Wisbech Hockey Club had a busy weekend, with nine of their ten sides in action and producing a mixture of grit, drama and impressive individual displays across the board.

The Men’s 1s travelled to Bourne Deeping and found themselves under pressure from the very first whistle in difficult conditions. The hosts made the stronger start and took the lead within minutes through a penalty stroke, leaving Wisbech struggling to settle as Bourne Deeping executed the basics with greater efficiency. The home side controlled much of the first half and deservedly went into the break ahead. After some regrouping at half-time, Wisbech emerged with renewed determination and immediately lifted their tempo. Suddenly they looked like a different side, dominating possession and carving out chance after chance. Their efforts were rewarded when Karle Belding struck twice in quick succession to turn the score on its head. But momentum swung again as Bourne Deeping produced a superb solo equaliser almost instantly. At 2–2 the match pivoted dramatically From the resulting short corner, the hosts restored their lead in equally contentious fashion. Wisbech pressed bravely for another comeback, even while a player down, but committing bodies forward left them exposed and Bourne Deeping snatched a late fourth to seal a 4–2 win. Jack Woollard’s tireless work earned him the Man of the Match award.

The Ladies 1s also faced a tough home match, going down 5–2 against UEA. Despite moments of good play and spells of resilience, they couldn’t quite match the hosts’ clinical finishing.

Meanwhile, the Men’s 2s endured a difficult afternoon against a very strong 16-man Pelicans squad. A 5–0 defeat was harsh on a Wisbech side that worked hard throughout. The physicality and organisation of Pelicans eventually took its toll. Man of the Match was shared between Daniel Klibanecz, Felix Markillie, Jerome Lawrence and Sam Booty for their outstanding perseverance—an encouraging sign ahead of next week’s home fixture.

There was far better fortune for the Ladies 2s, who made the short trip to March Town for a local derby and delivered one of their strongest performances of the season. Aware of their habit of playing better against high-ranked teams but occasionally stumbling against those below them, Wisbech arrived with both optimism and caution. Commitment across the squad was exceptional: Emma Baker travelled back early to face her old club. The opening exchanges were frenetic, with both teams clogging the middle of the pitch, but once Wisbech found rhythm, their passing movements sharpened. A well-worked short corner led to the opener, Sam Pritchard reacting brilliantly to tuck away a rebound. March countered dangerously at times, but Wisbech extended their lead with a superb finish from Emma Baker, who fired home from a near-impossible angle. In the second half, under coach Simon’s guidance, Wisbech won another short corner and Amber Crossley-King—later named Player of the Match—coolly slotted between the keeper’s pads after a precise pass from Swampy. March pulled one back following a Wisbech error at the back, but any hopes of a comeback were quashed when Sam surged forward from left back, linked up with Amber and hammered home her second of the match. Claire Burton’sexcellent work at right back stretched the March defence throughout and Wisbech fully deserved their 4–1 victory, lifting them to fourth in the league.

The Men’s 3s also celebrated a well-earned victory, overcoming Kettering 3s 4–2 in what was expected to be a demanding contest against joint league leaders. Kettering struck first but Wisbech responded through Brodie Ellis, ensuring the game was level at the break. The second half saw the momentum shift repeatedly, Kettering edging ahead once more before Ciaran Lowe equalised. Wisbech’s growing authority showed as they pushed forward with confidence, and Eliott Peck unleashed a brilliant strike into the top corner to give them the lead for the first time. Lowe then added his second to secure the result. With the defence and midfield working tirelessly throughout, Steve Rogers’ relentless energy earned him Man of the Match.

ladies 3s side took to the pitch at home at lunchtime, this time against Haverhill 1s, producing a battling 1–1 draw. Wisbech were disciplined at the back early on, with Fiona H-P distributing well from the left and Molly Evans and Emma Webb linking effectively through midfield to spark attacking pressure. However, a swift Haverhill move created an opening and they took a 1–0 lead. Wisbech refused to drop their heads, with Charlotte Holt’s strong runs keeping them firmly in the contest. The second half saw Wisbech come out with renewed energy, Rachel Rivers and Erika Harvey combining superbly as the midfield began to control the game. A well-constructed move down the left culminated in captain Rachel scoring the equaliser. Wisbech maintained possession intelligently in the closing stages and created several half-chances, with Becky supplying sharp passes in the D, but the match ended 1–1. Erika’s tireless work earned her Player of the Match.

Elsewhere, Wisbech faced a heavy 7–1 loss to a ruthless Bourne Deeping outfit. Despite the scoreline, Wisbech showed admirable resolve and continued to work hard until the very end, their perseverance rewarded with a composed finish from Paul Jackson late on. Though outplayed, the effort levels suggest plenty to build on going forward. Finley Morbey-Jones was named man of the match.

The final match of the weekend was the all-Wisbech clash between the 4s and 5s, which provided great entertainment under the lights and finished in a deserved 1–1 draw. The 4s applied early pressure, but the 5s midfield duo of Lola Harrison and Dack battled superbly to disrupt play and carry the ball forward. Against the run of play, the 5s struck first as Kimberly Mackett and Petra Crossley-King combined brilliantly for Petra to finish confidently. The goal sparked the 4s into life and Zoe Parsons delivered the moment of the match, driving nearly the length of the pitch before unleashing a stunning shot into the far post. Both sides pushed for a winner, but captain Lisa Jones produced an excellent late save to ensure the 5s held on. Zoe took Player of the Match for the 4s, while Sindy and Emilija Krygeryte shared the honour for the 5s.

This weekend showcases the final matches before Christmas, with men’s 5s starting the action on Saturday at 10:30. Ladies 5s will also be at home on Sunday. Come down and show your support.

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