Wisbech Town Hockey Club enjoyed an action-packed weekend with eight teams in action across the club.

The Men’s 1s were away at Cambridge South HC, where a last-gasp equaliser secured a pulsating 4–4 draw. Wisbech started brightly and controlled the early exchanges, earning their reward in the 12th minute when Kieran Hallatt converted a drag flick after sustained pressure pinned the hosts deep in their own half. Cambridge responded with pace on the counter and levelled from a short corner in the 19th minute, but Wisbech continued to create chances and finished the half on top without adding to the score. The visitors began the second period with renewed purpose, and captain Tom Jupp drove powerfully through midfield before finding Jason Mallett in space on the penalty spot. Mallett showed composure to chip the advancing keeper in the 42nd minute and restore the lead. Cambridge again struck back from a set piece and then capitalised on a spell of pressure and defensive lapses to surge into a 4–2 advantage that threatened to put the game beyond reach. Wisbech, however, refused to fold. Dominant midfield work forced play back into the Cambridge circle and Dom Stanard’s effort toward the near post was deftly finished by Karl Belding to reduce the deficit. With time slipping away, Mallett won a crucial late short corner and Paul Lawrence stepped up to deliver a moment of magic, drilling a straight strike into the bottom corner for his first goal in a decade and rescuing a deserved point on the final whistle. Attention now turns to a Friday night meeting with Cambridge University HC.

The Ladies 1s faced a tough afternoon on the road against Norwich Dragons HC 1s, eventually falling to a 7–0 defeat, but the performance still contained encouraging signs. Wisbech showed composure in possession at times, moving the ball well through midfield and linking play to create promising attacking phases. The hosts built a 4–0 lead by half-time, yet Wisbech emerged after the break with renewed determination and organisation. A disciplined half-court press limited Norwich’s space and allowed the visitors to compete more evenly for long spells, while continued effort going forward produced moments of attacking pressure that demonstrated the team’s willingness to keep playing positively despite the score line.

The Men’s 2s were involved in another fiercely competitive encounter against a skillful Cambridge University side, narrowly losing 2–1 in a game that could easily have swung their way. After an intense opening period of pressing and quick transitions from both teams, the first half ended goalless despite chances at either end. Cambridge struck twice early in the second half with sharp movement and clinical finishing, forcing Wisbech to chase the game. The response was impressive, with the team pressing higher and transferring the ball with greater speed to win a series of short corners. Oli Brown produced a superb drag flick to pull a goal back and came agonisingly close to levelling, while goalkeeper Kevin Shippey delivered an outstanding performance to keep Wisbech within touching distance. Drew Harvey’s return added energy and composure, and the overall display was a gritty, committed team effort that pushed the league’s second-placed side all the way.

The Ladies 2s delivered a spirited performance in a hard-fought draw with Cambridge South HC 4s, entering the match determined to find redemption after previous defeats. Wisbech started with intent and were rewarded by converting two early short corners, an especially pleasing achievement given earlier struggles from set pieces. Claire Burton opened the scoring, and a flowing team move created the second as Brogan Wright finished neatly at the back post after the goalkeeper had been wrong-footed. Heavy attacking pressure did leave Wisbech exposed to the counter and the visitors pulled one back just before half-time. The equaliser arrived late in the contest following sustained pressure and a chaotic goalmouth scramble, but Wisbech could take pride in their collective work ethic. The midfield in particular worked tirelessly to track back and support both defence and attack, with Amber Crossley-King earning Player of the Match recognition for her relentless running and influence across the pitch.

The Men’s 3s were edged out 4–3 in a thrilling contest with Newmarket HC 3s that was packed with attacking intent from the opening whistle. Wisbech struck inside the first minute when Ciaran Lowe deflected home an Elliot Peck cross to make a dream start. Newmarket responded quickly to level, only for Brodie Ellis to restore the advantage before the hosts equalised again ahead of the interval. The second half followed a similar pattern of momentum swings. Lowe put Wisbech ahead for a third time with a well-taken penalty corner midway through the period, but Newmarket rallied strongly in the closing stages to score twice and snatch victory. Despite the disappointment, it was an entertaining spectacle, and goalkeeper Alex Roberts was named man of the match after a series of high-quality saves that kept Wisbech competitive throughout.

The Ladies 3s bounced back emphatically from two frustrating weeks to record a commanding 6–0 win over Cambridge City HC 7s. Determined to reassert themselves, Wisbech began at a high tempo and earned a short corner within five minutes, which Fiona H-P dispatched confidently with a powerful strike. The early breakthrough settled the side and slick passing helped them race into a 3–0 half-time lead. There was no drop in intensity after the restart as Wisbech controlled possession and territory, stretching the opposition with quick movement and intelligent positioning. Braces from Elana Freedman and Becky Allen added to the tally, while Laynie Thompson capped the performance with a well-taken goal that sealed an impressive victory and maintained the team’s strong league position. Elana earned herself player of the match for her excellent performance

The Men’s 4s endured a 8-0 loss that did not fully reflect their performance against an experienced Cambridge South side. While the opposition proved clinical with their chances, it was the youthful Wisbech team that often produced the more impressive hockey, particularly during a second half filled with confident passing sequences and sustained spells of pressure. Jay Norman impressed on his first outing for the 4s, adapting quickly and contributing at both ends of the pitch, while young George Bester delivered a man-of-the-match display by taking control in midfield and dictating the tempo with maturity beyond his years.

Rounding off the weekend, the Ladies 4s battled to an entertaining 3–3 draw away at St Neots Hockey Club in a match defined by resilience and teamwork. The hosts started strongly and unsettled Wisbech early on, but steady work from Zoe Parsons and Jasmine McClagish in midfield gradually brought the visitors into the contest. After Tina Forder saw a penalty flick saved, Wisbech maintained their pressure and were rewarded when Millie McClagish calmly finished a superb team move to score her first goal for the club and give Wisbech a half-time lead. St Neots equalised soon after the break, yet Wisbech responded again as Millie struck her second to restore the advantage, only for the hosts to level with a swift breakaway. Goalkeeper Rachael Archard produced a string of fine saves to keep the scores tight, and another flowing attacking move ended with Bailey Hanrahan applying the finishing touch to put Wisbech 3–2 ahead. St Neots refused to yield and found a late equaliser with a powerful strike, setting up a tense finale in which Wisbech created chances but could not find a winner. Player of the Match honours were shared between Millie and Jasmine McClagish for their midfield excellence and goalkeeper Rachael Archard for her outstanding contribution in goal, capping a weekend that showcased the club’s competitiveness, determination and collective spirit across all eight teams.

This weekend the men’s 1s will be in action at home Friday night, followed by four home matches at Harecroft Road on Saturday. Come down and show your support.

A weekend of Goals and Great Saves

All Weather Hockey Weekend