It has been a busy weekend at Whitchurch hockey club as the season started with ‘HockeyFest’ on Saturday with a club open day as part of a National hockey promotion. Despite a rainy day there was a good turn out with 50+ players of all ages and abilities turning out to try hockey.
Deeside Ramblers ladies 2s 3 Whitchurch Ladies 1s 6
Sunday saw the first competitive game of the season as the Ladies 1s travelled to local rivals Deeside Ramblers to play a friendly fixture prior to the start of league matches next week.
Both teams fielded experimental sides whilst Deeside took the opportunity to field their up and coming Whitchurch took the opportunity to include the some new arrivals into the club.
Whitchurch knew this was going to be a tough match playing opponents from the league above and started the game cautiously letting Deeside pass the ball around and defending in numbers. With five minutes gone Whitchurch broke quickly after intercepting the ball and picked out Sue Read with a cross who gave Whitchurch the lead. Goals followed at regular intervals for Lisa Sullivan, Catherine Winter-Gresty and new girl Lucy Ratcliffe to give Whitchurch a comfortable lead going into the break.
Despite the lead Whitchurch were only too aware that the game could change very quickly as fitness and lack match practice came into play, Deeside went into the break looking fresh and ready to go Whitchurch were glad of the break.
Deeside came out in the second half trying different tactics to break down the stubborn Whitchurch defence and as they moved the ball around the Whitchurch team began to tire and they found space around the Whitchurch dee. Three quick goals in quick succession saw Deeside back in the game and Whitchurch under pressure but as so many times over the last few seasons Catherine Reece-Gresty organised from the back and Whitchurch settled.
Whitchurch again extended their lead with an individual goal from Ellie Windsor storming down the right wing and firing into the Deeside goal. Lucy Ratcliffe completed the game with her second picking the ball up in her half and running the length of the pitch before calmly slotting the ball home.
Whitchurch took away win and a confidence boost and Deeside got to test out their younger players who will be a force to reckon with in a few seasons.
Whitchurch ladies 1s travel to play Runcorn Ladies 1s on Saturday whilst the ladies 2s entertain Alderley Edge ladies starting at 12.30 at the Leisure Centre.
Whitchurch Junior sessions start again on Wednesday September 7th 2016 from 18.30 to 19.30 prior to the senior training from 19.30 to 21.00. The sessions are for those aged from 13 to 16 who are progressing from the Academy into senior hockey or those who want to try hockey for the first time.
Whitchurch Hockey Academy starts on Saturday September 10th 2016 from 10.00 to 11.30. Welcome to all from 8 to 13 to learn new skills, make new friends and become part of a fun team sport.
For contacts or further details see www.whitchurchhockeyclub.com