Whitchurch Men’s 1s 0 – 3 Liverpool Sefton 3s

Wrexham Mens 2s 14 Whitchurch Mens 2s 0

Storm Brian was the least of their worries as Whitchurch 2s were blown away by a rampant Wrexham 3s side in North Wales.

Whilst the 2s fielded another young and inexperienced side, Wrexham, fresh from four impressive wins at the start of the season, lined up with a full complement of experienced hockey players. Right from the start their quick movement and one-touch passing was causing the 2s no end of problems.

Penned back on the edge of their own dee, the 2s defence of Luke Davies, Danny Foulkes, Iain Bones and Doug Buckeridge did well to weather the Wrexham storm for the first 10 minutes of the game. They were eventually undone by a slick passing move that left keeper Neil Jones exposed and helpless for the opening goal.

With Sam Conway and Craig Hockenhull swamped in midfield and the younger players struggling to get involved in the game, Whitchurch were finding it hard to make any progress higher up the pitch. When they did gain territory it was quickly won back by Wrexham and the 2s were exposed on the counter-attack.

Despite a number of good saves by Neil Jones and the best efforts of the defence, Whitchurch found themselves 6-0 down at half time.

The second half played out in a similar fashion. Whitchurch tried to block up the large spaces that Wrexham were exploiting and defend in greater numbers, whilst the Wrexham players seemed keen to add to their own personal goal tallies.

With Fred Egerton sidelined during the first half after a stray stick to the face, Joe Coburn and James Page took turns down the left-hand side in the second half and both worked extremely hard at both ends of the pitch.

Locki Price had a brilliant second-half on the right constantly offering himself as the out-ball for the defenders, he showed great maturity in knowing when to drive with the ball and when to pick an attacking or conservative pass. His performance again drew praise from the opposition after the game.

Josh Parry worked tirelessly up front. Badly isolated in the first half, he dropped a little deeper in the second-half and was involved in all of the 2s most promising attacking moments.

Craig Hockenhull, Airan Jones and Sam Conway worked hard to supplement the defensive efforts and drive Whitchurch forward when the opportunities presented themselves. Ultimately, however, the 2s were up against a very fit, capable and experienced Wrexham side and despite their best defensive efforts they struggled to repel the attacks from the Welsh side.

Wrexham ran out 14-0 winners in the end, but there were still positives to take for the 2s. It was also an eye-opening lesson for the younger players in how to move the ball quickly and play one and two-touch hockey.

Next weekend the 2s look to bounce back when they entertain Neston 8s.

Buckley Ladies 1s 5 Whitchurch Ladies 1s 0

Whitchurch ladies 1s played their first away game of the season at windy and rainy Buckley.

From the first whistle Buckley put pressure on the Whitchurch defence with some very big hits into the dee. Whitchurch fought hard but Buckley scored their first goal within 5 minutes. Mid players Grace Berry and Millie Edwards pushed the ball up the pitch to centre forward Becks Morrissey but Buckley defence were very strong.

Ellie Windsor and Charlotte Lawder had some good runs up the right wing but Whitchurch just couldn’t make their opportunities count. Buckley were all over Whitchurch when they entered the dee leaving them with no time and space. Before the half time whistle Buckley fired their second into the Whitchurch goal.

After the half time talk Whitchurch came out with a little more fight, having a good run of chances at goal.

Buckley continued to defend strongly and Whitchurch’s spirits lowered. Buckley made a run into the Whitchurch dee to smash another shot but as captain Catherine Winter-Gresty got to the ball the shot rose into her hand putting her out for the remainder of the match.

Buckley kept the pressure on and had a run of short corners from which they scored another two goals. Whitchurch player Morrissey was carded leaving Whitchurch with ten players for the last 10 minutes; this gave Buckley time and space to score their 5th and final goal.

Sandbach ladies 2s 2 Whitchurch ladies 3s 1

The day started badly when we lost our sweeper and experienced defender during the warm up due to injury.

Whitchurch started well but Sandbach got a very early goal putting them one up. The remainder of the first half saw Whitchurch have the majority of possession. Ellie McEvoy and Izzy Huxley made fine runs on the wings creating lots of shots at goal but not able to convert. Wendy Cooper and Jan Teggin defended well along with keeper Phoebe Jones to keep the score the same at the end of the first half.

The second half saw Whitchurch start a little slow and again Sandbach took advantage scoring an early goal. This rallied the team and they got back on track with Annie Buckeridge and Milly Carruthers were excellent through the centre and left wing.

Not long before the end, a great shot in from Wendy Cooper picked out Izzy Huxley and her shot was tapped in by Ellie McEvoy for her first goal for the club, making it 2-1. Not enough of the game remained by the time Whitchurch had found their confidence and the game ended without any further goals.

The team were really pleased but tired after playing a full match without being subbed; they continue to grow in confidence the more games they play.

Annie Buckeridge was awarded player of the match.

Whitchurch ladies 2s 1 Golborne Ladies 2s 9

Whitchurch Ladies 2s played top of the division Golborne Ladies 2s this week.

It was evident from the first few minutes that Whitchurch were in for a tough match as Golborne started off strong, scoring, taking the lead by four goals. By the end of the first half however, Whitchurch managed to gain composure, and the resilience and determination from the defence and great goalkeeping by Shola Bailey meant Golborne were unable to add any more goals to their lead for the time being as Whitchurch gained possession.

After their half time talk, Whitchurch realised they needed to step up their game if they were going to score. Unfortunately, during the second half, Golborne took advantage of their tiring opposition, gaining another five goals. However, Whitchurch didn’t back down as great efforts from the mid-field and attack allowed Stephanie Stanton to get past Golborne’s defence and score, meaning Whitchurch were able to finish their difficult game on a high.

Player of the match went to Jess Kimberley.

The 2s have a break next week before their next league game against Neston Ladies 4s at home.

Whitchurch ladies 1s 2 Lymm ladies 3s 2

Whitchurch went out strong, dominating the first 10 minutes, but unfortunately were unable to get a goal. Lymm 3s got a lucky break and made it through the Whitchurch players to score past Gwyn Thomas-Rees . Whitchurch were not impressed but were beginning to tire. A few good plays got the ball up to the Lymm dee with centre mid Catherine Winter-Gresty getting the ball to the edge of the Dee, passed in to Grace Berry, who slapped it into the goal, hitting the net and evening up the score.

This cheered the spirits of Whitchurch, and with some great Ariel plays, Whitchurch continued to fight but couldn’t quite get a goal. A spectacular play saw the ball passed to striker Sue Read, who stretched out but couldn’t quite reach it.

Whitchurch went out fighting again, eager for the win. They battled valiantly but to no avail. Finally, Whitchurch earn’t a short corner. This was injected by Laura Workman, received by Grace Berry, who passed to Becks Morrissey, who struck at goal, causing the Lymm keeper to make a save. Grace Berry caught the rebound and smashed the ball into the roof of the net, putting Whitchurch deservingly in the lead for the first time in the game. Both teams kept their heads up and continue to play some good hockey, although tough at times. Lymm responded with a scrappy goal, following several saves ten minutes before the end. Just two minutes before the end, Catherine Reese-Gresty got a green card leaving Whitchurch with ten players with minutes left they had to hold on for the whistle. Final score was 2-2. Captain Catherine Winter-Gresty received player of the match.

Whitchurch will regroup and go out fighting again next Saturday, away against Buckley 1s.

Whitchurch Mens 2s 1 Deeside Ramblers Mens 7s 0

Whitchurch took on local rivals in this closely fought contest. Whitchurch started the quicker of the two teams and took an early lead with a blistering shot from Craig Hockenhull into the bottom corner of the Deeside goal. Whitchurch failed to take advantage of their chances and but brought the best out of the Deeside keeper who pulled of a great save from a Fred Edgerton shot and just before the end of the half Josh Parry deflected just wide of the post.

The second half saw much of the same with both teams evenly matched, Deeside continued to pressure the Whitchurch defence with same excellent passing between their younger players but the back line of Danny Foulkes, Richard Leigh and Ian Bones quickly broke up their attacks.

At the end of the match both teams were exhausted but Whitchurch claimed their first win of the season and a valuable three points.

Whitchurch travel away to play Wrexham Mens 2s next weekend.

Whitchurch Mens 1s 0 – Bangor University Mens 2s 5

Whitchurch travelled to Bangor for a late-pushback game this week against a young and well-trained team, and suffered their first significant loss in a long while.

The first half started well, and Whitchurch had the majority of the play. Several chances were set up well, with Ben Kimberley’s crosses into the dee from the right wing passing just inches from the tap-ins that would have given the Reds at least two goals. Airan Jones, stepping up from the 2s well, had an excellent game on the left wing, making runs and getting behind the Bangor defence.

At the other end of the pitch, the defence were hard-pushed by a strong Bangor attack, who were able to get a goal from a scramble in the dee. The Reds reset, and held out for the rest of the half, with Alex Fry stepping up in the central midfield role, and Steve Kay taking his place as sweeper, and they were able to control the centre of the pitch and get the ball out wide to Ben Fry and Jake Wood. They had very strong games and impressed with their strong runs down the wings, and they consistently pressured the Bangor players, fought for every ball and got through to the dee and released Tom Leonard to attack with his usual mix of top-of-the-dee strikes and movement through the defenders but, despite the pressure and getting a number of short corners, the final hits evaded them and the goals refused to come. Sturge in goal kept out a number of strikes including a diving save which involved a Bangor forward trying to get the ball over him, until James Partington was able to tap the ball onto the attacker’s foot.

The second half started with immense pressure from the Bangor team, who played with fluency and took control of the centre of the pitch more, passing the ball more freely amongst themselves and cheered on by some passionate supporters. The pressure took its toll on the Whitchurch defence who let their marking slip, and Bangor were able to score a couple of quick goals. Ryan Murtagh and Matt Brooks were worked hard at left and right back to keep a stream of attacks out, but eventually the pressure told and two more goals went in.

The game ended with Bangor deserved winners, but Whitchurch know the areas they need to improve on before they play Liverpool Sefton 3s next week at home – a known threat, as a team who came up with them last season – pushing back at 2pm at SJT.

Whitchurch ladies 3s 0 Wilmslow ladies 4s 8

Whitchurch Ladies 3s played Wilmslow Ladies 4s yesterday, with increasing bravery and determination! You can see the confidence growing in our younger, less experienced members of the team, match by match. Captain Kate Goodwin tried out her players in different positions this match, to try and find out where people are suited best to playing. Evie Whatmough did very well striding her way up front, as centre forward, ably supported by Izzy Huxley, Caitlin Shaw, Milly Carruthers and Amelie Morris. However, sadly Wilmslow were just too strong and despite our good defensive play scored two goals very quickly.

Maddy Sugden made some excellent saves, but this succession of goal scoring continued throughout the first half. Our defence team did work very hard trying to keep them out of our Dee, with Edina Jones, Mel Reid and Molly Goodwin demonstrating some brilliant defensive stick work.  Unfortunately Wilmslow were 6 – 0 up at half time.

This yet again did not dampen spirits however and after a very inspirational team talk at half time, Whitchurch went back on the pitch in a very positive mood.  After a change of players and positions, this was reflected in our play in the second half. What a turnaround! Nobody gave up and appeared to play a far stronger game.  Ellie McEvoy making some great moves up the pitch, with Victoria Corlett, Emily Lister and Annie Buckeridge really battling on.

Some very impressive and determined play by Kate Buckeridge, helping to keep the ball up at the Wilmslow end more, meant we had far more of a chance of scoring in the second half. Sadly, we had a goal disallowed but as a result of our improved playing.

Wilmslow only managed to get two goals past us in this half. What a great improvement by all players! The final score was 8 – 0 to Wilmslow, with Maddy Sugden, our formidable goalkeeper yet again getting Man of the Match! Next week we play away at Sandbach.

Macclesfield ladies 4s 0 Whitchurch ladies 2s 3

This week Whitchurch travelled away to Macclesfield ladies 4s. Whitchurch started the stronger of the two teams with Tracy Tolhurst scoring the first goal within 15 minutes.

Whitchurch pushed hard to increase their lead and were rewarded with Hayleigh Busby scoring the second goal off an attacking short corner. One final attempt in the first half saw need passing between forward Amy Fry, Hayleigh Busby and Tracy Tolhurst to setup Emily Vernon who slapped the ball past the Macclesfield keeper giving Whitchurch a 3-0 lead at the break.

The second half began with Macclesfield mounting strong attacks, the game for Whitchurch changed with Whitchurch defending their goal. Goalkeeper Shola Bailey produced some amazing saves to frustrate the Macclesfield forwards.

With their strong defence, Emma Clarke, Wendy Cooper and Martha Teggin and numerous saves from goal keeper Shola Bailey, Macclesfield were not able to gain an advantage and Whitchurch defended several short corners which were stopped by Hebe Dixon and Jess Kimberley.

Macclesfield voted Hebe Dixon player of the match

Whitchurch Mens 1s 3 – Lymm Mens 2s 2

Whitchurch looked to build on their solid result from last week with a match against Lymm 2s at home, and were pushed hard by a Lymm team that were better than their league position suggests.

Andy Magee made a return to the role of goalkeeper several years after his last game for Whitchurch, and provided a solid base for the team. Ryan Murtagh, James Partington and Matt Brooks again had a good game to keep the strong and speedy Lymm forwards at bay, and Jack Barnes continued to build his controlling role in the middle of the field.

Alex Fry, Ben Fry, Steve Kay and Rob Chapelle held the middle of the field and provided width and strength, and Ben Kimberley and Jake Wood were again strong and penetrating from the wings. Martin Beecher continued to get around the back of the opposition’s defence and provided the focus for Whitchurch’s attacks. The Reds went two goals up in the first half after some good work: a short corner game them the first, with the initial shot coming back out and a scramble in front of goal ended with Wood getting the ball over the line. Wood was instrumental in the second, with a strong cross-field pass finding Kimberley whose shot was saved well by the keeper, but Beecher was first to the rebound and picked up another goal for his tally.

Lymm regrouped well, and had much the better of the rest of the first half, culminating in two deserved goals: the first was a driving run down the right, and then an overload in the dee giving them a straightforward tap-in. They followed that up with more pressure in the dee, and a ball came loose to the Lymm striker who executed a fine reverse hit to claim their second.

At half time, captain Alex Fry settled the team and pointed out the areas they were doing well, but the areas they needed to pick up on, and the effects were seen early in the second half as Whitchurch’s control and passing improved noticeably and resulted in a drive into the dee allowing Kimberley to get a short away that went under the keeper and in. The rest of the second half continued in the same vein, with the Reds keeping control better, and Magee making a good save to keep Lymm out. The final whistle was welcomed by Whitchurch who had been under pressure from persistent attacks down both wings. The result sees Whitchurch go up to second in the table, ready for a trip to Bangor University next week.

Whitchurch ladies 2s 2 Bowden ladies 6s 1

Whitchurch Ladies 2s hosted the match against Bowden Ladies 6s. Whitchurch started strong with some good attacks from Ashleigh Heath and Charlotte Lawder.

Ashleigh Heath opened the scoring flicking the ball into the goal and give Whitchurch the lead. Whitchurch were awarded a series of short corners late in the half and a fantastic strike from Jess Kimberley secured Whitchurch a 2-0 lead into the break.

Despite the strong defence and numerous saves from Emma Clarke, Jess Kimberley and keeper Shola Bailey, Bowden managed to score bringing the final score to 2-1. Whitchurch fought hard in the second half to keep their win and managed to keep the score at 2-1. Throughout the match the midfield worked hard to support the attack and defence with some fantastic play from Tracy Tolhurst and Martha Teggin. Hayleigh Busby and Wendy Cooper made some brilliant runs up the wing and helped to pass into the dee for the goals to be scored. Martha Teggin was awarded player of the match.

Next week the 2s travel to Macclesfield 4s.

Ladies 2s with awards for winning Cheshire Division 6 in 16/17.

Chester ladies 5s 6 Whitchurch ladies 3s 1

Whitchurch continued their learning curve on an extremely wet day against a strong Chester team. Without captain Katie Goodwin they fielded a young team containing only three senior players. Whitchurch played beyond their years and gave everything but on the day were beaten by a stronger and more experienced side.

The first half saw Whitchurch defending in numbers with Annie Buckeridge and Emily Lister both playing well in their first game in defence under strong guidance of Mel Reid. They showed fearless determination and tackling everything that came near them and learning as the game progressed. Whitchurch thought they had a goal when Amy Fry shot into the bottom corner but it was disallowed as it was just outside the dee.

Undeterred Whitchurch pressed forward and as their confidence grew they find Fry free in the dee and this time there was no doubt as she tapped in from close range.

The first half ended 3-1 but with Whitchurch still working hard to press the Chester team.

The second half started as the first finished with confidence high and Whitchurch having a lot more possession of the ball. Maddy Sugden in goal continued her excellent form producing a string of fine saves to frustrate the Chester attack.

Whitchurch suffered a big blow when Fry took a ball to the hand and the game was stopped for treatment and to assess the extent of the injury. This shocked the young Whitchurch team and without Fry to lead the forward line their chances were restricted and allowed Chester to dominate the game.

Whitchurch never recovered from this blow and Chester went on to score another three goals before the final whistle and secure the points.

Maddy Sugden was named man of the match.

Golborne Mens 3s 4 Whitchurch Mens 2s 3

Whitchurch Men’s 2s took another young squad to a wet and windy Warrington for their game against Golborne 3s.

The 2s were looking to build on their draw against Warrington the previous weekend and immediately looked to take the game to Golborne. Driving midfield runs by Airan Jones, Craig Hockenhull and Sam Conway were causing Golborne problems, but coming up against experienced defenders, Whitchurch struggled to create many chances to shoot at goal.

As the Whitchurch attacks broke down, Golborne looked to counter-attack quickly, and in numbers. But the Whitchurch defence of Richard Leigh, Danny Foulkes, Rupert Yeoward and Doug Buckeridge were equal to the task.

Midway through the first half however, Golborne made one of their counter-attacks pay. Doug Buckeridge was unable to cut out a long, cross-field pass and Golborne were able to work the ball across the face of goal for the ball to be swept past Neil Jones for the opening goal.

Whitchurch lost their way a little after the goal and Golborne quickly added a second from a short-corner which took a wicked deflection to leave Neil Jones helpless.

The 2s responded well to the second goal and a driving run by Craig Hockenhull into the dee was finished by a brilliant reverse-stick hit to halve the deficit. This was quickly followed by good interplay by Hockenhull and Locki Price on the right wing, leading to Fred Egerton sweeping home at the far post to level the scores.

Whitchurch continued to press as half-time approached. Josh Parry outran the Golborne defence to a hopeful forward ball but his shot was pushed wide by the keeper. With the 2s unable to convert any of their other chances the teams ended the half level.

Golborne regrouped at the start of the second half and worked hard to deny the young Whitchurch players space to run into and the game became a battle in midfield. Chances and shots at goal were at a premium and while Whitchurch were unable to convert any of their opportunities, a long ball into the dee found an unmarked player who squeezed the ball past keeper Jones to give Golborne the lead once again.

Like the first half, the Golborne players tired as the half wore on and Whitchurch were able exert more influence and pressure on the Golborne goal. Josh Parry had a reverse stick hit well saved and from the ensuing melee in front of goal, Golborne somehow got the ball to safety. Craig Hockenhull was thwarted on a number of occasions by good defending.

With Airan Jones on the end of some rough treatment in midfield, the umpired played advantage and Sam Conway did well to win a short corner, from which he himself scored with a fine strike into the far corner of the goal.

Now in the ascendancy, Whitchurch continued to push forward but still couldn’t find the goal their play warranted. Josh Parry produced an outrageous flick to squeeze between two defenders and dart into the dee but was smothered by sheer numbers as Golborne defended deep in their own dee.

In their desire to go on and win the game Whitchurch got caught by a late sucker punch. Golborne took a free hit quickly and fired the ball long, beyond the Whitchurch defence. With a two-on-one break, the Golborne attackers worked the ball around to leave Neil Jones helpless to prevent them from retaking the lead.

Despite Whitchurch’s best efforts Golborne’s experienced heads shut the game down for the remaining few minutes and Whitchurch were unable to create any chances to rescue the game.

This was a tough defeat to take. Apart from the wobble midway through the first half, Whitchurch were always in the game. They showed resilience to come from 2-0 and 3-2 behind and scored three fine goals. The progress of the young players is a continuing highlight. Euan Morris was unable to play most of the second half after taking a painful blow to the knee and James Page did well against some ferocious Golborne defending.

The 2s will look to continue their progress when they entertain Deeside Ramblers 7s next weekend.

Whitchurch ladies 1s game was cancelled as Alderley Edge failed to raise a team, they were awarded the three points taking them to 3rd in the league.