week’s average age sat comfortably in the early thirties—seasoned competitors very much in their pedigree prime. York, by comparison, looked more like the puppy class, with perhaps only one player appearing to have reached veteran status.

Standing firm between the posts like a loyal show champion was Ami in goal. In front of her, Eliz, Bella, Lisa, Sarah, Emma, and Nat formed a defensive unit as dependable and disciplined as a pack of well-trained sheepdogs—alert to every movement and quick to herd away any danger that wandered too close to the circle.

In midfield, Frankie, Zoe, Amelia and Rebecca worked tirelessly, darting about like enthusiastic agility competitors—sniffing out space, chasing every loose ball, and keeping York on their heels.

York moved the ball well early on, setting up in a three-quarter press with a tendency to collapse around the player in possession. But much like a pack of overexcited terriers chasing the same toy, this approach left space elsewhere on the pitch—something Slazengers were quick to exploit with sharp passing and well-timed breakaways.

The breakthrough came around ten minutes in. A free hit inside the York 22 presented an opportunity for Slazengers to display their best-in-show routine. The ball was played back to Emma in the middle, who unleashed a perfectly weighted crash ball into the D. Waiting there like a poised champion in the ring was Caro, forward extraordinaire. With her very first touch of the match, she produced a deft deflection past the York keeper to give Slazengers a deserved 1–0 lead.

Up front, Ellie, Justine and goal-scorer Caro led the attacking line with blistering pace, making speedy runs reminiscent of the lightning-fast dashes seen in Flyball—charging forward at every opportunity and keeping the York defence constantly on the back paw.

Despite York’s persistent advances, they simply couldn’t find a way through the Slazengers back line. Time and again their attacks were sniffed out, chased down, and firmly sent packing—like a determined guard dog protecting its territory. Every attempted break was met with calm composure and a wag-of-the-tail confidence from the defence, ensuring Ami’s goal remained securely guarded.

All in all, it was a performance worthy of a rosette: experience, teamwork, and a clinical finish that separated the pedigree performers from the pups.

Best in Show: Caro
Who pooped in the arena (aka Tart of the day): Frankie — for being green carded after making a proper dog’s dinner of a tackle with the back stick.

Slazengers proved that while York may have had youth on their side, sometimes experience—and a well-trained pack—wins the day.

Match Report

On a glorious sunny afternoon that practically screamed ice cream weather, the Ladies 1s travelled to Pocklington hoping to scoop up some points. After an essential pre-match photoshoot featuring the full age spectrum of the squad — from the youthful 13-year-old to the experienced 41-year-old — the team decided it was probably time to warm up and actually play some hockey on what turned out to be a very bouncy pitch.

With Eliz and Emma holding the defensive sundae together at centre back, flanked by Tilda at right back and Marissa at left back, Slaz looked solid early on. The back line made several good tackles and clearances to keep Pocklington at bay as the game began, supported by some good early saves from Ami in goal.

Slaz started brightly with plenty of early pressure. A short corner earnt by Alys led to a shot that was well saved by the keeper — the first scoop nearly served. In midfield, Zoe, Frankie, Amelia, Lucy and Becca worked hard to move the ball around and build attacks, while forwards Coops, Alys and Jess — making her Ladies 1s debut — looked to create opportunities up front. Despite the early pressure, Pocklington struck first to make it 1–0, after a shot wasn’t closed down quickly enough. Slaz continued to push forward though, with Frankie driving strongly into the D, but the attack melted away before a clear chance could form. At the back, Eliz and Emma stayed composed while Tilda and Marissa made several important tackles and strong clearances to stop further chances developing. Ami was also called into action again, making a couple of good saves to keep Slaz in the game.

Pocklington then added a second when an attacker was given time close to goal to strike, making it 2–0. Slaz responded with some lovely play down the left, Zoe and Amelia combining beautifully before pinging a ball into the D. The third goal came from a short corner, with the shot taking an unlucky deflection off a Slaz defender and trickling in. Slaz kept pressing though. Emma stepped forward to take a shot which earned a short corner, but the effort went just wide. Half time: 3–0

After a stern but motivating team talk from Hannah at the break, Slaz came out for the second half like a team promised unlimited ice cream. The defence of Eliz, Emma, Tilda and Marissa continued to put in solid tackles and clearances, allowing the midfield unit of Zoe, Amelia, Lucy and Becca to push higher and control much more of the play. Early pressure earned Slaz a short corner which Pocklington defended well, followed by another soon after.

Jess then produced a brilliant run up front but was taken down by a Pocklington defender, who was shown a yellow card. Slaz continued to press. Jess worked tirelessly up front and earned a free hit after a quick counter attack. The ball found Frankie who fired a first-time shot into a defender’s legs to win another short corner, again defended by Pocklington. The second half saw some of Slaz’s best hockey. Frankie produced some skilful play to win yet another short corner, but the keeper made a strong save. Jess continued causing problems for the defence, turning a defender inside out before being fouled to stop the attack.

Coops then spun sharply and fired a quick snap shot that flashed just wide — a near scoop of success. Emma also had the final effort of the game, just missing the target. Despite dominating much of the second half and playing some excellent hockey across defence, midfield and attack, Slaz couldn’t quite find the goal their play deserved.

Final score: 3–0

Player of the Match: Jess – a brilliant Ladies 1s debut, working tirelessly in attack and causing constant problems for the defence.
Tart of the Match: Shared between Alys and Coops for stepping into the D at a short corner, meaning poor Amelia as injector had to trot all the way back to the halfway line. With the sun still shining and spirits high despite the result, the team finished the day in the only appropriate way — stopping for some well-earned ice cream. Next week the Ladies 1s return home for the final game of the season, where they will be hoping to finish on a sweet note against Harrogate.

Match Report

No match report available.