Halifax settle for draw after see-saw encounter with Hull
Halifax Hockey Club men's firsts were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to Hull seconds after twice taking control of a closely contested encounter.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half when Ethan Geal and Jacob Maclean bundled the ball over the line. The goal was awarded to Geal, marking a deserved first goal after a series of good performances.
Hull responded quickly with an equaliser before Halifax regained the lead through Harry Crane. Finishing off a rapid counter-attack, Crane unleashed an unconventional effort from the top of the circle that somehow beat the goalkeeper and found the net.
At 2-1, Halifax looked well placed to claim all three points but were punished after switching off defensively, allowing Hull to tap home an equaliser at the far post.
Ivan Stark was named player of the match after another commanding display at the heart of the defence.
Halifax ladies' firsts were awarded a 5-0 walkover victory after bottom-of-the-table Scarborough were unable to fulfil the fixture.
Halifax men's seconds bounced back from last week's disappointment with an impressive 5-2 victory over Leeds University seconds at a sunny Park Lane.
Top scorer Cam Kew struck twice, first from a penalty corner and then after being picked out by John Horsley. Horsley then added a goal of his own from close range as Halifax raced into a 3-0 lead.
Excellent movement from Bryn Hans up front, combined with the passing range of Kew and Fred Denton in midfield, ensured Halifax remained in control throughout the first half.
Nicky Elson extended the lead to 4-0 shortly after the restart before Leeds briefly threatened a comeback by scoring twice in quick succession.
Any nerves were calmed when Denton threaded an excellent pass into the circle for Jack Laycock, who finished neatly to restore Halifax's three-goal advantage and complete the scoring.
The result keeps Halifax firmly in the promotion conversation and demonstrated an excellent response to the previous week's narrow defeat.
Halifax ladies' seconds suffered a 5-0 defeat against an unbeaten Aire Valley firsts side.
Despite the scoreline, Halifax never stopped working and produced a performance that earned plenty of praise from teammates and coaches alike. Grace Creighton collected player of the match.
Halifax men's thirds were unfortunate to come away empty-handed after a closely fought 1-0 defeat away at Aire Valley.
The match was evenly balanced throughout, with the only goal arriving in the first half when Aire Valley took advantage of a rare opportunity.
Goalkeeper Alex Eastwood produced a series of fine saves to keep the visitors firmly in the contest and he was nominated player of the match.
The ladies' thirds were beaten 3-0 by a well-organised Ben Rhydding fourths outfit.
Halifax U12s Girls travelled to Sheffield for their second tournament of the season.
Harriet Louram made several fine saves in goal while Mina Snell was the player of the day as Halifax played four games; losing two, drawing one and beating Sheffield Bankers.
Hannah Sanderson scored a good goal and Delilah Hall bagged a brace.
Halifax U12s Boys travelled to Ben Rhydding and earned promotion to Division Two with a commanding display.
The day began with a 2-0 win over York thanks to goals from George Bennett and Lewis Beeby.
Max Greenwood and Leo Mazlomi each scored twice in a 4-0 win over Bradford and Halifax then saw-off Ben Rhydding 2-0.
The day ended with a 6-2 victory over Thirsk, with George and Max each completing a hat-trick.
Following five straight wins, Halifax’s development team suffered their first defeat of the season with a 2-0 loss to a strong Thirsk team.
New player Izzy Morton fitted into the team well and will be a good addition as she gets more experience.