MIXED WEEKEND FOR WTHC SIDES
Wisbech Town Hockey Club Ladies 1st XI suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 3-2 to local rivals Spalding at Harecroft Road. Wisbech made a strong start to the game, creating some good pressure on the Spalding goal, but found themselves unable to convert until Rhianna Regan finally found the back of the net for the home side.
Spalding were quick to respond with a goal of their own, but Regan restored Wisbech’s lead before half time, turning home a rebound opportunity after Natalie Ward’s initial shot was saved by the Spalding keeper.
The visitors defence would play a key role in the second half, resisting increasing pressure from the Wisbech press, as Spalding twice managed to catch the hosts on the counter to take a 3-2 lead. Despite having several opportunities to equalise, Wisbech were unable to find a way through, and would be left to rue their missed chances at the final whistle.
“It was a disappointing result when we had so much of the attacking play,” captain Jo Gomm said following the final whistle. “But we remain second in the table, and should be proud of what we have achieved so far this season.”.
This Saturday, Wisbech travel to league leaders Ipswich 2nd XI.
MATT ESSER WAS ON TARGET FOR THE MENS 1ST XI (PIC: ADAM FAIRBROTHER)
The Mens 1st XI entered the weekend hoping to gain a measure of revenge against University of East Anglia, having been knocked out of the East Hockey Championship Cup by the same opposition the previous weekend, but found themselves 3-0 down after 15 minutes after early errors were punished by the University side.
Wisbech regrouped, and pulled two goals back, with Jack Bass converting a well worked penalty corner routine, before Tom Jupp scored a penalty flick, but further errors before the break saw UEA score two further goals of their own.
A much improved second half performance from the home side saw Jupp score a second penalty flick, before Matt Esser managed to squeeze the ball into the net following a goalmouth scramble. Wisbech pressed hard for an equaliser, but were caught on the counter by UEA in the dying moments of the game to make it 6-4 to the visitors. Wisbech will look to bounce back next weekend when they travel to King’s Lynn-based Pelicans HC.
The Ladies 2nd XI travelled to Kettering 2nd XI for an early push back, making a sluggish start to the game which allowed the hosts to score from a penalty corner. The early setback jolted Wisbech into life, with Sharon Empson’s quick pass finding Sam Pritchard, who scored the equaliser for Wisbech.
A slick move between Pritchard, Olivia Jackson, and Player of the Game Amber Crossley-King opened up space for Claire Apted to put Wisbech ahead before half time, with Lillian Ley then adding a third goal for Wisbech shortly after the restart, following good build up play from Sue Robinson and captain Harriet Bateman. Kettering pulled a goal back midway through the half, but Wisbech worked hard to maintain their lead, and ran out 3-2 winners. Bateman’s side travel to Bourne-Deeping 2nd XI this weekend.
SAM PRITCHARD SCORED THE FIRST GOAL FOR THE LADIES 2ND XI AT KETTERING
The Mens 2nd XI were also away at Kettering, with Wisbech creating numerous opportunities, but unable to convert for the majority of the first half. Ross Gardner’s goal did see Wisbech move ahead, but the hosts were able to equalise before the half time break.
Wisbech remained on top for the majority of the second half as well, with Ryan Jackson setting up Jonny Garner for the go-ahead goal, but once again a lack of quality finishing hurt the Fenland side, with Kettering grabbing an equaliser before the final whistle. This weekend, Wisbech travel to local rivals March in a top of the table clash between the two Fenland sides.
A Rachael Bateman hat trick helped power the Ladies 3rd XI to a 5-0 win against Cambridge South 6th XI. A scrappy first half saw two Wisbech players receive green cards, but a series of fine saves from Player of the Game Helen Pentelow in the Wisbech goal ensured the home side would not be punished for the indiscipline, instead taking a 2-0 lead into the break.
Some excellent passing and movement saw Wisbech maintain control of the game in the second half, with Claire Burton and Laura Dudley joining Bateman on the scoresheet to round out the win for Wisbech, who will face the Wisbech Town Ladies 4th XI this week, with both teams competing in Division 5 North West this season.
RYAN JACKSON PICKED UP AN ASSIST DURING THE MENS 2ND XI DRAW AT KETTERING
The Ladies 4th XI continued their development with a trip to Pelicans 3rd XI, with several new players making their debut for the club. The King’s Lynn side put Wisbech under a lot of pressure during the first half, with Player of the Game Tina Forder working hard in defence to try and help keep Wisbech in touch with their hosts.
An improved second half saw Wisbech threaten the Pelicans end with a little more regularity, with Freya Matthews and Esmae Melton impressing, but the hosts were able to secure a convincing victory in the end.
“Despite having a squad that was playing together for the first time, the second half saw some great team work and solid passing from the Ladies.” captain Ashleigh Lawrence said after the game, with her side looking to continue their development this weekend.
The Mens 4th XI secured a big win of their own, with captain Brandon Ruff scoring three goals in the opening fifteen minutes of the game against Spalding 4th XI. The visitors regrouped, and started to put some pressure on Wisbech, but strong defensive work from the Wisbech backline and midfield helped keep Spalding at bay, with Ruff scoring a fourth goal before the half time break.
Wisbech made a fast start to the second half as well, with Ruff scoring his fifth goal of the game, before Jordan Bown added a sixth goal for the home side with a deflected effort at the back post. Spalding continued to look for a way back into the game, but slipped further behind when Ben Piccaver scored from close range, with Ruff adding an eight goal, and his sixth of the game, before the final whistle.
"I can't fault anybody today,” Ruff said “We have been putting in so much effort in training to try and work on moving the ball, and today we did that and it paid off.”. Ruff’s side travels to Cambridge University 4th XI this weekend, while the Mens 3rd XI is back in action after a week off, hosting Ely City 3rd XI.