HARD WORKING WEEKEND FOR WTHC
It was a hard working weekend for Wisbech Town Hockey Club, though results did not always follow performances. Missing several key players, the Mens 1st XI took on league leaders Spalding at Harecroft Road, with the visitors looking to wrap up the Division 1 North title, having already scored more than 100 goals in their previous 20 league games this season.
Despite the absences, Wisbech were resolute in their task, and worked hard against their high flying opponents during the early exchanges. Spalding eventually took the lead mid-way through the first half, following a goalmouth scramble, but found themselves unable to pull away as Wisbech continued to battle hard, with skipper Ben Tarratt and goalkeeper Aiden Falkus standing out for the home side.
Having soaked up much pressure throughout the game, Wisbech were unlucky not to get themselves on the scoreboard, hitting the bar, whilst also forcing the Spalding keeper into several saves with smart counter attacks. Spalding applied some late pressure, but the score remained 1-0 at the final whistle; enough for the visitors to secure top spot in the Division, whilst Wisbech’s fate rests in their own hands, with a win at last place Sudbury this Saturday enough to secure the Fenland side’s place in the Division for another year.
AIDEN FALKUS PUT IN A BIG PERFORMANCE FOR THE MENS 1ST XI (📸: ADAM FAIRBROTHER)
The Ladies 1st XI were also looking to cement their place in Women’s Division 1 North for another season, as they travelled to St. Neots. Jo Gomm’s goal helped ensure the game remained finely poised entering the break, with the teams tied at 1-1, but an early goal from the hosts in the second half started to swing the momentum away from Wisbech.
A change in formation followed, but the shift did not lead to a turnaround in fortunes, despite Wisbech’s best efforts, with St. Neots eventually pulling away to secure a 5-1 victory. Results elsewhere ensured the defeat would not be too costly for Wisbech however, with the Ladies safe from relegation after Watton failed to win. Jo Bland’s side hosts Cambridge City 3rd XI this weekend, their final game of the season.
The Ladies 2nd XI took on Shefford and Sandy in their final home game of the season, recovering from a sluggish start to take the lead through Emma Baker. The visitors equalised before half time, setting up an exciting second half. Shefford took the lead as the two sides traded chances, before Jane Peggs close range finish got Wisbech back on level terms.
Shefford thought they had grabbed a late winner, but the goal was disallowed, leaving the two teams to share the points at the final whistle. Wisbech will play their final game of the season away at Cambridge City 5th team this weekend.
Following its postponement in January, the Mens 3rd team took on Bourne-Deeping on Wednesday in a rare midweek fixture. Despite a solid first half, which saw young forward Brandon Ruff score his 20th goal of the season, after being called up from the 4th XI for the game, Bourne were able to put some distance between the two teams in the second half, securing a 4-1 win.
WTHC MENS 3RD XI VERSUS MARCH FROM EARLIER THIS SEASON (📸: ADAM FAIRBROTHER)
A strong performance from the 3rd XI on Saturday saw the team secure a draw against league winners Long Sutton in a hard fought encounter. The visitors had the better of the first half, taking the lead through Tyler Hagan, but Wisbech defended resolutely, and came close to equalising through Calvin Bishop, whose shot from a short corner forced a smart save from the Long Sutton goalkeeper.
Wisbech continued to work hard, eventually getting their reward early in the second half, when a quick counter attack saw Bishop collect the ball in the Long Sutton circle, shooting towards the back post where winger Robin Middleton was able to poke the ball home from close range. A clash between Bishop and Hagan shortly after saw both men dismissed, with each team also picking up a yellow card during the incident, leading to a brief period of 9-versus-9 hockey. Neither side was able to capitalise on the additional space on the field however, though both sides came close to snatching a winner, with Long Sutton seeing two opportunities cleared off the line, while Wisbech forced Long Sutton’s goalkeeper into action late in the game. Final score 1-1, with the 3rd XI set to complete their campaign away at Cambridge South 4th XI this weekend.
Two goals and an assist from captain Brandon Ruff helped the Men's fourth team secure a 4-0 win away at Kettering. Oliver Melton and John Lawrence also scored for Wisbech, while Jon Boyall picked up two assists. This weekend, Ruff’s side travel to league winners Spalding 5th XI.
Young forward Lily Cooper was on target for the Ladies 3rd team, as they picked up a point in a 1-1 draw with Kettering at Harecroft Road. The Ladies travel to Newmarket this weekend for their final game of the season. The Mens 2nd team also returns to the field after a week off, with a home clash against local rivals March.