Another weekend of home fixtures cancelled due to bad weather and pitch flooding saw only the away sides play on Saturday but Sunday saw all the ladies teams in action catching up on fixtures cancelled two weeks ago

Saturday November 9^th 2019.

Runcorn Men’s 3s 1 Whitchurch Men’s 2s 10

The Men’s 2s travelled to Runcorn looking to build on the good hockey played in last weekend’s defeat to Birkenhead.

With the Merseyside team struggling for results this season, it seemed like a good opportunity for the 2s to get back to winning ways, however it was Runcorn that started the game better. With a cold wind howling around the pitch, the home side had Whitchurch penned in their own half for the first 10 minutes of the game. Wyn Morris, Brendan Coburn, Gareth Teggin and Will Snaith defended well and keeper Neil Jones wasn’t seriously tested. The Reds survived a couple of short corners and then dramatically escaped from their own half.

A long ball was played forward to Euan Morris, who raced clear of the Runcorn defence, rounded the keeper and opened the scoring. Within minutes 1-0 had become 4-0 as Whitchurch found their form and Runcorn found themselves penned in their own half. Jacob Buckeridge turned in a Luke Beddow pass at the back post for his first goal in senior hockey. Euan Morris fired home the third goal and Joe Coburn scored an absolute beauty after dribbling past four Runcorn players in the dee and slotting into the far corner.

Whitchurch continued to dominate the play in the first half, with Joe Coburn, Luke Beddow and Richard Leigh controlling midfield, the wingers playing high and the fullbacks pushing up. But chances came and went …. Alex Leigh was twice denied by good goal keeping, James Page was close to poking in at the back post and Will Gilbert was a constant threat. Eventually a defence-splitting pass from Ethan Gresty enabled Euan Morris to complete his hat-trick and give the 2s a 5-0 lead at half-time.

Whitchurch continued to press in the second half and scored goals at regular intervals throughout the second period. James Page bundled the ball in at the far post to score his first goal in senior hockey, and Jacob Buckeridge unselfishly squared the ball for his dad, Doug Buckeridge to push the ball into an empty goal for his first goal for the 2s. Euan Morris added a fourth goal to his tally as the Reds looked to score with every attack.

At 8-0 down Runcorn had a spell of possession and pushed Whitchurch back towards their own goal. Their efforts were rewarded with a consolation goal from a short corner. But the 2s responded with further goals from Joe Faithfull, who rounded the keeper and finished well, and Luke Beddow who scored from about 2 inches after Euan Morris had fired the ball goalward

In September last year the Men’s 2s came to Runcorn with a young side and lost 2-1. The 10-1 win in this game shows how far these young players have developed in the last year or so. This was an impressive attacking display, although the quality of the hockey didn’t quite hit the heights of the previous weekend against Birkenhead.

Euan continued his fantastic goal-scoring form and Joe Coburn scored a wonderful solo goal. Three players scored their first goals in senior hockey. Jacob and James are young lads and will score many more goals for the 2s, but Doug’s goal was a real collector’s item. It was harder to miss, but it’s taken him 5 years to get that goal. He can now return to the defence and leave the goal-scoring to the younger lads!

The Men’s 2s next match is at home to Neston 8s at 1:30pm on Saturday 16^th November.

Brooklands ladies 4s 7 Whitchurch ladies 2s 1

Whitchurch ladies 2s battled the elements, to travel away on Saturday 9th November, with all home matches cancelled. Whitchurch set off in the cold to play Brooklands in a very wet Manchester

Whitchurch were very positive following their winning streak in the last 3 matches, eager to face top of the league, Brooklands In a game that they knew would be a challenge.

The team was very strong comprising of Captain Emma Clarke, supported in the backs by goalkeeper Megan Nicholson and Catherine Reece-Gresty

Halves were Jess Kimberley, Chloe Lloyd, Martha Teggin, Ellie McEvoy and inners were the dynamic duo of Ellie Pearson and Holly Edwards and the attack consisted of Edina Jones and Phoebe Jones, Megan Brunyard, Holly Gilbert

The push back was won by Brooklands which foreshadowed future events.

Whitchurch played well passing the ball between themselves unfortunately Brooklands were able to intercept Whitchurch’s attacks. Whitchurch controlled most of the possession during the first half but Brooklands went on to score five goals in the first half with lucky breaks.

The half time talk was positive and constructive helping Whitchurch get back on track

Whitchurch started strong with Phoebe Jones pushing the ball forward to Holly Edwards, this gave Whitchurch a spring of life and gave Whitchurch the confidence to push forward and play a more attacking game.

This led to a short corner which they failed to convert; however, Whitchurch were not finished. A long corner lead to a lucky break with Chloe Lloyd pushing the back to Catherine Reece Gresty who had pushed up to send the ball powerfully into Phoebe Jones who slotted it past the keeper. Giving Whitchurch their only but much deserved goal of the match.

Unfortunately, time was not on Whitchurch’s side and they couldn’t get back all the goals needed to secure a draw

Player of the match went to Phoebe Jones.

Sunday November 10th 2019

Macclesfield ladies 2s 2 Whitchurch ladies 1s 2

Ladies 1s travelled away to Macclesfield this Sunday to replay a cancelled game from 2 weeks ago.

From the whistle Whitchurch took the ball to Macclesfield. Midfielders Lisa Sullivan, Catherine Winter-Gresty and Izzy Huxley moved the ball well through Macclesfield and within minutes Whitchurch scored from a short corner with Jessica Carruthers deflecting the ball over the keeper.

Macclesfield quickly fought back with a goal from open play, shaking Whitchurch up.

In defence Emma Harper, Catherine Reece-Gresty and Millie Edwards quickly passed the ball up the pitch as Macclesfield were fighting for another. Keeper Beth Wright made some amazing saves, balls being collected by Anna Latham and Hayleigh Busby on the wings. Sarah Field sat high waiting to fire at the keeper for a deflection for great team work from Lisa Sullivan and then Ellie Windsor to lift over the keeper.

Macclesfield’s tempers rose and wanted the win and again quickly equalised.

At half time 2 all, Whitchurch ladies collected themselves and went back out as the start, lovely passes up the pitch to have a run of short corners but couldn’t find a gap to score.

Macclesfield kept pushing up the pitch, they were beginning to tire but so were Whitchurch.

Both teams played well to the final whistle.

Ladies 1s were happy with the result as it was a Sunday game with several of their regular players missing.

Whitchurch ladies 2s 2 Macclesfield 2s 1

Whitchurch began their game with great strength, despite their exhaustion from yesterday’s match. They persevered, winning a short corner only minutes into the game. Holly Edwards took a powerful shot at the top of the dee, but Macclesfield fought back, saving the goal. Whitchurch dominated the play with Edina Jones and Amelie Morris making amazing runs down the left wing and keeping the ball up in Macclesfield’s Dee. Ellie Pearson and Nicola Forster worked well together with a string of quick passes getting another shot at goal but just missing. Despite their constant battling, Whitchurch were still at 0-0 when the half time whistle blew.

Reenergised, Whitchurch were ready to get back on the pitch and score some goals. Phoebe Jones made some amazing runs and Molly Fry set up numerous brilliant attacks with help from Edwards and Amy Fry – who made some quick interlinking passes – resulting in a shot from Amy Fry which just missed the goal. Holly Gilbert and Pearson continued to battle down the right wing and get the ball into the dee. Whitchurch’s efforts finally paid off with Molly Fry scoring an amazing goal. 1-0 up Whitchurch continued to put pressure on to Macclesfield who weren’t giving up. After some excellent passes, the Macclesfield players scored a well-played goal; this left Whitchurch even more determined. Emma Clarke and Chloe Lloyd worked brilliantly in defence, stopping all further Macclesfield attacks. Martha Teggin kept getting the ball back to the Whitchurch players and after a cross into the dee from Gilbert, saw Nicola Forster score an excellent winning goal as the final whistle blew, resulting in a 2-1 win for the ladies 2s.

Whitchurch ladies 3s 6 Golborne ladies 3s 2

Whitchurch ladies’ thirds had a great match against Golborne. The game started with a strong attack by Whitchurch soon leading into our first goal by Jasmin Williams. Soon afterwards, quick passes between the midfielders and inners led to Nina Hodges scoring another two goals for the team. Whitchurch defence was extremely strong, clearing the ball up the pitch. Annie Buckeridge scored a great goal making the score 4-1 by half time.

After a quick team talk, Golborne came back strong, driving the ball up to our dee. This resulted in a second goal for the opposition, but Whitchurch didn’t let that put them off. We had some great runs up the pitch by Alice Page and Libby Fox supporting.  A long corner taken by Wendy Cooper to Kate Buckeridge supported by Annie Buckeridge and Lexi Morgan lead to another two goals, one by Emma Stubbs and the other from Nina Hodges giving her the well-deserved players player. Golborne had a strong attack in the second half forcing our players to drop back. Our defenders Jan Teggin, Hermione Ball, Mel Reid and Emily Lister, managed to keep the opponents out of the dee. Louise Cottrell made some fantastic saves as goalkeeper helping with Whitchurch’s well-deserved win of 6-2.

With all the other games cancelled due to flooded pitches only the men’s 1s game went head.

Bowdon Men’s 5s 1 Whitchurch Men’s 1s 10

Whitchurch had an excellent away game this week against Bowdon, and it was the perfect tonic to last week’s frustrating home outing. Anything that was poor last week was solid this; anything that was too narrow last week was full-width this; anything that was sloppy last week was tight and focussed. It was some of the best hockey played by Whitchurch for a long time. The movement off the ball was as good as play when with it. Passes made it to their targets across the full width of the pitch. The defence was happy to play the ball around the back, before launching up the wings. The runs into the dee and the crosses to those runs were spot-on. This week, Whitchurch properly implemented captain Danny Foulkes’ pre-game plan, and put into practice the training exercises prepared by the coaching team, and did it well enough to draw praise from spectators who noted how well the squad played together.

The game started evenly enough, with early pressure from Bowdon, who were able to get some good triangles going down the wings. Whitchurch were also putting together some good passing moves and a fine run down the right ended up with right-back Chris Ruscoe bagging his first of the game with some excellent work in the dee. A few minutes later, Bowdon were awarded an unexpected free hit and were able to take it quickly enough to get the ball past the diving Paul “Sturge” Leigh in goal. From there on, though, Whitchurch took control: from strength at the back, with Foulkes flanked by Ruscoe and James Partington to move the ball around before getting out to the midfield, with Alex Fry and Rob Chappell controlling the middle of the pitch, well-supported by Tom Forster on the left and Jack Barnes on the right. Up front, Craig Hockenhull and Nick Cooper were a constant threat in the dee, with Fred Egerton and Ben Kimberley rotating well out wide allowing the Reds to stretch the play in a way they were unable to do last week. Two more goals came before the break, including a short corner that was initially blocked with a high clearing kick by the keeper, which Kimberley brought down with a tennis smash back in before the goal was put away.

The second half was the opening of the flood gates as Whitchurch began to create some borderline-perfect hockey. As Bowdon tired, or lost focus, Whitchurch excelled. Moves started from clearances at sixteens through to the midfield, and across the pitch to the other wing, back into the centre and banged into the goal. Barnes drove an excellent run down the wing and along the byline before slipping it to the penalty spot for a shot. Egerton played an excellent game swapping both at left back and left wing, but was critical in collecting the ball and holding it while players arrived before getting a great pass away, but also scored a good close-range goal of his own. Hockenhull made strong runs that put the Bowdon defence on the back foot; Cooper was a constant threat. The centre of the pitch was a goldmine for pinpoint, crisp passes. The goals started to flow, with end-to-end moves ending in powerful strikes, and included a stroke scored by Ruscoe after a shot on goal hit a Bowdon defender. By the time the final whistle went, Cooper had scored four, Ruscoe three, and Kimberley, Hockenhull and Egerton each got one. Sturge in goal made a great save in the second half, but that was the only time he was really called on. From goalkeeper to centre-forward, the entire team put in a vastly-improved performance. They played for each other, and as a single unit. It was hard to pick a player of the match, but it went to Egerton for his tireless performance. Whitchurch are home next week to Chester Men’s 5s when they hope to build on this good work.

Whitchurch Men’s 1s 3 Keele University Men’s 1s 1

Whitchurch were looking to return to winning ways this week after last week’s away draw, playing a Keele University team who had given them two tough games last season. The Reds also had a large squad this week with their stronger players all available to play, so were hoping to put on a good performance – but it wasn’t that straightforward. Having so many substitutes to roll on and off actually caused quite a bit of disruption to play, with the initial solid start to the game then interrupted with players not settling quickly enough as they came on, and not always in the right positions.

As it was though, Whitchurch did make the stronger side against a youthful university team and Danny Foulkes’ pass through to Chris Ruscoe, playing his first game for several years, was rifled into the back of the goal. Nick Cooper and Jon Chappell caused problems for the Keele defence, and were helped by Ben Kimberley and Craig Hockenhull who provided width and options. Dale Seymour and Jack Barnes held the middle of the pitch, and Joel Leese and Marcus Conway drove the wings from midfield. Foulkes provided strength at the back, with Tom Forster moving well in front of him, and Ruscoe and James Partington gave width at the back, to try to implement Foulkes’ game plan of better use of the whole pitch this match.

The first set of substitutions unfortunately unbalanced things, as the team as a whole failed to cope well enough with the fluidity required to maintain good pressure and, instead of providing impact, it gave interruption. It was hard to put a finger on why things didn’t work, but it will be something the team needs to work out quickly. Communication wasn’t great, passes weren’t strong enough, and people didn’t move off the ball as well as they have done in previous matches. There were still moments of good work, with a quick break by Seymour ending with a pass across to Chappell who scored well into the Keele goal.

This was balanced by trouble at the other end of the pitch, with Keele making a number of successful breaks, and player-of-the-match Paul “Sturge” Leigh making a number of critical saves, including a full-stretch diving block to keep Keele out. They did finally grab a goal, with questions over the taking of a free hit causing delays in the Whitchurch team responding to a quick attack and Sturge was unable to block the overload.

The game settled and, with players taking on Foulkes’ half-time words about how the subs needed to work, the second half was much better. Fred Egerton did well at left back, and Sam Conway worked well in midfield to spread the ball out wide. Alex Fry held the pitch in front of the defenders, and the team started to work better for each other again. This resulted in some decent play with much of the last few minutes being played in the Keele twenty-three metre area, and a good drive into the dee by Forster was followed by his strike on goal with Cooper popping up to tap it in from a few inches away.

Whitchurch remain top of the league and have an away game at Bowden next week where they will hope to have ironed out things and continue to play the good hockey they know they can.

Deeside Ramblers 7s 1 Whitchurch Men’s 2s 5

For the first time in a long time, the men’s section of the hockey club was over-subscribed for players for the weekend’s fixtures. Once again, the 2s fielded a full squad of 16 and despite the youthful make-up of the squad, the Men’s 2s produced an excellent performance to emphatically beat Deeside at Malpas.

The Reds immediately took control of the game, passing the ball neatly through the midfield trio of Joe Coburn, Airan Jones and Luke Beddow. With Deeside struggling to get out of their own half, Whitchurch pressed their opponents back towards their own goal and forced a succession of short corners. But despite varying the routines, the Reds couldn’t find their way past the resolute Deeside defenders and keeper.

Throughout the first half Whitchurch created opportunities but repeatedly they chose the wrong options when well placed. Will Gilbert was unlucky with a lofted flick that went wide, Dave Mitchell-Lane almost got on the end of an excellent cross-field pass from Euan Morris and Airan Jones flashed shots wide with players in support.

The Reds’ defence of Brendan Coburn, Wyn Morris, Will Snaith and Alex Leigh were excellent throughout. Whenever the home looked to make progress up the pitch they were well stopped by the defenders. Will and Alex both worked hard to provide support to the forward players.

Given the number of opportunities created in the first half, it was surprising and slightly disappointing to go into the half-time interval level at 0-0. The only criticism of the Whitchurch side was the lack of width … a familiar failing this season … so the challenge for the second half was for the wingers to stretch the pitch and the Deeside defence … and they must have been listening!

Right from the start of the second half Jacob Buckeridge and Joe Faithful worked hard to maintain the team’s width right across the attacking areas of the pitch. As the home side’s defence stretched to meet the wingers, more space opened up through the middle of the pitch and the Whitchurch attacks became much more dangerous.

The midfield, including Ethan Gresty and Dave Brunyard, were driving through the centre of the pitch and causing havoc for the Deeside defenders. The home keeper was again performing heroics, with some fine stops but eventually Whitchurch got the goal they deserved. Joe Faithful did well to pull the ball away from the prone keeper during a scramble and then smack the ball high into the net via the keeper’s outstretched arm.

This opened the floodgates. As Deeside looked to push forward in search of an equaliser, they left large spaces in behind their midfield. Whitchurch’s speed on the counterattack was devastating. Airan Jones scored a neat reverse stick finish after another fine save from the Deeside keeper. Euan Morris continued his scoring run with an excellent run and finish into the far corner and then doubled his tally with a mishit shot from the edge of the dee at a short corner. Joe Coburn rounded off an excellent all-round performance with the fifth goal from the edge of the dee.

Further chances came and went. Will Gilbert and Fred Delf-Rowlandson were creating width on the wings and fired in several dangerous crosses which were blocked or hacked clear.

Deeside had one or two chances, but by that stage the game had escaped their control. Keeper Gareth Teggin made a couple of handy stops but was eventually beaten for a consolation goal towards the end of the game.

This was an excellent performance by the young 2s. They were always on top in the first half and their willingness to stretch the pitch in the second half made them difficult for Deeside to handle. The passing was crisp and incisive, and the winning margin was well deserved.

Will Snaith had an excellent game in defence; strong in the tackle; intercepting and cutting out passes; and intelligently supporting the play going forward; this was by far his best game for the 2s. The wingers all played well in the second half, but Joe Faithful was the stand-out with his clever opening goal paving the way for the final score line.

Next weekend the 2s entertain Birkenhead 2s. The Wirral-based side are expected to be in the mix for promotion, so this will be a tough test for Whitchurch. Pushback will be 1:30pm at SJT.

Whitchurch Ladies 3s 1 Bowden Ladies 7s 0

After some great gameplay last week, Whitchurch were ready to go as they arrived in Bowden. With Jan Teggin as acting captain Whitchurch started extremely well with quick passes between Jasmin Williams, Kate Buckeridge and Louise Whitely, Whitchurch quickly took control of the game. Hermione Ball and Jan Teggin worked well in defence, stopping all of the Bowden attacks. Holly Gilbert and Caitlin Edwards managed to get the ball into the Bowden dee several times with but with Edina Jones working hard in the middle of the pitch further attacks were prevented.

Whitchurch immediately put pressure on the Bowden defence with Hayley Busby making some excellent runs up the pitch supported by Jones. Samantha Parkhurst made her Whitchurch debut, brilliantly covering the right wing from the oncoming attacks. Emma Stubbs worked hard in defence stopping Bowden with some excellent. After a string of interlinking passes made by Williams and Whitely, saw Whitely manage to get the ball past the goalie making the score 1-0. Whitchurch continued to work well together with Louise Cottrell ensuring Bowden didn’t get a last minute goal. The match ended with a well-deserved win for Whitchurch.

Whitchurch Ladies 1s 4 Warrington Ladies 1s 0

This week Whitchurch 1s played Warrington 1s at home. After a strong start to the game, Whitchurch were awarded a short corner. Lisa Sullivan injected a great ball to Sarah Field who took a shot and scored the teams first goal. From a 16 yard hit, Emma Harper, Anna Latham and Kezzie Hutchings worked the ball down the pitch with some lovely interlinking passes to get a pass to Hebe Dixon who smashed it bottom corner. After Warrington unexpectedly broke through, Beth Wright made a strong save before Sophie Ward then dove across the goal to make a terrific save.

Millie Edwards, Catherine  Winter-Gresty and Lisa Sullivan worked together down the right hand side before passing it across the goal to Izzy Huxley who after battling with the keeper, scored the team’s 3rd goal. The teams last goal came from Ellie Windsor who passed the ball selflessly to Field who slotted it past the keeper. Lisa Sullivan sadly got hit and had to come off, but returned like a trooper for the second half.

In this half, both teams had chances but neither could convert. Whitchurch will be playing away next week against Macclesfield. Players player was once again awarded to Sullivan for her outstanding play.