Slaz News

Report: Mens 1st's (1) vs (5) Kingston Upon Hull 2nd's

noreply@blogger.com (Ian) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:22:00 +0000

Top of the table Kingston upon Hull mens first team travelled to Slazengers expecting a walk over and although Slazengers lost out 5-1, the game was much closer than the final scoreline suggests.

As you would expect, Hull started strongly and with a number of ex-national league players, they controlled possession and territory but with no end product. It was only through the award of a disputed short corner that provided Hull with the breakthrough. Slazengers began to gather some possession of their own and good running from John Sykes and Dan Perry created some good opportunities only for them to go unconverted.

It was Hull who doubled their lead through a fast break which the Slazengers midfield weren't able to break down. Slazengers got the reward their play deserved before the break however with Ben Graham converting a Simon Chamberlain through ball to go in at the break 2-1 down. The second half began with Slazengers continuing their good play but were caught out when Hull cleared the ball quickly and converted to go 3-1 up.

Slazengers felt the goal should never have stood due to a foul in back play but the umpires were unsighted. The half continued evenly with both sides creating chances and it was only down to 2 late Hull goals that gave the scoreline a more onesided look. Dan Perry took the man of the match award for Slazengers with good contributions from Paul Wiper and Jack Kitchen.

from Ben Graham

JAC Boys assessment dates

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Wood) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:08:00 +0000

This message has been received from Phil Thomas with the dates for the boys JAC assessment days. The Girls have yet to be confirmed.

"Hi All, the coaches have spoken!!

The U16/15 groups will work off the dates outlined below with all players attending the sessions.
As competition approaches the group will be reduced to a competition group.
Rob Leighton (U16) and Tom Smith (U15) are young enthusiastic Lead Coaches with past experience of JAC Coaching/Competition and JRPC preparation, they feel confident that all players will enjoy and benefit from what they have planned.

Development Days
Under 15/16 Boys
Sunday 28th February @ Slazengers Hockey Club - 2 - 5pm
Sunday 7th March @ Slazengers Hockey Club - 2 - 5pm
Sunday 14th March @ Wakefield Hockey Club - 2 - 5pm

The U17 Group are lead by Stuart Harrison and Satnam Khela who are both experienced Coaches, taking teams to National Finals, and Coaching National Leagues Teams, both have
experience with JAC Competition, JRPC perparation and HiPAC organisation and expectations.

Development Days
U17 Boys
Sunday 28th February @ Leeds University (Weetwood) 2 - 5pm
Sunday 7th March as above
Sunday 14th March as above
Sunday 21st March, possible addition

Competition Days:
Sunday 28th March U15 & U17 Boys - North East Competition
Sunday 25th April U15/U16/U17 Boys - North East Competition
Sunday 2nd May U15/U16/U17 Boys - North Finals if successful
Sat/Sun 8th/9th May U17 National Finals if North Champions

We are very fortunate to have these Coaches on board plus the Assistant Coaches who are making up the WY Coaching Team.
I hope the players will all enjoy and benefit from the experience and many will go onto bigger and better things.

The current weather situation is leading to rearranged Club League Fixtures, advice from England Hockey is that JAC activity should take priority over Club fixtures so make sure your Club Selectors/Coaches are aware of your JAC commitments.

Finally, if you have not received and completed a JAC Registration Form (ask your coaches for a copy) and complete and take with you to the first Development Session.

Can I ask parents to pay for all sessions in advance by cheque so that Coach do not have to deal with money. Any refunds necessary will be dealt with at the end of the JAC programme.
Cheques made payable to West Yorkshire Hockey Development Group for £22.50

Thank you for your cooperation

Good Luck and success to all.

Cheers
Phil"

Ladies 1sts Club 'Sit In'

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Wood) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:46:00 +0000

Fun and frolicks will be had this coming Saturday 30th Jan after the Home Fixture against Wakefield.

Even if we get more of on the left we will add to the afternoon/evening a Snowman building competition so be there for 3pm in the unlikely event the game is cancelled.

Darts & Pool Killer Competition

International Golf Competition

Quizzes and just maybe some drinking games....!

Attack v Defence - should prove an interesting battle.

Indoor Hockey on TV

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Wood) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:36:00 +0000

The Indoor Hockey Finals are to be featured on Sky Sports this week. The final are to be held at Nottingham for Boys and Girls U16/18 and will show some adult matches also.

Sat: 1pm
Sun: From 3pm to 7pm

We may even see a member of our Girls U16'splaying?

Report: Mens 1st's (4) vs (1) Brigg 2nd's

noreply@blogger.com (Ian) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:29:00 +0000

Slazengers mens first team were back in action against fellow strugglers Brigg seconds after a 6 week layoff and came away with a much needed 4-1 victory.

After such a long break, the game was always going to be scrappy and the first half found both teams struggling to keep possession. It was Slazengers however who began to get the upper hand, and took the lead off a short corner with Paul Wiper converting after the Brigg keeper had made the initial save.

The second half saw Slazengers build in confidence and they began to create more pressure culminating in the award of a penalty flick after a Brigg defender stopped the ball on the line with his feet. Simon Chamberlain stepped forward to cooly convert the flick giving Slazengers a deserved 2-0 lead. Brigg hit back however after Slazengers lost the ball in midfield and failed to clear the resulting cross. Slazegers weren't to be denied though, Phil Midgley restoring the two goal lead after taking advantage of the self pass rule to drive into the circle and fire home.

As Brigg began to press higher up the pitch, Slazengers were able to hit them on the brake and Dan Perry made it 4-1 with a neat finish through the keepers legs towards the end of the game. Slazengers will look to build on this result through the second half of the season as they hope to fend off relegation, starting with a tough fixture away at Leeds university on Saturday.

from [Ben Graham]

JUNIOR TRAINING

noreply@blogger.com (Ian) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow’s Junior Training is on!

Not often we can say “thanks to the rain”, but because of last nights downpour Slazenger’s pitch is now playable.

So dust off your sticks, or break out the new one you got for Christmas.

See you in the Morning!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Wood) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Welcome to 2010

Happy New Year to all our Members.

Please keep in touch with your team captains and team managers with respect to games and training.
Subject to weather conditions:

Monday 4th January 2010 will be the first training session for the juniors U16's.

Training will resume for Men's and Ladies on:

Thursday 7th January - 7pm for 7.30pm for the ladies and 8.45pm start for the Men.

Junior training for all other age groups re-commences on:

Sunday 10th January at:

9.15am - U10/12 - finish at 10.30am

10.15am - all other age groups

IMPORTANT: SNOW REPORT & FESTIVITIES

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Unfortunately, the inter-club 7’s planned for today has been cancelled however beer and games as planned in the club at 5pm.

Also due to the weather the Kid’s v Parents tournament planned for tomorrow the 20th is also cancelled but...the ‘fuddle’ is still taking place at the club from 11.30am. All are welcome for snacks/drinks and challenging games!

However the Parents v Kids & Fuddle* in the clubhouse will go ahead from 12 till 2. The Clubhouse will be open from 11.30am. Please bring some food for the buffet - (other than crisps) :)

Have a very Merry Christmas

Report: Mens 1st's (2) vs (7) Driffield 1st's

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Slazengers mens first team faced high flyers Driffield and came away on the wrong side of a 7-2 scoreline. As is so often the case this season, Slazengers found themselves 2-0 after barely 10 minutes and had only themselves to blame with both goals coming as a result of defensive errors. Slazengers pulled one back though with Paul Wiper scoring an excellent individual goal, beating a number of defenders before slotting under the keeper.

Driffield continued to press and scored again before Ben Grahams short corner strike deflected off a couple of defenders before finding its way in. Driffield scored their fourth just before the break to make it 4-2 at half time although Slazengers had more then competed after the initial 10 minutes.

The second half was mixed with Slazengers playing well to begin with but Driffield eventually began to control possession and with the Slazengers players tiring, Driffield were able to exploit gaps in the defence to make the scoreline emphatic in their favour.

from Ben Graham

Man of the match for Slazengers was captain Will Buckley. Slazengers will need a successful second half of the season if they are to avoid relegation but will take confidence in recent improved performances.

IMPORTANT: Girls Wakefield Junior Academy Selection

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:45:00 +0000

The following girls represented Wakefield’s JDC at the Inter JDC tournament yesterday. The weather conditions were very challenging to say the least but the girls played very well and won the U13, U15 and U16 tournaments and came 2nd in the U14s. The majority have been selected to attend the JAC assessment days, the details of which are at the end of this email.

My thanks to Steve and Chris Wood, Sally and Angie Clay who gave up their Sunday to manage/select. It was very wet and cold but I am sure they would all agree that the girls were great to work with and made up for the awful conditions we had to contend with. Commiserations to those who did not get through but hopefully they will continue to develop this season and next and try again next year. All these girls were notified yesterday.

Many thanks also to those above, Norman and the coaches of both Wakefield and Slazenger Hockey Club who have given so much of their time developing these players and making the Wakefield JDC so successful.

U14
Rebecca Jessop
Katie Browne
Sophie Williams
Chloe Bates (GK)

U15
Erin Weatherstone
Jessica Rudge
Amy Toon (GK)

U16
Lauren Carruthers
Beth Crowther
Ailish Hendry
Amber Johnson

JAC Assessments
10th January U13/14 Girls at GSAL       10.00-1.00pm          arrive at 9.45am
31st January U15/16 Girls at GSAL       10.00-1.00pm        arrive at 9.45am
31st January U17 Girls at GSAL            1.00-4.00pm          arrive at 12.45am

IMPORTANT: Boys West Yorkshire Academy Assesment

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:16:00 +0000

WYHDG needs your help.

The WYHDG wishes to invite the players listed below to attend the Junior Academy Centre (JAC) Assessment Days appropriate to the player’s birthdate. However the JDC Groups did not keep as good records as had been expected, many players did not complete the Registration Forms, and those Forms that were competed have not been returned to our Administrator Morag Wilkinson. mw.wyhdg@hotmail.co.uk.

All players below ARE INVITED TO ATTEND the JAC Assessment Days. The JRPC Players have been contacted by email but I have already had a number returned as “undelivered” so assume that all need to be contacted.

JAC Assessment Days for the Boys will take place at:

Leeds University Playing Fields, Weetwood, Leeds.LS16 5AU
U14/13 players on 10th January 10.00am – 1.00pm
U15/16 players on 31st January 10.00am – 1.00pm
U17 players on 31st January 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Age for JAC purposes players are U13(Born in 1997): U14(1996): U15(1995); U16(1994); U17(1993).

When the JRPC sessions start the players move on a year to …. U15(born in 1996); U16(1995); U17(1994); U18(1993). In other words an U14 at JAC becomes an U15 at JRPC.

The JAC Assessment Group will include the JRPC players plus the players who attended, and been selected, from the JDC Tournament that have just been completed.

These Assessment sessions are the opportunity for JDC players, players who have not gained recognition previously to be recognised and make the step to a higher level. It could mean that previous JRPC players do not remain at JAC and will need to prove their abilities next year, and JDC players make that step into higher level hockey. A group of players will selected at the Assessment Day to form a Squad of perhaps around 20 players to lead up to the JAC Championships.

Players who take part and are selected for teams in the North JAC Championships will be further selected/invited from the Competition to join the start of the JRPC programme in June 2010. In our case to the Leeds Pumas JRPC.

The JAC Championships are planned for Sundays 28th March, 25th April and 2nd May, at venues to be confirmed. The U17 team who are North Champions will take part in the National Finals on 8th/9th May.

JAC development Days are currently Sundays 28th Feb; 14th March; 21st March for all age groups though these dates may change and be added to as a result of Coach, Pitch and Player availability.

Please are asked to confirm they have received this message and indicate whether they will or will not be attending the Assessment Day.

Please reply to phil_g_thomas@hotmail.com

Non participation without a valid reason will indicate that they do not wish to take part in the JAC programme and in turn not wish participate in the JRPC programme that starts in June 2010.

JRPC Players invited:

ALEX FRASER
JACK KITCHEN

JDC Players for JAC Assessment.
Coaches & Players may feel that after the JDC Tournamnet/Assessment that JAC Level competition is beyond them at this stage so non participation will be understood in these circumstances. We do not expect players who have not attended the JDCs to join up now.

U12 Tejura Rowan; Nicholas Calderley; Ralph Toon GK; Luke Gueli; Aidan Hopkinson;	U13 Matthew Smith; Issac Fisher; Robert Fraser; Matthew Feather; Robert Cann;	U14 Joseph Shaw; Tim Wrigglesworth; Timothy Hunter; Robin Brearton; Peter Bottomley;
U15 Tom Stephenson GK; Jake Barras;	U16 Daniel Perry;	U17 Tom Stoddard; Matt Middleton;

Phil Thomas.
Chair WYHDG.

Junior Hockey Bleep Test

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:46:00 +0000

If you had not already heard sorry for the late notice but Rich and Sarah intend to run the

Bleep test

Again

Tomorrow

(Monday 7th Dec)

Straight after training at 9pm (hopefully on the pitch this time). Anyone wanting to take part please let whom even is picking up know.

Also if you haven’t already heard about it “Slazenger Junior Hockey” is on Facebook (Many thanks for set up and admin by Andy Fisher). Please become a friend.

Report: Boys U16's at Slazenger HC

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:25:00 +0000

Tournament played at Slazenger Hockey Club, on 6th December 2009

Wakefield B 1-1 Slazenger
Wakefield started strongest, but Slazengers began to dominate. A scrambled first goal was scored by Wakefield on stroke of half time. Despite early pressure in the 2nd half from Wakefield, Slazengers began to dominate. Both Robert Fraser and Robin Brearton battled well all afternoon. In the last minute , Jack Kitchen equalised, flicking in to the top right corner. A fair result on the balance of play.

Wakefield A 2-0 Slazengers
Wakefield A were a very strong side but slazengers battled well throughout. Both wakefield goals were scored in the first half and well taken. Despite being behind slazengers dug deep and fought to the final whistle. Jack Kitchen cleared twice off the goal line for Slazengers in the second half. Matt Middleton was resilient in defence striking clearances well. Danny Perry and Jake Barras battled tirelessly up front for slazengers, but were kept at bay by a solid wakefield defence.

from James Stephenson

Report: Boys U10's at Pocklington

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:55:00 +0000

The Team: Emillie Ritchey (GK); Katie Minchella; Harry Buttery; Nick Calderley; Sebastian Lister; Ryan Denton.

Slaz 2 v Airedale B 2
We got off to a shakey start when we conceded 2 goals quickly in the first half despite 2 good chances by Ryan and Nick. The defence just couldn't make it back and Emillie was left to defend 2 attackers. However the guys settled into their positions in the second half and seemed to stay more in position and use the space well. A long corner from Nick in towards the D was collected and converted by Harry with a super slapshot. There were a couple of scarey 16s where the attack managed to intercept and get into our D but Ryan, Nick and Sebastian made some great tackles, Emillie made a some lovely saves and the ball was played back up towards Airedale's D. The width of the pitch was utilised very well by Katie, Sebastian and Nick and another good pass to Harry on the edge of the D beat Airedale's keeper.

Chapeltown A 0 v Slaz 3
The team kept their form in the second game and again used the space well. The guys played more self passes in this game as their confidence built up. After a bit of a mess in Chapeltown's D we were awarded our first short. Pushed in by Harry to Nick the defence were on it and the ball left the area. However Ryan picked it up in midfield and got it back towards the D to Sebastian. Some great teamwork between Katie and Seb scored us our first. Everyone worked really hard in midfield to keep the ball in Chapeltown's half. The ball was played through on one occasion to an attacker and Emillie made a great one on one save sending the ball back towards midfield. Sebastian took the ball to the edge of the D and showed great awareness in his pass to Harry who was waiting to slap in another past the keeper. Harry definately knew where his position was by this time and picked up another lovely pass from Nick to score the third.

Slazenger 2 v York B 3
We knew this game would be tough as York had won their previous games 3-0 and 6-0. In the first half we seemed to lose the structure a little bit with the defence and midfield chasing the ball again. York played with at least one attacker up front all of the time and he was free to score 2 past Emillie despite her efforts. Again great work in midfield passing the ball out wide to Katie and Nick and then in to the D again to Harry who powered in the first. The second half was better and Ryan stuck to that attacker like glue so as not to give him another clear shot at goal. York had to work hard against us for their 3rd goal and Ryan, Seb, Nick and Emillie all battled hard in our D but eventually York's 3rd crossed the line. From the restart Nick took the ball towards the D there were some great passes out wide again to Katie and strong tackles by all of the team on the way up and eventually the ball found its way to Harry in the D who took the shot. It was saved by the keeper but he followed up the rebound and beat the keeper. Great defending by Ryan, Nick and Seb and another great save by Emillie torwards full time kept the score 3-2 to York.

Overall a great day all round. Can I just say how impressed I was with the team today. It seems like such a long time ago since we played our first tournament at Halifax in October where we lost every game and only scored one goal. The kids seem to have improved so much since then and their confidence is coming thick and fast. Considering they haven't all played together since October they got along really well and played brilliantly together. Ryan who has only been playing at Slaz for a month or so settled in great, it was like he'd been playing with them for ever. It was such a joy to be with them and watch them today.

Special thanks to Dean Michella and Mark Calderley today for helping me out.

from Sarah-Jane Ritchey

Report: Mens 1st's (1) vs (4) Leeds 2nd's

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Slazengers mens first eleven suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Leeds which could certainly come under the title of 'difficult to take'. The first half was pretty even with Leeds playing composed hockey but offering little threat to the Slazengers goal, where as Slazengers were content to soak up the pressure and hit Leeds on the break. Dan Perry making his debut for Slazengers had an immediate impact off the bench, driving into the circle and finishing well over the Leeds keeper to give Slazengers the lead at half time.

The second half began with Slazengers again playing some good hockey although Leeds were also beginning to create chances and after a strongly disputed award of a short corner, Leeds equalized. Slazengers were also reduced to 10 men after Phil Midgley was yellow carded for protesting a little too much. Leeds now had the upper hand and scored two further goals whilst Slazengers were down to 10 men. Slazengers rallied towards the final whistle and had a string of short corners but were unable to convert any, due to a combination of poor Slazengers finishing and excellent Leeds defending. As Slazengers continued to press, Leeds managed to break away and score with the last hit of the ball. Although the scoreline finished 4-1, Slazengers have only themselves to blame and certainly should have taken something from the game.

from Ben Graham

Hockey Christmas Events!

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:19:00 +0000

Club events through the festive season:
Last Junior Training for 2009: Sun 13th Dec & Mon 14th Dec.

Parent v Kids and a Fuddle!: Sunday 20th December
Starts at 10am with Parent v Kids (Hockey) till Noon
Then Parent v Kids (Games in the Clubhouse) till 2pm
Bring some finger food, (Sandwiches, Pasta, Buns, Sausage Rolls, Pork Pies etc). Nibbles provided.

Interclub 7’s: Saturday 19th December
£5.00 to play and/or food.
12 noon for team selection.
Food & Fun in the club after.
(See Mat Birkett or Hayley Wood for tickets)
Although open to all caution needs to be used for the young colts as all ages are playing.

Senior Challenge Matches: Boxing Day

First Junior Training of 2010: Mon 4th Jan & Sun 10th Jan.

Report: Mens 1st's (3) vs (3) Doncaster 3rd's

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:33:00 +0000

Slazengers mens first team continued their recent run of form with a well deserved draw away at Doncaster and but for a couple of defensive lapses, could easily have come away with all three points. Slazengers started well and dominated the early possession only for Doncaster to grab the first goal after keeper James Walker was unsighted off a short corner. Slazengers didn't allow their heads to drop however and soon pulled level with Jonny White driving home, again from a short corner. Slazengers were now playing with confidence and good interplay between Ben Graham and John Sykes presented Paul Wiper with a strong chance only to see his shot come back off the post. A defensive mix up however presented Doncaster with a chance just before half time which they duly converted to go into the break in front.

The second half was much of the same, Slazengers playing some good hockey with Doncaster looking to hit back on the break. It was Slazengers who drew level though with Jez Whawell breaking into the 'D' after some good work down the right and he kept his composure well to finish neatly over the Doncaster keeper. By this time, Slazengers felt they could press on for the victory and should have had a penalty stroke when Phil Midgley was taken out when about to go for goal, only for the umpire to award a corner. Slazengers didn't let their heads drop and soon found the net, with Ben Graham finding the corner with a fierce strike. However it was again a defensive lapse which allowed Doncaster to equalize, their winger was left unmarked at the back post leaving him with the easiest of finishes. Slazengers take on Leeds at home next week and will be looking to build on some recent strong performances.

Report: Girls U16's

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Horbury outfit in win hat-trick

SLAZENGER U16 Girls netted 17 goals and conceeded none as they swept to three wins at the Yorkshire League Hockey tournament played at Harrogate.

Jes Rudge scored the only goal in the openeing game, opening their account with a 1-0 win over Thirsk. The best performance of the day came with a 10-0 thrashing of Leeds B in which Liv White completed a hat-trick. Ailish Hendry, rosie and Nicky scored two apiece and Rudge added another.

The goals were the icing on the cake as Slazenger worked hard across the entire pitch and playing some superb hockey. And the day ended with another impressive victory, this time a 6-0 success against Kirklees. Becky, who was drafted in from the Thirsk team grabbed three, Erin Weatherstone added a brace and Hendry completed the scoring.

Squad: Amy Toon, Heather Bates, Jess Lloyd, Olivia White, Ailish Hendry, Lauren Carruthers, Beth Crowther, Erin Weatherstone and Jessica Rudge.

[from WAKEFIELD EXPRESS]

Report: Boys U16's

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:11:00 +0000

Horbury Slazenger U16s put seven past Ben Rhydding But team are on wrong end of seven from Doncaster

THERE were contrasting results from Slazenger U16s' games against Ben Rhydding and Doncaster played at the weekend.

A superb display earned Slazenger a comprehensive 7-0 win over Ben Rhydding with Jack Kitchen completing a hat-trick and Tom Stoddart and Jessica Rudge netting two apiece.

But the result was reversed in the clash with Doncaster who scored seven in the second half.

Despite the defeat, Slazenger are still challenging at the top of the table.

FROM [HORBURY TODAY]

Report: Mens 1st's (1) vs Chapletown (1)

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Slazengers mens first team got their first point of the season with a hard fought but well deserved 1-1 draw at home to second placed Chapeltown on Saturday and could well have come away with all 3 points. Chapeltown started the game in confident fashion playing some good one touch hockey but without finding any real chances thanks mainly to Slazengers excellent work rate. It was Slazengers who made the initial breakthrough, Ben Graham robbing the Chapeltown defence to square for John Sykes to find the net with a top notch first time finish. Both teams continued to play good hockey with Slazengers looking to increase their lead, only for Chapeltown to draw level just before half time.

The second half was very even, Lee Secker made some strong saves in the Slazengers goal and the Chapeltown keeper also keeping his side level, firstly denying Sykes his second when he was one on one and then getting a telling touch to deny Graham at the back post although he still should have done better. This was Slazengers best performance of the season with their midfield of Buckley, White and Chamberlain starting to create a strong base. Slazengers will look to build on this performance and next week play a very strong York University side who will certainly be a test for any side in the league.

from (Ben Graham)

Report: Mens 1st's (2) vs (3) Sheffield Bankers

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:44:00 +0000

Although Slazengers mens first eleven still went down 3-2 away at Sheffield Bankers, they will come away with the knowledge that they put together easily their best performance of the season and with a bit more luck, could easily have come away with all three points. Bankers would have been confident of recording a win and although they had plenty of possession, it was all in their own half and they rarely threatened the Slazenger goal. The best chance of the first half fell to Slazengers captain Will Buckley who found himself in acres of space at the top of the circle, only to see his shot bounce back off the post. Typically of Slazengers season though, a bit of bad luck cost them just before the break, Bankers had an initial shot well saved by James Walker in goal, only for the rebound to find the goal off a complete miss hit.

The second half began with Bankers winning a dubious short corner which they duly converted and when they grabbed their third shortly afterwards, they would have thought they were going to run away with it. Slazengers however weren't about to lie down and began pressing. They got on the score sheet when Phil Midgley converted excellently from a short corner and Paul Wiper came close, just failing to convert from a narrow angle after rounding the keeper. Slazengers continued to be the stronger side although Bankers did
come close on a breakaway, Walker making a quality save high and to his left. With time running out, Slazengers claimed their second, Simon Chamberlain converting a rebound after the Bankers keeper had made the initial save. Slazengers went looking for the equalizer, only for the final whistle to stop them in their tracks. Although it was a loss, Slazengers will look to the coming games confident that they can compete and will be looking for their first win of the season.

from (Ben Graham)

August 2009 News

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Position Vacant (Urgently needs filling!!)

We are short of a team secretary to take charge of our U14 Boys. This does not necessarily require someone with coaching/playing experience. The essential part of the job is to make arrangements to ensure a team attends and is looked after at the six fixtures run by the YYHL through the season by contacting team members/parents e.t.c. Every effort will be made to provide umpiring and coaching assistance on tournament days. Please contact Steve Wood 07802 235805 stevewood17@googlemail.com or Alan Perry 07851034939 aperry@talktalk.co.uk a.s.a.p.

Goalie Training

We have made special arrangements for 4 training sessions for all goalies and anyone wanting to “have a go”. These will take place from 10.00 to 12.00 every Sunday from 6^th to 27^th Sept (inclusive).

Diary for the 2009/10 season.

With this newsletter you should find a “Diary” for the season. All tournament dates are as communicated by the Yorkshire Youth Hockey League, also we have made early bookings for both pitch and clubhouse therefore other dates should remain unchanged. Additional dates may be added for any further events to be held by either the senior club or ourselves, watch for these on the notice board.

Membership for 2009/10.

All past and new members should find a membership form for next season enclosed. Please return your form with payment to your NEW treasurer John Brearton (before the start of the season would help with administration), if not on first attendance.

Group E-Mail.

This newsletter plus copies of all documents mentioned in this newsletter will be sent to all e-mail addresses we have on file (including some senior club and outside contacts F.I.). If this mail arrives somewhere it is not wanted, or doesn’t arrive where it is, please drop me a mail so I can amend the files to ensure future communication is improved. aperry@talktalk.co.uk

Kit available from the club.

The sale of personalised “Slazenger” Hoodies from the same supplier as previously will continue, as will green socks (the latter being a “stock item”).

Membership Drive/Flyers

New members or indeed anyone wanting to try the excellent game of Hockey are welcome at the club at any time throughout the year. However, the earlier in the season they start the more chance of them progressing to a higher level of play.

Any new starter can experience up to two training sessions f.o.c. You will find a few copies of a flyer with the newsletter (more are available), please use them to help “spread the word” about what your club has to offer.

Can I please make a special plea on behalf of the U10’s and U12’s both Boys and Girls. Although currently we have a membership of around 80 boys and girls we are particular short of players for these teams, so whilst thinking big consider “little”.

U16 Girls Knock-out Cup

Following the separation of club and school competition, an under 15 knockout tournament was introduced in 2002/2003 to cater for the needs of clubs. Open to all affiliated clubs with the added benefit of Plate competition for first and second round losers. It is an 11 a side competition played regionally in the first few rounds and then it extends out to the whole of England. In 2006, the format of the finals changed from a knockout competition to a four team round robin. The competition is a straight knockout format until the quarter finals have been played. The winning quarter finalists go forward to play a four team round robin at one venue over one weekend. This format was established to mirror the type of tournament hockey that would be experienced at international level. This year the “age” at which this competition is being run has changed to U16. Tom White was successful in taking our U15 team to the quarter finals of the plate competition last year and has agreed to manage/coach a team at U16 level this year.

“Change” of events for the festive season

Your committee has suggested a change to the format of events we have run for the past few years around Christmas & New Year. Instead of holding the Parents v Kids tournament in the new year we intend to hold it from 3pm till 5pm on the 13^th of December, and follow this with a Christmas Party of a similar format as in the past but starting and finishing slightly earlier. Please offer your feed back/thoughts with regard to this.

Personal equipment.

Slazengers will provide balls, sticks and other training aids to facilitate the coaching sessions. In addition to this, members should bring the following:

For training:

Essential: Shin pads, “Astro” trainers (trainers designed specifically for hockey are available, and are worth investing in), Good size bottle of water or sensible drink, suitable weather protection against sun, rain or cold.

Preferred additions: Gum Shield, lots of energy!

For Tournaments: All of the above are essential, plus more energy and lots of supportive family or friends!

Preferred additions: (Although team shirts are provided) Our recognised strip is green socks and white shorts for Boys, green socks and blue skirts for Girls.

We are more than happy if you wish to train in these colours.

Rule Changes!!: More details here

Report: Mens 1st's (1) vs (7) Leeds Uni 2nd's

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Slazengers mens first XI suffered a heavy defeat at home to a very strong Leeds university side on Saturday eventually going down 7-1. As with most university sides, Leeds were a young, fit team with a number of subs to utilise and Slazengers found it difficult to keep up to their pace and although Slaz did control some good periods of possession, they found themselves 4-0 down at the break. This seems to be the pattern of the season, a poor first half is followed by Slazengers picking their game up in the second.

A number of chances were created throughout the second half with both teams going close, Leeds scoring first only for Jonny White to get on the score sheet for Slazengers. John Sykes went close for the home team following good work from Paul Wiper and anyone turning up to watch at this time would have been suprised at the scoreline. Leeds superior fitness began to tell and they scored a couple of late goals to make the scoreline more emphatic. Slazengers will hope that some of their injured players due back in the coming weeks will allow them to field a more consistent side in a season in which a relegation fight is surely coming.

from: Ben Graham

Primary School Tournament Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:57:00 +0000

HORBURY St Peter's pupils battled it out to win the annual Slazengers Primary School Hockey Tournament for the second consecutive year. They managed to claim victory in a close game against Netherton J&I School.

Over 80 pupils took part including children from Horbury Primary School, West Bretton Junior and Infants plus three teams from South Leeds. Both boys and girls lined up against each other for the tournament at Slazengers Hockey Club.

more...

Report: Mens 1st's (1) Vs (3) Brigg 2nd's

noreply@blogger.com (Slazenger Admin) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:30:00 +0000

First team need a victory

SLAZENGER Mens first eleven continued their poor start to the season recording their 5th defeat in as many games away at fellow strugglers Brigg seconds. Slazengers travelled confident of taking the points despite missing a number of key players due to injury and holiday commitments. Ben Graham should have done better after good work from John Sykes, however as seems to be standard this season, Slazengers found themselves a man short soon after due to an injury to Jez Whawell.

A change of formation to compensate for the injury seemed to confuse Slazengers with a Brigg player able to convert after finding himself on the penalty spot without a defender within 5 yards. The second half was a bitty affair with neither side playing good hockey, Brigg managed to double their lead only for Slazengers to pull one back almost immediately, Paul Wiper with an excellent solo effort. However indiscipline began to creep in and after Wiper saw yellow after a rush of blood to the head, Brigg began to create more chances and grabbed a third shortly before the end. Matt Birkitt and man of the match Andy Fisher did well at centre back for Slazenger, neither in their regular position, and James Walker pulled off some excellent saves in goal.

from (Ben Graham)