MENS MASTERS SUCCESS 2016

WTHC MENS VETS WIN 2016 NATIONAL FINAL

Wisbech Town HC 2 - Norwich Dragons 2 (3-2 after penalties)

Wisbech Town Veterans took on Norwich Dragons in the Final of the over 40’s Shield at the Olympic Park. The team from the fens were in buoyant mood before the game, but it was the opposition who played the better hockey in the first 20 minutes which led to a well worked short corner goal. Wisbech then stepped up their game and retained possession of the ball better putting more pressure on Norwich’s defence leading to the equaliser just before half time after a mazy run and a reverse stick deflected strike from Brad Apted.

Wisbech came out in the second half and totally dominated the game. They pressed higher up the field leading to a couple of chances which the forwards failed to convert. The midfield of Mark Littlechild, Nick Osborn and Dom Garfoot were able to gain a firm grip on the final with quick and fluent passing. Wisbech’s greater fitness became more evident as the game entered the last quarter which led to a short corner goal which was eventually disallowed by the umpires as the ball had brushed off Sam Markillie’s body. Great work from the Wisbech defence including Nick Overland ,Jonathan Shippey and Toby George kept the Dragons forwards at bay. With 10 mins. to go Brad Apted gained possession from a misplaced pass from the sweeper which he took around the keeper and calmly rolled in, leading to wild celebrations from the travelling supporters. Wisbech continued to create chances as Norwich pushed up looking for an equaliser which they converted from a short corner with 2 minutes remaining. Wisbech won a short corner straight afterwards but they failed to take advantage which led to a penalty shoot out.

It was a tense affair but Kevin Shippey saved the first attempt and Wisbech went 2-up from a Jonathan Shippey flick and a shuffle from Jody Betts. Sam Markillie then converted his attempt which led to the team and supporters from Wisbech celebrating too early as after consultation the umpires disallowed what would of been the winner due to exceeding the 8 second rule by a split second. Dragons then converted the next 2 attempts to level at 2-2 with Nick Osborn needing to convert to become champions and with a cool finish at a tight angle he did exactly that.

After several runners up medals in national competitions for the club they finally become champions! A great team performance and a fine send off for Ex-New Zealand International Brad Apted who’s returning to his homeland.

Congratulations to the vet's from all at WTHC