SIX OF THE BEST FOR MENS 1ST XI
Wisbech Town Hockey Club Mens 1st XI picked up their second win in as many games at the weekend, with a Sam Markillie (pictured above) hat trick helping to lead the Fenland side to a 6-2 victory against Bourne-Deeping at Harecroft Road.
Markillie scored all three of his goals during the first half, with Fred Whatling and Dom Stannard also on target for Wisbech, before Jason Esser rounded out the win with a goal from a short corner late in the game.
“It was an excellent performance,” captain Charlie Baxter said. “We played with intensity and ruthlessness; the passion in this team is there to see, and it’s great to see us sitting 4th in the Division 1 (North) table following the win.”.
This weekend, the 1st XI travels to Cambridge University 2nd XI.
The Ladies 1st team fared less well away at City of Peterborough 2nd XI. Despite a hard working effort from Wisbech, the hosts organization and experience saw them take a 2-0 lead into the break, before adding a third, and eventually fourth, goal during the second half.
Despite the loss, which also saw Peterborough move to the top of the table, captain Jo Bland was pleased with her team’s effort, and highlighted the contribution of teenager Olivia Jackson, who was named Player of the Game:
“This game showed how well Olivia has progressed; she’s come into the side recently and has shown great commitment, both in training and games, and in her determination to improve. She has a bright future ahead of her.”
Wisbech face another tough test this weekend, as they welcome 3rd placed Norwich Dragons to Harecroft Road.
Elsewhere, a much improved performance from the Mens 2nd XI saw them run out 5-0 winners against Peterborough’s 5th team. Pete Skitmore opened the scoring for Wisbech, before forwards Tom Peggs and Josh Porter each bagged a brace in a lively performance, which saw the Wisbech side move to the top of Division 3 North West.
With no fixture this weekend, the 2nd XI will be closely watching the results from Ely, Cambridge Nomads, and Bourne-Deepings games; with all three teams just a point behind Wisbech in the table at the time of writing.
The Mens 3rd XI were narrowly defeated away at Kettering, in a close fought affair. Despite some good buildup play from both teams, neither side was able to find the back of the net during a tense first half, Wisbech captain Brodie Ellis going closest when he narrowly shot wide from a short corner opportunity.
Kettering eventually broke the deadlock in the second half, after the hosts initial shot was deflected on to the post before trickling over the line. It proved decisive, as despite some late pressure from Wisbech the game finished 1-0 in favour of the hosts.
“It was a great effort on our part, we keep improving,” Ellis said after the game. “Our core group of young players - Brad Burton, Robin Middleton, Ross Gardner, Ollie Overland and goalkeeper Aiden Falkus - are showing exceptional effort and improvement week-on-week. They are a credit to themselves and the club.”
The 3rd XI hosts Spalding 4th XI this weekend (12PM).
Goals from captain Brandon Ruff, John Lawrence, and Jon Boyall, combined with a strong performance from goalkeeper George Purell on debut, helped the Mens 4th XI secure a point away at Ely’s 3rd team, following a 3-3 draw.
Ruff’s side will be hoping to build on the performance when they welcome St. Ives 5th XI to Harecroft Road on Saturday (1:45PM).
The Ladies 2nd XI slipped to their first loss of the season, suffering a 3-2 home defeat against Kettering Ladies’ second team. Emma Baker and Ana Norman were on target for Wisbech, with Amelia Garfoot also putting in a big performance to earn the Player of the Game award.
In Ladies Division 5 North West, Wisbech’s 3rd XI were beaten by league leaders Cambridge South 5, with the hosts recording a 7-0 win.
“It was a tough game against a very experienced Cambridge side,” skipper Rachael Bateman said following the game. “Tina Forder did an outstanding job, stepping in to play in goal, while Lily Cooper fully deserved her Player of the Game award for us.”
This weekend, the Ladies 2nd XI will look to bounce back when they travel to Cambridge South 3rd XI, while Wisbech’s own Ladies 3rd XI take on Ely’s 3rd team at Harecroft Road (10:30AM).