Wisbech Hockey Club had nine teams in action on the turf this weekend, producing a mixture of wins, draws and competitive performances across the club.

The Men’s 1s travelled to Cambridge City and returned with an excellent 5–1 victory. Wisbech produced a strong attacking display and controlled large spells of the match, with goals coming from Jason Mallett, Lee Punter and Jonny Garner, while captain Tom Jupp led from the front with a brace. The performance secured a solid and well-deserved win on the road.

The Ladies 1s hosted Cambs City 4s and earned a hard-fought 1–1 draw against the side currently sitting third in the league. Wisbech started with renewed motivation and showed great composure under pressure, patiently building from the back while waiting for the right moment to attack. A perfectly timed through ball released Holly for a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper, which Wisbech converted to take a 1–0 lead. Cambs City eventually found an equaliser before the break, but Wisbech continued to play as a unit in the second half, applying pressure and maintaining their structure. Solid distribution from the back four, excellent man-marking and interceptions in midfield, and tireless work from the forwards helped secure a valuable point and keep Wisbech firmly in the fight heading into the final weeks of the season.

The Men’s 2s were at home to Kettering, and came away with a 2-2 draw, with goals from Harry Shippey and Drew Harvey.

The Ladies 2s welcomed Cambs City 6s to Harecroft Road in a fixture that promised another close contest after the sides shared a 3–3 draw earlier in the season. Cambs arrived with a strong line-up, including England Masters captain Sally Tippen alongside several players with county and regional experience, making for a physical encounter. Wisbech began brightly, creating chances and maintaining a disciplined shape, while Molly Evans impressed on her debut with a composed defensive performance. As the half progressed it became increasingly difficult for Wisbech to find outlets from the 16, inviting more pressure from the visitors. Cambs eventually broke through down the right-hand side despite strong recovery work from Amelia Garfoot and Kirstie Harrison, taking a 1–0 lead ten minutes before half time. Wisbech came out with renewed purpose in the second half and began building more structured phases from their restarts. The defence stood firm under sustained pressure, with crucial goal-line clearances from Claire Burton and Sue Robinson keeping the hosts in the game. Player of the Match went to Kirstie Harrison after a series of key saves that kept Wisbech firmly in the contest.

The Men’s 3s played out an entertaining 2–2 draw with Pelicans 4s. Wisbech trailed 1–0 at the break but showed great resilience after half-time. Elliot Peck levelled the scores with a well-worked short corner routine before giving Wisbech the lead with a precise reverse-stick finish. Pelicans responded quickly to equalise, and Wisbech nearly snatched a dramatic winner in the closing seconds when Jordan Bown’s deflection was cleared off the line by a Pelicans defender. Jay Norman was named Man of the Match after an impressive performance that included confident dribbling and strong all-round play.

The Ladies 3s were involved in another lively contest but eventually fell to a 4–2 defeat against Newmarket. Wisbech began the match brightly and applied early pressure, but Newmarket struck first on the counterattack. Elana Freedman responded by breaking through to finish confidently and level the score. The momentum continued to swing both ways and Wisbech’s teamwork down the right created another opportunity to draw level at 2–2 before half time. Newmarket started the second half strongly and regained the lead before adding a fourth as Wisbech pushed for another equaliser. Despite the result, Wisbech showed determination and produced some strong attacking play throughout. Player of the Match was shared by Charlotte Holt and Yasmine Ibrahim.

The Men’s 4s continued their development with an encouraging performance from a young side. Despite Peterborough scoring either side of half time, Wisbech played their part in a competitive game and pushed their opponents all the way. George Bester delivered a solid display in defence, while Leo Humphris impressed on his debut for the 4s, controlling the midfield and earning Man of the Match.

The Ladies 4s travelled to face Kettering 3s in a closely contested encounter that eventually ended in a narrow 1–0 defeat. Wisbech started nervously as the game became end-to-end, with Kettering applying strong pressure and bringing a very physical approach that often went unpenalised. The first half remained tight with both teams battling hard in midfield and neither able to find a breakthrough. After the break Wisbech began to use the width more effectively and worked tirelessly to build attacking opportunities, although the final pass into the D often arrived too slowly to trouble the defence. A light moment on the sideline came when coach Kim Speed accidentally stepped backwards over the kit bag and ended up flat on her back with her legs in the air, providing some unexpected entertainment. With six minutes remaining Kettering found the decisive goal following what Wisbech felt was a foul just outside the D that went unawarded, while another potential foot in the Kettering D also went unnoticed shortly afterwards. Despite the frustration, it was one of Wisbech’s best all-round team efforts of the season, showing grit and determination. Player of the Match was shared between Rachael Archard for a number of excellent saves and Zoe Parsons for her tireless running and fighting spirit.

The Ladies 5s faced league leaders Oundle in a competitive match and produced a strong defensive display. Oundle applied early pressure but Wisbech’s defence stayed organised, successfully dealing with several defensive short corners. The visitors eventually scored in the 17th minute to take the lead. In the second half Wisbech pulled together, showing great determination and pushing forward more to create promising attacking opportunities. In the end they held the league leaders to a narrow 1–0 result, reflecting a strong team effort across the pitch.

With just two more weekends of the season remaining, supporters are encouraged to head down to Harecroft Road on Saturday to cheer on the teams as they approach the final stretch of the 2025-2026 season.

Ladies 1’s Earn Hard Fought Draw

Dominant Display from Men’s 1s