1ST XIs REMAIN UNBEATEN IN 2022
Having made a winning start to 2022 the previous weekend, Wisbech Town HC Ladies 1st XI looked to carry their momentum into Saturday’s meeting with 3rd-placed Peterborough 2nd XI in their East Division 1 North clash. Wisbech started keenly, with captain Jo Bland putting in a strong early tackle to help set the tone, as the Fenland side sought to play a high tempo game, which caused the city side’s defence some difficulty early on.
Despite this early pressure, Wisbech was unable to find a way through during the first half, with Bland going closest when she fired narrowly wide just before the break, following some great work from forward Jo Gomm to create the opportunity. Wisbech’s defence ensured the two teams stayed on level terms, with goalkeeper Ali Beel making two crucial saves during the opening 35 minutes.
The second half began in a similar fashion to the first, with Wisbech’s defence preventing Peterborough from creating opportunities, but equally unable to find the crucial marker themselves. As the game wore on, Wisbech did begin to tire, but Bland’s side were able to hold firm against a late surge from the visitors, claiming a hard earned point.
“The commitment, intensity and determination from all thirteen ladies led to one of the best performances of the season” Bland said following the game.
This weekend, the ladies travel to Norwich Dragons.
There was reason to be pleased for the Mens 1st team as well, after securing a 4-1 win away at Bourne-Deeping. Sam Markillie scored twice for Wisbech, with Fred Whatling also finding the net before young forward Josh Porter continued his fine form this season by adding the fourth for Wisbech.
The result sees Wisbech unbeaten in their last four games, and sitting a very respectable 7th in East Men’s Division 1 North. With a home game against 5th placed Cambridge University 2nd XI this Saturday (push back 1:45PM), there is an opportunity for the team to further consolidate their place in the Division this weekend, following promotion last year.
SAM MARKILLIE SCORED TWICE FOR WTHC MENS 1ST XI.
The Mens 2nd XI also took on Peterborough last weekend, facing the city side’s 5th team at Peterborough Hockey Club. Wisbech took an early lead thanks to Mike Lawrence deflected goal, following a sharp cross-D pass from Jason Mallett. Wisbech pressed for a second goal, with Mallett and Player of the Game Calvin Bishop both creating opportunities, but it was Peterborough who struck next, converting a short corner opportunity of their own just before the break.
Wisbech regrouped at half time, with strong work from Bishop in the midfield helping provide Nick Osborn with an opportunity to put Mallett through on goal, the latter finishing with a thundering backhand shot to restore Wisbech’s lead. Peterborough pressed hard for an equaliser, but Wisbech held on to claim a valuable away win, leaving the side still 2nd in Division 3 North West ahead of a bye week this weekend.
Despite taking an early lead away at Kettering, Wisbech Ladies 2nd XI succumbed to defeat against the Northamptonshire side. While Jane Peggs did score a hat trick for the Fenland side, Kettering’s tactic of keeping two forward high and using long through balls paid dividends, as Wisbech marking let them down as they slipped to a 7-3 loss.
Captain Harriet Bateman was quick to praise goalkeeper Lily Cooper after the game however, with the youngster stepping in at the last minute to help the side out, with the team’s regular goalkeeper unavailable.
Bateman’s side will host Cambridge South’s 3rdXI this weekend (push back 15:30PM).
HANNAH STRICKLE WAS ON TARGET FOR THE LADIES 3RD XI
Wisbech Ladies 3rd team welcomed a strong Cambridge South 5th team to Harecroft Road on Saturday, with Wisbech putting in an admirable team performance against the league leaders. While Cambridge claimed a 3-1 victory - Hannah Strickle scoring for Wisbech - skipper Rachael Bateman described the Wisbech performance as a “real team effort”.
“We played really well together as a team,” Bateman said. “Putting in a much improved performance against Cambridge South, after our previous meeting in October. The score did not really reflect the gameplay; we battled hard and held our own. Everyone should be really proud of the performance.”
The Ladies 3rd XI travel to Ely City 3rd XI this weekend, hoping to recapture the pre-Christmas form that saw the team win three games in a row prior to the winter break.
The cold weather led to both Wisbech Mens 3rd and 4th XI games being called off last weekend, due to a frozen pitch. This Saturday, the 3rd team faces a tough test away at high flyers Spalding, while the 4th team travels to St. Ives.