LADIES 1ST XI CLAIM POINT VERSUS LEAGUE LEADERS
Wisbech Town Hockey Club Ladies 1st XI earned a point against Division 1 North leaders Cambridge City 3rd XI at the weekend, battling to a 2-2 draw in a thrilling game at Harecroft Road. The visitors took the lead after just two minutes, and dominated much of the first half, but found themselves unable to increase their advantage thanks to some staunch defending from the Wisbech backline.
A much improved second half from Wisbech saw captain Jo Gomm equalise just seven minutes after the restart, before the home side took the lead through Natalie Ward, who converted a penalty corner opportunity three minutes later.
Cambridge responded with a well worked goal of their own from a penalty corner, setting up a thrilling final 15 minutes, during which both sides created chances, but neither was able to find the back of the net. The result leaves Wisbech 7th in the table, with a home game against second-from-bottom Watton this coming Saturday (14:45PM).
Away at 3rd placed University of East Anglia, the Men’s 1st XI found it tough going against the student side, with the hosts running out 7-1 winners on the day. The result leaves Wisbech 10th in the Men’s Division 1 North table after 16-games; however they trail 6th placed Bury St. Edmunds by just two points in a tightly packed lower half of the table. This weekend, the Men host league leaders, and local rivals Pelicans HC at Harecroft Road (13:15PM).
CAPTAIN JO GOMM WAS ON TARGET FOR THE LADIES 1ST XI (PIC: ADAM FAIRBROTHER)
The Mens 2nd XI were left frustrated after they fell to defeat away at St. Neots. The hosts took the lead after less than 60 seconds, and controlled much of the opening half, but were held at bay by some dogged defending by Wisbech before the break. The hosts grabbed a somewhat fortunate second goal after the restart, which forced Wisbech to open up a little more in search of a response. This afforded St Neots further opportunities, with the home side going 4-0 up before Jason Mallett grabbed a consolation marker for Wisbech.
This weekend, Wisbech host local rivals, and Men's Division 3 North West leaders March at Harecroft Road (11:45AM).
It was a tough day at the office for the Ladies 2nd XI, who were comfortably beaten by Women's Division 3 North West leaders Cambridge City 5th XI at Wilberforce Road Sports Ground. The hosts scored early, and continued to increase their advantage throughout the game. Wisbech were able to create some chances of their own, but failed to execute and found themselves slipping further behind, despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Lexie Klibanecz, who claimed the Player of the Game Award. The ladies will look to bounce back this weekend when they host Bourne-Deeping 2nd XI at Harecroft Road (10:15AM).
CIARAN LOWE SCORED A HAT TRICK FOR THE MENS 3RD XI (PIC: ADAM FAIRBROTHER)
Wisbech Mens 3rd and 4th teams faced each other in Men's Division 5 North West, with the league leading 3rd XI opening up a 4-0 lead during the first half, as Ciaran Lowe registered a hattrick, while young forward Oliver Overland also found the back of the net.
The 4th XI continued to work hard throughout the game, and were rewarded in the second half when they earned a penalty stroke, which was converted by team captain Brandon Ruff. Final score 3rd XI 4 4th XI 1. This weekend, the 3rd XI travels to Peterborough 7th XI, while the 4th team hosts Bourne-Deeping 4th XI (16:15PM).
The hockey club will also be hosting a Club Day this weekend, which is being used as an opportunity to celebrate the clubs recent achievements, and to provide the Committee with a chance to unveil exciting new plans for the club to current and former members, parents, and sponsors. Former club members are invited to join in the celebrations at the clubhouse on Harecroft Road from 12:15PM on Saturday, with a drinks reception and buffet being hosted by Wisbech Town HC as part of the event.