DERBY WIN FOR MENS 1ST XI

A superb team performance saw Wisbech Town HC Mens 1st XI claim all 3-points against local rivals Long Sutton, after the two sides met at Harecroft Road in a keenly contested Division 1 North clash.

The visitors started the stronger of the two sides, and took an early lead through Mckenzie East, but Wisbech grew into the game and slowly began to dictate possession. Chances remained limited, but Player of the Game Danny Haynes managed to get Wisbech back on level terms, deflecting Charlie Baxter’s cross into the back of the net. Wisbech maintained control of possession, but Long Sutton were a continual threat on the counter and restored their lead shortly before half time through Josh Baker.

A strong second half showing from the hosts turned the game in their favour. Baxter and Haynes combined again to see the latter complete his brace with a deft finish at the back post. With the scores level, Wisbech tightened defensively, limiting the visitors attacking opportunities and creating chances of their own on the counter, setting Ryan Jackson through on goal only for the Wisbech forward to be brought down by the Long Sutton goalkeeper, resulting in a penalty shot. Wisbech skipper Tom Jupp duly stepped up to fire home and put his side ahead with ten minutes to play.

A tense ending to the game saw tempers flare, but Wisbech held their composure to see out the game and secure a vital win. This weekend the men travel to Cambridge University 2nd XI hoping to climb the league table.

CAPTAIN TOM JUPP SCORED THE PIVOTAL GOAL FOR THE MENS 1ST XI.

The Ladies 1st XI travelled to Cambridge City 4th XI sporting a new formation in the hopes of kick starting their season, but soon found themselves 3-0 down. Some stability was restored as the team switched back to its usual lineup, with Player of the Game Lexie Klibanecz making a series of excellent saves in the Wisbech goal to repel the hosts, while the Fenland side began to mount attacking opportunities of their own.

A determined start to the second half saw Wisbech create further chances, but the team couldn’t find the finishing touch to get themselves back into the game before Cambridge City pulled away thanks to a number of penalty corner opportunities late in the game. The ladies will get the opportunity to bounce back on home soil on Saturday, when they host St Neots at Harecroft Road. 

The Ladies 2nd XI hosted Division 3 North West league leaders Bourne-Deeping, putting in a strong defensive performance led by Player of the Game Sharon Empson, and Ali Mason, while goalkeeper Georgia Ellis made a number of strong saves. The visitors eventually broke the deadlock after 20-minutes, a lead which held until half time.

Both defences remained solid during the early part of the second half, with Wisbech stringing together some excellent passing moves as they sought to keep possession. The visitors created further scoring opportunities however, and eventually secured a pivotal second goal to secure the 3-points. Wisbech will get the opportunity to bounce back when they travel to 12th placed Pelicans this weekend.

LEXIE KLIBANECZ WAS PLAYER OF THE GAME FOR THE LADIES 1ST XI

A late goal for hosts St Neots denied the Mens 2nd XI a point in their Division 2 North West clash. Mike Lawrence was on the scoresheet for Wisbech, before the hosts equalised from a penalty corner to leave the game finely poised at half time.

Just as it appeared the game was heading for a draw, a deflected effort saw St Neots claim the victory late on. Wisbech host league leaders Bourne-Deeping this weekend.

The Mens 3rd XI took on March Town 2nd XI at Harecroft Road, falling behind to a penalty corner opportunity, with the visitors able to score on the rebound after the initial shot was saved. Wisbech managed to create some opportunities, but were unable to find an equaliser before the break.

March doubled their lead with another penalty corner goal, converting a well worked routine, before adding a third goal from open play to seal the win. Wisbech will look to get back to winning ways at Pelicans 3rd XI on Saturday.

Three goals in the second half helped Spalding 3rd XI beat Wisbech Ladies 3rd XI 4-0. The Fenland side will host 2nd placed St Ives 3rd XI this weekend.

The Ladies 4th XI travelled to league leaders Cambridge City 7th XI. Wisbech made a bright start to the game, moving the ball well, but were unable to convert the opportunities which came their way, including seeing a penalty corner opportunity saved on the line.

Cambridge managed to get their noses in front before the half time break in what proved to be the decisive goal. The hosts were able to create opportunities during the second half, but Wisbech’s defence held firm and put in a performance to be proud of against a team that had been average seven-goals per game going into the encounter. The ladies have a weekend off before resuming their league schedule on November 30th.

THE LADIES 4TH XI PUT IN GOOD PERFORMANCE AT CAMBS CITY.

The Mens 4th XI travelled to Long Sutton 3rd XI, falling a goal behind after 15-minutes whilst also running into injury trouble. Wisbech continued to battle, but were unable to convert any of the chances that came their way.

Long Sutton controlled much of the possession during the second half, but couldn’t extend their lead, with Wisbech able to grab a late equaliser when Howard Atkins ball into the circle was deflected in by Paul Jackson. This weekend the men host Bourne-Deeping 3rd XI.

Cole Hewitson-Townley set the Mens 5th XI on the path to victory, in a close fought encounter with Cambridge Nomads 4th XI at Harecroft Road. Hewitson-Townley opened the scoring, before Pete Shippey extended Wisbech’s lead. The visitors were able to pull a goal back, before Wisbech secured the win with a well worked penalty corner routine. The team travels to Peterborough 7th XI this weekend.

The Ladies 5th XI hosted Long Sutton 2nd XI, putting in a hard working performance against a team sitting 3rd in Division 5 North West. The visitors had some early opportunities, prompting a change in formation from Wisbech to help solidify the midfield. Long Sutton were able to grab a goal before half time, adding a second shortly before the break.

Wisbech continued to defend with determination, repelling several penalty corner opportunities, while Player of the Game Ann-Marie Kok helped to create chances for the home side with some excellent through balls for the forwards to run on to. Long Sutton added a third goal before the end, but it was a performance to be proud of for the young Wisbech side.

There was success in the England Hockey Mixed Tier 1 KO Championship on Sunday too, with the Mixed A team beating St Ives 5-0 at Harecroft Road, while five-goals from Brandon Ruff underpinned a 6-1 win for the Mixed B team away at Cambridge South B. Both teams will now go into the draw for the second round of the Cup competition.