POPE POWERS LADIES 1s TO WIN

Wisbech Town HC’s first teams defied the terrible weather conditions over the weekend, both securing important points in their respective East Hockey Division 1 campaigns. 

The Ladies 1st XI bounced back from the disappointment of the previous week to beat St Neots 5-1 at Harecroft Road. Wisbech started well, creating several opportunities, and found themselves a goal up thanks to Izzy Pope’s reverse stick strike. The midfielder added her second goal shortly after, with Becky Gillick adding a third goal for the homeside before the break, beating the St Neot’s goalkeeper one-on-one. 

Wisbech did not begin the second half with the same composure, but held firm defensively, with centre back Natalie Ward and goalkeeper Lexie Klibanecz ensuring the three-goal lead was maintained up until Lily Cooper added a fourth goal for the home side. The visitors managed to pull a goal back, but Pope’s hat trick strike put the result beyond doubt, helping Wisbech secure 3-points and move out of the Division 1 North relegation zone. The ladies take on last placed Peterborough 2nd XI on Saturday.

IZZY POPE’S HAT TRICK HELPED THE LADIES 1ST XI SECURE A 5-1 WIN.

Wet and windy conditions in Cambridge could not dampen the Mens 1st team’s spirits, as the dug deep to secure a point against Cambridge University 2nd XI in a roller coaster game. The home side made a quick start to the game, but struggled to find a way past a well organised Wisbech defence initially, only able to edge ahead thanks to a well placed finish from a penalty corner opportunity. Wisbech were not unperturbed, and continued to stick to their game plan, receiving their own reward when Danny Haynes went close to equalising, before Dan Crossley did secure the equalising goal from a penalty corner.

With the game still hanging in the balance, the University side continued to test the Wisbech defence but were unable to find a way through, with Haynes putting the visitors ahead with a deft deflection from a penalty corner. Wisbech continued to defend with determination, but conceded from a penalty corner with ten minutes to go. The hosts nearly took the lead shortly after, but a brilliant goal line save from Player of the Game Lewis Jackson ensured the score remained tied, albeit not for long as Cambridge scored their third penalty corner goal of the game moments later.

Wisbech continued to fight hard for every inch, and earned another penalty corner of their own just as the final whistle blew, with Crossley scoring his second of the game to secure a draw for the Fenlanders, who host St Ives at Harecroft Road this weekend.

A brace from Megan Tolliday on debut helped the Ladies 2nd XI secure a 3-2 win away at Pelicans 2nd XI. The hosts opened the scoring, catching Wisbech on the break early in the game, before Tolliday got Wisbech back on level terms. The Fenland side saw a potential go-ahead goal disallowed, before Pelicans reclaimed the lead with another goal on the counter to lead 2-1 at half time.

Wisbech pushed higher up the pitch in the second half, and were rewarded for their attacking intent as Tolliday and Emma Baker found the back of the net to help secure the 3-points.

In a rare weekend double header, the Ladies 2nd XI were also in action on Sunday, welcoming Cambridge University 4th XI to Harecroft Road. Buoyed by Saturday’s success, Wisbech continued to play positively and earned a 5-1 win as a result, with Ellie Cavill scoring twice, while Claire Burton, and captain Louise Sandall were also on the scoresheet for the home side, who will be looking to make it three wins in a row when they host St Ives 2nd XI this weekend.

SAM MARKILLIE WAS ON THE SCORESHEET FOR THE MENS 2ND XI.

The Mens 2nd XI took on Division 2 North West league leaders Bourne-Deeping, almost staging a rousing comeback. The visitors scored twice during the first half, and looked to have put the game beyond doubt when they were able to score from a penalty shot in the 53rd minute, but a penalty corner goal from Kieran Hallatt brought Wisbech back into the game.

Sam Markillie added a second goal for Wisbech five minutes later, setting up antense final ten minutes. The home side were awarded a penalty corner at the final whistle, but were unable to convert as Bourne-Deeping breathed a sigh of relief. Wisbech will look to bounce back away at Peterborough 3rd XI on Saturday.

Molly Evans goal during the first half helped the Ladies 3rd XI earn a point against 2nd place St Ives 3rd XI, as the two sides met at Harecroft Road in their Division 4 North West clash. Wisbech worked hard during the first half, pressing well and playing some of their best hockey of the season.

The visitors came flying out of the gate in the second half, but Wisbech held firm during the early stages, with Player of the Game Charlotte Holt, and Isabella Burton performing well in midfield. Eventually St Ives were able to find an equaliser, but it was a well earned point for the Ladies in red, who travel to Peterborough 4th XI this weekend.

The Mens 3rd XI made an excellent start to their game at Pelicans 3rd XI, but were unable to convert any of the chances that came their way and eventually fell behind to a late goal from the hosts five minutes before the break.

Pelicans added a second goal after the restart before Elliot Peck pulled one back for Wisbech following a quick 1-2 move with Ryan Parker. Chasing an equaliser, Wisbech pushed higher up the pitch but were caught out as the hosts finished the game the stronger side, bagging three late goals. The men host Kettering 3rd XI this weekend.

MOLLY EVANS FOUND THE BACK OF THE NET FOR THE LADIES 3RD XI.

The Mens 4th XI came from two goals down to beat Division 5 North West league leaders Bourne-Deeping 3rd XI at Harecroft Road. The visitors jumped out to a 2-0 lead at half time, but found themselves unable to add to their lead before Josh Porter pulled a goal back for Wisbech midway through the second half.

Five minutes later the hosts were level thanks to Brandon Ruff’s clinical finish. Wisbech took a hold of the game following the goal, moving the ball well and creating openings, allowing Ruff to grab a second goal from an acute angle to put the Fenland side ahead with five minutes to play. Wisbech remained disciplined, managing possession well to close out the game and secure victory. The team travels to St Ives 4th XI on Saturday.

Away at Newmarket 3rd XI, the Ladies 5th team had to contend with some of the worst of the days weather, with strong winds playing a part in the hosts first goal, affecting the path of the ball on its way towards goal. Wisbech worked hard to get back into the game, defending well, but Newmarket were able to secure a second goal shortly before the break.

The hosts further extended their lead ten minutes into the second half, adding a fourth goal shortly after. Despite the scoreline, Wisbech continued to work hard, with Stephanie Leeks helping drive play from the midfield, while Player of the Game Rachael Archard denied Newmarket a fifth goal with an excellent save from a penalty shot. Wisbech host Pelicans 3rd XI this weekend.

Freezing temperatures saw the Mens 5th XI game at Peterborough postponed; the team hosts Cambridge South 6th XI on Saturday. The Ladies 4th XI also return to action this weekend, following a week off, as they travel to St Ives 4th XI.

PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Chapman.