GOOD WEEKEND FOR WTHC TEAMS
Wisbech Town Hockey Club enjoyed a series of strong performances on Saturday, with the majority of teams picking up points from their games, including the Mens 1st XI, who faced Division 1 North leaders Norwich City 2nd XI at Harecroft Road in a thrilling contest.
Hoping to build on their performance from the previous week, Wisbech started slowly and soon found themselves two-goals down, before a swift counter attack and superb finish from Player of the Game Fred Whatling saw the Fenland side pull a goal back. Norwich were able to restore their two goal cushion from a penalty corner, but a second goal from Whatling before the break left the game well poised heading into the second half.
A superb team goal, capped off by Jack Bass, helped Wisbech get back on level terms, as the home side came out of the blocks quickly, but the visitors were quick to respond, going 4-3 up. Wisbech were able to equalise through Scott Welcher, with both sides creating chances during the closing minutes of the game, but with neither able to convery, the points were shared. This weekend, the Men travel to Cambridge University to face the university’s second team.
FRED WHATLING SCORED TWICE FOR THE MENS 1ST XI VERSUS NORWICH CITY 2ND XI (PIC: ADAM FAIRBROTHER)
Despite a good performance away at Cambridge University 2nd XI, the Ladies 1st XI slipped to a 2-1 defeat, their third loss in a row. Both sides made a strong start to the game, creating attacking opportunities, with the hosts taking the lead.
Wisbech continued to work hard however, and were eventually rewarded for their efforts when Laura Bell hit the back of the net to level things. Play continued to ebb and flow, with the University side eventually grabbing the crucial second goal to edge ahead and secure victory.
“It was a good performance in a close game,” captain Jo Gomm said afterward. “It could have gone either way; it’s disappointing to lose, but we have to take the positives from the match.”. Wisbech now sit 6th in Division 1 North, with a home game against Norwich City 2nd XI this weekend.
The Mens 2nd XI hosted Cambridge Nomads 2nd XI, looking to bounce back from the previous week's derby defeat at March. After a sluggish start, Wisbech took the lead through Ryan Jackson, following a goalmouth scramble, but found themselves unable to increase their lead before the halftime break.
Wisbech continued to threaten the Nomads goal during the second half, but still struggled to pull away, and the visitors were able to find an equaliser midway through the frame. Cambridge then took the lead, poking home the rebound from a penalty corner following Wisbech goalkeeper Kev Shippey’s initial save. A penalty corner in the dying minutes of the game presented Wisbech with a chance to equalise however, with Oli Brown finding the bottom corner to make it 2-2. This Saturday, the 2nd XI travel to Cambridge South 3rd XI.
LUCY PRIOR WAS PLAYER OF THE GAME FOR THE LADIES 2ND XI VS ST NEOTS (PIC: MIKE BENNETT)
A thrilling game saw the Ladies 2nd XI draw 2-2 with St Neots 2nd XI. Despite some excellent play from both sides, it remained goalless at half time, with Wisbech finally able to break the deadlock five minutes into the second half, when Player of the Game Lucy Prior was able to deflect Claire Apted’s initial shot past the St Neots goalkeeper.
The visitors were quick to reply, catching Wisbech on the counter attack to equalise, before the St Neots goalkeeper saved Apted’s penalty flick to keep the game at 1-1. A second counter attacking goal from St Neots threatened to derail Wisbech’s good work throughout the game, but Lou Sandall’s goal ensured a point for the Fen side, who now sit 3rd in the Division 3 North West table, with a trip to local rival Spalding 2nd XI on the cards this weekend.
Six-goals from Ciaran Lowe underpinned a 9-0 win for the Mens 3rd XI against Cambridge South 6th XI at Harecroft Road. Three goals from Lowe, and a goal from Oliver Overland saw Wisbech carry a 4-0 lead into the halftime break, before Lowe (3), Mat Boyall, and Oliver Melton all found the net during the second half to round out the victory.
The result maintains Wisbech’s place at the top of Division 5 North West, though Cambridge University 4th XI remain hot on their heels in 2nd place. Wisbech will look to continue their good run of form away at City of Peterborough 8th XI this weekend.
Braces from captain Brandon Ruff, and Brodie Ellis saw the Mens 4th XI secure a 4-0 win away at St Ives 5th XI. Both sides had chances during the first half, but Ellis’ first goal of the game was the only thing separating the sides at halftime.
St Ives made a quick start to the second half, but found themselves unable to capitalise on their opportunities before Ruff found the back of the net, adding his second of the game shortly after. Ellis then completed the victory, with Ruff’s side looking to maintain their form this coming weekend against Peterborough 7th XI.
The Ladies 4th XI started their game against Peterborough 5th XI strongly, putting pressure on the visitors and forcing mistakes, but found themselves a goal down at half time. A strong second half performance from Peterborough saw them pull away, but some good play from Amber King, and co-Players of the Game Freya Matthews and Isabel Herring ensured Wisbech continued to pose a threat going forward. Final score Wisbech 0 Peterborough 4, with the Ladies set to host Ely City 3rd XI. Wisbech Ladies 3rd XI are also back in action this Saturday, after a week off, travelling to St Ives 3rd XI.