BIG WINS FOR MENS 3RD AND 4TH XIs
Wisbech Town HC Ladies 1st XI were left frustrated on Saturday, as they slipped to a narrow defeat against Cambridge South at Harecroft Road.
Wisbech started well, with Player of the Game Vicky Herbert linking up well with Amber Scott and Izzy Gowler down the left-hand side of the pitch during the early exchanges, before Wisbech took the lead through Georgie Dunn. The visitors were quick to respond, but Lilian Ley restored Wisbech’s lead only for Cambridge to again find a quick reply in a back and forth game.
Jo Gomm twice went close for Wisbech, only to be denied by the Cambridge keeper, who made several strong saves to keep Wisbech at bay before the visitors were able to mount some pressure of their own. While Wisbech remained determined in defence, with Gowler making two goal line clearances, eventually Cambridge grabbed a crucial third goal to claim victory.
The result leaves Wisbech just outside the relegation zone in 8th place on goal difference, with 9th placed UEA holding a game in hand on the Fenland side. The picture is further complicated by 10th placed Watton sitting just 1-point behind, while St. Neots and Cambridge University, sitting 6th and 7th respectively, could both also still be drawn into the relegation battle with five games to go.
With 11th placed North Norfolk HC set to visit Harecroft Road on Saturday (1:45PM), Wisbech will be hoping to not only gain revenge for the 3-1 defeat at the Sheringham-based side in November, but also put some pressure on the teams around them as they look to secure their place in Division 1 North.
LILIAN LEY WAS ON TARGET FOR THE LADIES 1ST XI (📸: MIKE BENNETT)
Having enjoyed a weekend off, Wisbech Mens 1st team return to action this Saturday, travelling to King’s Lynn based Pelicans HC, who currently sit 2nd in the men’s Division 1 North table. Charlie Baxter’s side are also looking to retain their place in the Division, and currently sit 7th in the league on 23 points, but also have games against league leaders Spalding, and 2nd placed Harleston coming up.
The Men's 3rd XI picked up a vital win in their own battle for survival, beating Kettering 7-2 in Division 4 North West. Team captain Brodie Ellis put Wisbech ahead after 10-minutes, but Kettering were quick to respond and tied the game at 1-1 before Ryan Parker scored for Wisbech to restore the lead heading into the half-time break.
Kettering made a quick start to the second half, putting pressure on Wisbech, and found themselves back on level terms after converting a short corner opportunity. The game did not remain level for long however, with Ellis scoring his second of the day, before completing his hattrick moments later when he fired home from a short corner. Wisbech further extended their lead, with Parker, Tim Bateman, and Ollie Mitchell all finding the back of the net before the game was stopped late on, following a collision between the Kettering goalkeeper and a Wisbech player. With the opposition stopper unable to continue due to injury, the teams agreed to shake hands and end the game there, with Wisbech earning 3 valuable points to lift themselves off the foot of the table. Ellis’ side hosts Peterborough 6th XI this weekend (12PM).
BRODIE ELLIS SCORED A HAT TRICK FOR THE MENS 3s (📸: ADAM FAIRBROTHER)
Captain Brandon Ruff led the way as the Mens 4th team also secured an emphatic victory on home soil, beating 2nd placed Ely City 9-2 in Division 6 North West. Ruff scored a hattrick for Wisbech, while Jon Boyall, and Player of the Game Mat Boyall each bagged a brace, with Oliver Melton and Jordan Bown rounding out the scoring for Wisbech in an impressive performance.
The result saw Wisbech move ahead of Ely in the league table, but league leaders Spalding are already out of reach, having opened up a 13-point gap at the top of the Division with just four games left to play. Wisbech host Kettering 5th XI this weekend. (10:30AM).
The Ladies 3rd XI suffered defeat on Saturday, going down 7-1 at local rivals March. The hosts led 2-1 at half term, with Oliwia Bolka scoring Wisbech’s lone marker, before pulling away in the second half; but Nicola Greville’s side worked hard, and will be hoping to bounce back when they next take to the field against St. Ives in two weeks time.
Both the Mens and Ladies 2nd XI are back in action this weekend, with the men away at Cambridge City 5th XI, while the ladies visit Spalding, who sit immediately above them in the Division 3 North West table.