LADIES 1ST XI MOVE INTO 2ND PLACE

Wisbech Town HC Ladies 1st XI moved into 2nd place in the East Hockey Division 1 North table at the weekend, after recording a 4-1 win away at Watton. The Fenland side came out of the gate quickly, with Player of the Game Georgie Dunn scoring twice in the first half, assisted by team captain Jo Gomm on both occasions. Shortly before the break Gomm turned goal scorer, latching on to Izzy Pope’s pass to make it 3-0 to the visitors. 

Watton came out fighting in the second half, and pulled a goal back from a penalty corner opportunity, with a deflection taking the ball past Wisbech goalkeeper Ali Beel. Wisbech restored their three goal cushion before the end however, when Natalie Ward scored from a penalty corner. The result means Wisbech have now won all three of their games so far this season, with a trip to University of East Anglia coming up this weekend. 

"It was a great team performance.” Gomm said following the game. “Our game plan was to press high, push our defence up, move the ball quickly, and drive the baseline. We executed the plan perfectly, and mounted attacking pressure throughout the game. It was great to come away with the three points."

GEORGIE DUNN SCORED TWICE FOR THE LADIES 1ST XI (PHOTO: ADAM FAIRBROTHER)

The Mens 1st XI were also away from home on Saturday, travelling to league leaders Dereham. The hosts made a good start to the game, moving the ball well to keep Wisbech on the back foot, eventually taking the lead from a penalty corner. Wisbech responded positively, with Ben Tarratt drawing in three defenders, before releasing the ball back to Dom Stannard, whose shot across goal was deflected in by Josh Porter.

Dereham restored their lead following a defensive breakdown from Wisbech, but good work from Ryan Jackson and Sam Markillie helped setup Porter for his second of the day shortly before halftime. The pace of play remained high in the second half, with Dereham capitalising on a free hit to catch Wisbech on their heels and make it 3-2 to the home side.

Wisbech created some late chances to equalise, with Markillie drawing a fine save from the Dereham goalie, but the Norfolk outfit was able to see out the remaining time and claim victory.

“Despite the result, we should be happy with the way we responded today, following a disappointing effort last week” captain Jason Esser said. “We wanted to put in a strong showing against the league leaders, and I think we did that.”

Facing Peterborough 5th XI at Harecroft Road, Wisbech Men's second team secured a 6-4 victory, but were left frustrated by their own mistakes during the game. Wisbech wasted early chances, and were twice caught on the break by Peterborough, but managed to edge ahead thanks to a Jason Mallet hat trick, plus a goal from Jonny Garner, leading 4-2 at the break.

The second half continued in much the same vein, with defensive errors allowing Peterborough to score twice, but a second goal from Garner, followed by a drag flick finish from Kieran Hallatt, saw Wisbech home.

ROSS GARDNER ON THE BALL FOR THE MENS 2ND XI

Wisbech Ladies 2nd XI emerged victorious in a hard fought encounter with St Ives 2nd XI at Harecroft Road. The visitors started the stronger of the two sides, but without being able to find a killer pass or clear sight of goal. As the game moved on, Wisbech began to string some excellent passing moves together, but also struggled to create any quality chances as the two sides went into the break tied at 0-0.

A much improved second half performance from the home side saw Player of the Game Emma Markillie open the scoring with a tremendous strike on her reverse stick. St Ives continued to press for an equaliser, allowing Wisbech to catch them on the break, with Jemima Mitchell’s shot across the St Ives D cleverly deflected in by Emma Baker. Wisbech managed to hold on for the remaining minutes, despite pressure from the visitors, sealing a 2-0 win.

“It was one of our strongest performances of the season.” captain Ali Mason said. “Emma (Markillie), Jemima (Mitchell), Amber Crossley-King, and Olivia Jackson were tremendous in midfield for us, and we showed great commitment today.”.

The Men's third team also picked up a win on home soil at the weekend, beating Peterborough 7th XI 9-0, following a strong first half performance. Goals from Mat Boyall (2), Calvin Bishop, Rob McGregor, Oliver Melton, and a great finish from an acute angle from Oliver Overland saw Wisbech carry a 6-0 lead into the half time break.

Peterborough came out with purpose in the second half, but Wisbech defence held firm and rode out the early pressure from the visitors, going on to add further goals from Bishop, and Overland, before Brad Burton also found the back of the net to complete the win.

JOSH PORTER SCORED TWICE FOR THE MENS 1ST XI (PHOTO: EDWARD LUBBOCK)

A late push back at St Ives 4th XI saw Wisbech Ladies third team facing in the direction of the setting sun during the first half of their Division 5 North West encounter. Despite some good play from Wisbech, the hosts scored two quick goals during the half. 

Wisbech adjusted their setup during the second half, doing an excellent job of keeping the ball away from their own end, but found themselves unable to beat the St Ives goalkeeper, despite some excellent play from Claire Burton and Erin Brook.

The Ladies 4th XI also found the going tough against a strong Cambridge University fourth team. Fielding a number of new and returning players, Wisbech were pushed back in their own end for much of the game. Goalkeeper Kirstie Harrison made a number of strong saves to try and keep Wisbech in the game, but the University side managed to capitalise on their dominance of possession, and secured a 12-0 win.

“We didn’t let our heads drop, and put up a good defensive resistance for large parts of the game.” captain Ashleigh Lawrence said. “It was a tough game against a strong opponent; but with a lot of players new to the sport, I think we can be proud of our effort and commitment against one of the league’s best teams.” 

Away at Bourne-Deeping, Wisbech Men’s 4th XI found themselves a goal down early on as the home side converted from a penalty corner opportunity. Wisbech goalkeeper Willis Ruff made a series of saves to keep his side within touching distance, and captain Brandon Ruff, and Jordan Bown both went close for Wisbech early in the second half. 

Two further goals from penalty corners saw Bourne-Deeping pull away, though Wisbech did grab a consolation marker late in the game, with Robin Middleton finding the back of the net.

The Under 16 girls team was also in action at the weekend, securing a 3-0 win away at Spalding on Sunday.

This weekend is a slip week in the hockey calendar, with only the Ladies 1st XI in league action as a result; the Mens 1st XI will be in Cup action away at University of East Anglia. Other teams return to action on October 29th, with the exception the Men’s 3rd XI, whose next game is on Saturday November 5th.