1ST XIs AVOID BIG FREEZE TO CONTINUE HOT STREAKS
Wisbech Town Hockey Club’s Ladies and Mens 1st XIs, and Ladies 2nd XI, avoided the big freeze on Saturday to record victories in their ongoing East Hockey campaigns.
Wisbech Mens 1st XI took on Bourne-Deepings at Harecroft Road looking to make it 14 wins from 14 games this season. Wisbech went 1-0 up early through Jamie Hallatt, but found it tough going against a well drilled opponent who created several counter attacking opportunities.
Sam Markillie put Wisbech 2-0 up, but Bourne-Deeping pulled a goal back before halftime to keep things close. Wisbech began the second half strongly and looked to take control, but failed to make their chances pay as the visitors worked hard to stay in the game. Eventually Wisbech’s persistence was rewarded when Hallatt scored his second goal of the game, redirecting the ball into the net to put Wisbech 3-1 up.
The third goal relaxed the home side, who were able to see out the game relatively comfortably to maintain their 100% record ahead of next weekend’s trip to 2nd placed Long Sutton.
SAM MARKILLIE WAS ON TARGET FOR THE WTHC MENS 1ST XI (PIC: TIM CHAPMAN)
Wisbech Ladies 1st XI continued their strong start to 2024 with a 3-0 home win against Kettering. Laura Bell gave Wisbech the lead from a penalty corner, her ninth goal of the season, before the home side doubled their advantage with a well worked team goal, with Player of the Game Georgie Dunn setting up Oliwia Bolka for the finish.
The Ladies continued to control much of the play, with Lily Cooper adding a third goal for Wisbech, while goalkeeper Lexi Klibanecz and the Wisbech defence remained firm to ensure another clean sheet was secured.
The result moves Wisbech into 5th place in Division 1 North, with a trip to Ipswich and East Suffolk coming up this weekend.
An Emma Baker hat trick helped the Ladies 2nd XI come from behind to secure a big win against Huntingdon and Northstowe. Wisbech took the lead after ten minutes, but two quick goals from the visitors put the home side on the backfoot.
Wisbech was able to regroup before the break, equalising shortly before halftime, and a much improved second half performances saw Wisbech pull away, with Baker completing her hat trick, while Player of the Game Amber Scott scored twice, and captain Louise Sandall also finding herself on the scoresheet once again.
Next week the ladies travel to Cambridge to take on Division 3 North West leaders, Cambs Nomads.
EMMA BAKER SCORED A HAT TRICK FOR THE LADIES 2ND XI (PIC: TIM CHAPMAN)
The Ladies 3rd XI saw their game away at Long Sutton postponed due to the cold weather; the ladies will look to maintain their Division 5 North West title challenge at home to St. Ives 4th XI, while the Ladies 4th team travel to Ely.
The Mens 2nd XI will also be back in action next weekend, after their game against Cambridge University 3rd XI was postponed due to a frozen pitch, with Wisbech set to take on Kettering 2nd XI.
A frozen pitch also saw the Men’s 3rd team forced to postpone their game versus Peterborough 6th XI. Mike Lawrence’s side will be back in action this weekend as they travel to Cambs Nomads, while the 4th XI host Bourne-Deeping 3rd XI at Harecroft Road.