FRUSTRATING WEEKEND FOR 1ST XIs
Wisbech Town HC’s Mens 1st XI were left disappointed on Saturday, as they suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Cambridge University 2nd XI. Wisbech went close early in the game, when a fast counter attack saw Jamie Hallatt round the keeper, only for his effort to be cleared off the line. The Fenland side went close again moments later, hitting the bar, while other chances came and went during a goalless first half, with Ben Tarratt at the heart of things for Wisbech.
The home side saw another opportunity cleared off the line just after the restart, when Danny Haynes’ deflection was turned aside by a Cambridge defender, before the University side broke the deadlock against the run of play. With Wisbech setting up to defend what they expected to be a sideline ball, the Umpires awarded a free hit to Cambridge further in field, with the University side quickly capitalising on the confusion to free one of their forwards, who turned the ball home.
It was a frustrating turn of events for Wisbech, who had both created opportunities, and defended well, led by Player of the Match Jason Esser and goalkeeper Aiden Falkus. Wisbech pushed hard for an equaliser, creating further opportunities, but they were unable to make the pressure count.
Wisbech will look to get back to winning ways next week, when they travel to Cambridge Nomads, who sit immediately below Wisbech in the East Hockey Division 1 North table.
JAMIE HALLATT WAS DENIED BY A GOAL LINE CLEARANCE ON SATURDAY
The Ladies 1st XI travelled to Norwich Dragons hoping to extend their unbeaten streak in 2022, but found themselves up against a very strong home side, and a very strong head wind during the opening 35-minutes. Norwich seized the momentum during the opening half, and led 2-0 at the interval, despite the heroics of Wisbech goalkeeper Ali Beel, who made a string of saves to keep the ladies in the game.
Beel remained front and centre of the action during the second half, as Wisbech found themselves under pressure. Norwich did eventually secure a third goal, but Beel’s efforts ensured it would not be more. Wisbech will have the chance to bounce back this weekend, when they host last placed St. Ives at Harecroft Road (13:45PM).
Wisbech Ladies 2nd team also slipped to defeat at the weekend, losing 2-0 to Cambridge South 3rd team. Goalkeeper Lexie Klibanecz put in an excellent performance for Wisbech, while forward Lillian Ley led the line well, but a failure to convert any of their short corner opportunities left the Fenland side with nothing to show for their efforts ultimately.
The result extended the gap between Cambridge in 6th and Wisbech in 7th in the East Women’s Division 3 North West table, but with 8th placed Huntingdon also losing on Saturday, the Ladies look increasingly likely to remain in their mid table position - especially if they are able to beat Huntingdon this coming weekend.
Wisbech Ladies 3rd XI travelled to Ely determined to get back to winning ways. Wisbech started in positive fashion, and controlled much of the game, but struggled to find that elusive goal. A strong rearguard performance, led by Player of the Match Ellie Cavill, starting her first game at centre back, helped ensure Wisbech would stay on level terms until they finally found a way through with just two minutes left in the game, Louise Cooper providing the finish to an excellent team move.
ACTION FROM WTHC MENS 3RD XI GAME VS SPALDING EARLIER IN THE YEAR (PHOTO: ADAM FAIRBROTHER)
Away at Spalding, the Men's third team went behind early to a well executed counter attack from the hosts, but were able to respond with an excellent effort of their own, as young forward Ollie Overland and Gary Freear combined to setup captain Brodie Ellis to get Wisbech back on level terms. Spalding once again struck on the counter attack however, before adding a third goal ahead of the break.
Wisbech improved in the second half, pulling a goal back through Jason Mallett whilst also testing the Spalding defence; despite those efforts, Wisbech was unable to draw level however, with Spalding adding a fourth goal shortly before the end of the game. The 3rd team hosts local rivals March Town 2nd XI this weekend (12PM).
Goals from Jon Boyall and captain Brandon Ruff helped the Men’s 4th XI bounce back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 away at St. Ives 5th team, with debutant Steve Rogers picking up the Player of the Match award, while young goalkeeper Willis Ruff put in another strong performance. Ruff’s side welcomes Spalding 5th team to Harecroft Road this Saturday (10:30AM).
The Men’s 2nd XI also returns to action this coming weekend, after a bye week, when they travel to St. Ives to take on their third team.