Whitchurch ladies 1s 5 Warrington ladies 2s 3

Whitchurch went out strong, keen to get going. They very quickly got past the Warrington players with an excellent drive from centre half Catherine Winter-Gresty with a strong pass to the post where Laura Workman got a touch it the goal putting Whitchurch 1-0 up in the first few minutes of the game.

Warrington came back fighting, testing Gayle Ladd, Jess Kimberley, Vicky Price and Helen Machin in Whitchurch’s defence. The ladies held their ground and with some good work created many more goal scoring opportunities, but unfortunately Whitchurch couldn’t get it past the Warrington defence and keeper.

Warrington then had a quick break beating Whitchurch for speed and managed to get a good goal making the score 1-1 by half time.

Whitchurch had a positive and productive half time team talk. They went back, high in spirits, eager to dominate the second half. Excellent tackling from Grace Berry, left Warrington stunned and setup Sue Read to give Whitchurch the lead.

This upped Whitchurch spirits even further and Laura Workman powered forward for another luscious goal, giving Whitchurch a 3-1 advantage.

Warrington were not impressed and came back to score past goalkeeper Gwyn Thomas-Rees, before she produced a string of fine saves frustrated the Warrington forwards. This encouraged the rest of the Whitchurch team to come back with a goal, lightening Laura Workman popping up on the back post to score her second of the game.

Warrington kept their heads up, and continued to push against the Whitchurch players, leading to their final goal of the game.

Whitchurch quickly responded to this, with some excellent team work, and a fabulous brace from striker Sue Read, making the final score 5-3 and another well earned three points.

A well-deserved player of the match went to Captain Catherine Winter-Gresty.

 

Whitchurch Mens 2s 2 Warrington Mens 2s 2

Whitchurch 2s, looking to bounce back from last weeks defeat, but build on the many positives from the game against Chester, fielded another young side for the visit of Warrington Men’s 2s.

Whitchurch struggled to find any passing rhythm in the early stages of the first half and the more experienced Warrington side took control of both ball and territory. However the inexperienced Whitchurch defence, assisted by the midfield, prevented Warrington from creating any meaningful chances to shoot at goal.

Midway through the half though, Warrington were awarded a short corner, from which they opened the scoring with a powerful strike into the bottom corner.

The goal seemed to galvanise Whitchurch. Airan Jones left the field due to injury just before the restart and his replacement Lockie Price and Joseph Coburn immediately started to link up really well on the Whitchurch left. With Craig Hockenhull and Jake Wood driving forward from midfield Whitchurch started to threaten the Warrington dee for the first time.

The improved attacking play was instantly rewarded when good work on the left led to Jake Wood feeding the ball into the dee where Euan Morris flicked the ball back for Craig Hockenhull who fired in the Whitchurch equaliser.

Soon after that a driving run by Craig Hockenhull into the Warrington dee was abruptly stopped as the Warrington keeper upended Hockenhull, but the ball ran free to Euan Morris who calmly pushed the ball into the unguarded goal to give Whitchurch the lead.

Warrington appeared to be shell-shocked by the turnaround and Whitchurch created a number of other opportunities before the end of the half but were unable to add to their 2-1 lead.

Warrington reorganised at the break but Whitchurch immediately pushed them back towards their own goal and continued to create chances. Josh Parry, Euan Morris, Jake Wood and Craig Hockenhull all had shots saved by the Warrington keeper and a number of short corners were squandered.

Warrington posed a threat on the counter-attack but the Whitchurch defence of Danny Foulkes, Rupert Yeoward, Richard Leigh and Doug Buckeridge were stoic with their tackling and interceptions preventing Warrington getting any chances to shoot at goal from open play. As they struggled to make inroads, Warrington resorted to more and more ambitious passes behind the Whitchurch defenders but keeper Neil Jones was always alert and cleared out anything that came anywhere near his goal.

Ultimately Warrington’s experience brought them an equaliser. Playing for feet in the Whitchurch dee rewarded them with a brace of short corners, the second of which was neatly flicked high into the net.

Whitchurch continued to create chances at the other end, but the deep Warrington defence prevented Whitchurch from getting clear shots at goal, and when good chances did come, Whitchurch were only able to hit the keeper.

 

Brooklands MU 5s 0 Whitchurch Mens 1s 3

Whitchurch travelled to Sale to play Brooklands MU 5s this week and, once again, the score line didn’t explain the game adequately: after hammering Chester 5s 0-0 last week, 3-0 doesn’t do justice to the quality and effort shown on Saturday. It was probably the best quality hockey, especially in the first half, from any Whitchurch team in the last few years. The passing, the control, the communication, the marking, the running and the teamwork were all top-drawer stuff, against a strong Brooklands team who pushed hard throughout the match.

Sturge in goal ensured the few times Brooklands got into the dee were unsuccessful; Tom Forster, Ryan Murtagh and James Partington put in a shift at the back, marking attackers out of the game, clearing well and causing chaos with aerial balls. Steve Kay, Rob Chapelle (on a welcome return to the team), Alex Fry, Jack Barnes and Ben Fry absolutely controlled the centre of the pitch, passing well and at speed to free up Tom Leonard and Ben Kimberly on the wings, and Martin Beecher again caused the Brooklands defence all sorts of trouble.

The first half was excellent hockey with the ball moving at speed on a good water-based pitch, which Whitchurch adapted to better than to their own pitch the previous week. The first goal came from a short corner, with the switch getting to Ben Fry who passed to Leonard who moved it quickly to Chapelle who slotted it into the bottom corner of the goal. Then, after some Brooklands pressure, Barnes cleared the ball with a huge hit down the middle of the pitch which Beecher picked up and went round the keeper to grab the second. The third was another switch across the dee to let Leonard continue his strong scoring record.

The second half was much calmer, as Brooklands moved away from their 4-4-2 formation to something more familiar, and this gave them more room and opportunities, but the Whitchurch defence held strong, and were very successful at clearing short corners, with Sturge clearing up the few stray shots that came through. The final whistle ended a great game for Whitchurch and gives them confidence for the season ahead. They are at home next week against Lymm Mens 2s.

 

Whitchurch ladies 3s 0 Deeside ladies 4s 2

Whitchurch 3s match was against Deeside Ramblers 4s.  After only playing a couple of matches together, Whitchurch 3’s confidence was already higher for this match. Both teams started off strongly, with some good play from our new junior players Annie Buckeridge and Emily Lister.

One things for sure, the new junior members of the team never give up! Hebe Dixon and Maddie Sugden making a brilliant team effort to keep the ball out of their net. However, sadly after about 20 minutes into the match, Deeside managed to score their first goal. This did not stop Whitchurch fighting back!

Kate Buckeridge and Vicky Corlett making some good attacking moves and battling forward, but unfortunately the score line remained at 1 – 0 at halftime.

After half time, Whitchurch had a change of player, with Helen Apperley coming onto the pitch, with her usual fantastic strong playing style in defence. Despite a great shot from Hebe Dixon from a short corner, which was saved by Deeside’s goalkeeper, Whitchurch never found the net for the rest of the match. Deeside managed to score once more, leaving the final score 2 – 0 to Deeside.

A great game, even though it had poured down most of the match and we had played well. Maddie Sugden, got man of the match, after making some incredible saves.

Whitchurch 3s play away at Chester next Saturday.

 

Sandbach ladies 1s 7 Whitchurch Ladies 2s 1

This week Whitchurch travelled away to play Sandbach Ladies 1s, Whitchurch’s biggest rivals.

Sandbach started the stronger of the two teams putting two goals passed Whitchurch in the first 15 minutes. Whitchurch needed to refocus and concentrate and were awarded a series of short corners in which Tracy Tolhurst deflected the ball home. Another goal for Sandbach just before half time sank Whitchurch spirits.

A half time chat was filled with frustrated emotions, however captain Emma Clarke reminded Whitchurch that we had beaten this team the season before and that we must come back fighting.

The second half began with some position rearranging that allowed Whitchurch to play a more defensive game. Sandbach kept coming and were not stopped scoring another two goals. Once again Whitchurch lost focus and Sandbach were straight on them scoring another goal.

Heads had now dropped and hope was lost with the final whistle about to be blown and Sandbach coming once again Whitchurch had every player behind the ball ready to defend. A steal from Stephanie Stanton lead to Whitchurch having one last chance to attack with runs from Charlotte Lawder, Nicola Workman, Natasha Foster all picking out Amy Fry in the dee who was unfortunate not to break through Sandbach’s strong defence.

One final attempt for Sandbach came and the defenders Emma Clarke, Helen Hockenhull, Hayleigh Busby and mother – daughter duo Jan and Martha Teggin battled hard to keep Sandbach out of their own dee.

With one final push from both teams Sandbach slipped the ball passed the defence and deflected just out of keeper Shola Bailey’s reach. Bailey who had become very vocal produced some amazing saves and without the goal count would be much higher. The final whistle blew and Whitchurch were quick to congratulate Sandbach on their win. Player of the match was awarded to Captain Emma Clarke.

Whitchurch ladies 1s 4 Neston Ladies 3s 1

Whitchurch ladies 1s hosted Neston 3’s this week and after last weeks defeat Whitchurch took the game to Neston from the start.

Whitchurch took every opportunity they had to push into the Neston Dee. Ellie Windsor, Laura Workman and Phoebe Jones kept Neston on their toes, Grace Berry and Cath Winter-Gresty used their pace, keeping the ball rolling towards the Neston goal.

Short corners came thick and fast for Whitchurch with the first goal coming from a pass in to Emily Hilton. Gwyn Thomas -Rees made several great saves as Neston fought hard to get a goal back but the whistle went for half time.

Neston came back fighting in the second half.  Cath R-Gresty and Vicky Price defended well with Helen Machin and Becky Brookfield hanging back to protect the Whitchurch goal.  As Whitchurch started to tire, Neston took their opportunity to break and scored.

Whitchurch ladies really didn’t want to loose and you could see the change of play. The ball was passed around well between mid players and soon Whitchurch had another run of shorts with Becky Brookfield slotting past the keeper. This goal really put Whitchurch on a high as more balls were fired into the Dee. Cath W-Gresty ran up the right picking out Sue Read who pushed past the keeper. Minutes later Grace Berry received a pass in from Charlotte Lawder to score their 4th and final goal.

Ellie Windsor was voted best player by Neston.

Ladies 1s are at home again next week playing Warrington.

 

Runcorn ladies 2s Whitchurch ladies 2s 2

This week the undefeated Ladies 2s team travelled to Runcorn, to face Runcorn ladies 2s. During the first 10 minutes the ladies 2s looked extremely promising, with several attempted shots on goal. Nearly all of the possession was in the Whitchurch half and with several superb runs from Emily Vernon and Beth Sykes they should have took the lead.

Runcorn 2s had a few lucky breaks during the rest of the first half and with 5 players against Emma Clarke in defence, they managed to score. Shortly after, Runcorn scored another, despite Martha Teggin batting off some excellent strikes in defence and Shola Bailey’s fabulous keeping skills. With Whitchurch 2-0 down, they raised their heads and showed how strong a side they were; with their fighting spirit moments before the half time whistle went they were awarded a short corner. A fabulous injection from Hayleigh Busby meant that Jess Kimberley was able to skilfully slip it across to Hebe Dixon; who with an exceptionally powerful and accurate hit, smashed it into the left corner of the goal, putting Whitchurch back on the scoreboard, just as the half-time whistle went.

With a very motivating half-time chat from captain Emma Clarke, Whitchurch came back out fighting. They played strong as a team and with some excellent runs from Natasha Foster, who was doing a great job not playing in her usual position and Helen Hocknell who played a strong midfield setting up chances, it wasn’t long before Whitchurch were awarded another short corner. This time Tracy Tolhurst injected the ball out to Jess Kimberley, who hit it in to the bottom right hand corner, scoring a well-deserved goal bringing them level. Although, the ladies 2s were unlucky not to have won, they came away with a point and showed promise and huge potential for their future games.

This week’s player of the match was awarded to Jess Kimberley. Next week Whitchurch ladies 2s will take on Sandbach 1s away, where no doubt they will put in another strong effort.

 

Chester Men 6s 6 Whitchurch Mens 2s 0

For their first game of the 2017/18 season, Whitchurch 2s travelled to Chester 6s with a very young side containing a number of academy players making their debuts in men’s hockey.

Chester played their first fixture the previous weekend and were the more cohesive side in the early exchanges. As Whitchurch struggled to find any threatening positions, Chester were much more ruthless on the counter-attack. From an early short corner, Chester took the lead, but Whitchurch felt hard done by as the ball was always above the backboard before deflecting off Craig Hockenhull’s stick.

This pattern of play continued for most of the first half. Despite good work on the left from Airan Jones and Fred Egerton, the tireless running of Craig Hockenhull and Locki Price in midfield and the efforts of debutant James Page on the right, Whitchurch couldn’t get the ball into positions to threaten the opposition goal.

Chester were content to concede territory and possession but hit hard on the counter-attack. The Whitchurch defence of Iain Bones, Luke Davies and Doug Buckeridge did well to repel the Chester attacks, but ultimately they were exposed too often and Chester worked the ball into a couple of positions where they had players one-on-one with keeper Neil Jones, who was powerless to stop the well struck shots.

As the half wore on, Whitchurch did improve and managed to get the ball into more threatening positions. A number of short corners were won, but a combination of good defending, the Chester keeper and a stray Chester foot prevented a Whitchurch goal.

The 3-0 half time score line seemed a little harsh on Whitchurch. The improvements towards the end of the first half continued into the second, as Whitchurch began the half on the front foot.

Joseph Coburn and Euan Morris, both making their debuts, produced some brilliant interplay on the right wing and Airan Jones and Fred Egerton were becoming more of a threat from the left. Craig Hockenhull was playing higher up the pitch and linking well with Danny Foulkes in and around the Chester dee. But despite the good play, threatening positions and numerous short corners, Whitchurch could not get the ball in the Chester goal.

Chester continued to be a threat on the counter attack during the second half and, as in the first half, the Whitchurch defence was left exposed on a number of occasions. Despite the best efforts of the defenders and Neil Jones, they were powerless to prevent the three second half goals scored by Chester on the counter-attack.

The 6-0 final score was very harsh on this young Whitchurch side. After a tentative start the 2s dominated much of the game. All of the young players acquitted themselves well over the course of the game. Fred Egerton and Locki Price continued their good form from the tail end of last season and Airan Jones produced his best 2s performance. Joseph Coburn, Euan Morris and James Page all made excellent debuts and as they develop over the course of the season will become real assets for the 2s. And after a couple of years away from hockey it was great to welcome Luke Davies into the team.

Next week Whitchurch 2s entertain Warrington 2s.

 

Whitchurch Mens 1s 0 – Chester Men’s 5s 0

Whitchurch returned to league action this week, promoted to Division 6 South after another successful season, and played against a Chester team who have made Division 6 their home over the last few years. The Reds have lost a few more senior players to other clubs, or to higher education, so it was an opportunity for some of the younger players to step up and cement their places, which they did very well!

Jake Wood was quick on the wings, developing his attacks well, as well as getting back to help defend; Aaron Swain was again strong in goal, with growing confidence proving a handy weapon in closing down attackers, and clearing well. Tom Forster, Ryan Murtagh and Matt Brooks provided strength in defence, getting the ball out wide as well as marking consistently to take their attack out of the game.

Jack Barnes and Alex Fry rotated well in front of the defence, providing cover as well as starting powerful drives up the pitch. Ben Kimberley and Felix Jeffreys gave the defence real trouble out wide on the wings, and Ben Fry maintained his role as a critical player both driving forward and defending well. Tom Leonard and Martin Beecher were, as ever, solid in attack and made the Chester defenders work hard to keep them out.

It is a different team from last year, with personnel changes requiring everyone to step up and take responsibility for their roles rather than relying on a few people, and there were huge positives to take from the game on that front. What there wasn’t was a goal – but not for the want of trying: endless driving runs into the dee, powerful strikes, flicks, short corners galore, but no goal. The Chester keeper had an excellent game, keeping out everything Whitchurch could throw at home – dives, scoops off the line, charging out to break the two-on-ones – helped by the strong defence meant that the Reds, despite having 80% of the possession and only giving away a solitary short corner, could not get onto the score sheet.

Ultimately a frustrating result, but from a good game against a good team, giving Whitchurch something to build on as well as confidence for their chances this season. They play away against Brooklands MU Mens 5s next Saturday.

 

Bebbington ladies 2s 9 Whitchurch ladies 3s 0

Whitchurch 3s played their very first away match on Saturday 23rd September, against Bebington 2s, on the Wirral. Everybody entered the pitch very enthusiastically, knowing it was probably going to be a tough match!

Bebington had first push back and they attacked strongly, straightaway. Within ten minutes, they were 2 – 0 up.  Despite a fantastic performance from our defence line-up, Shola Bailey, Wendy Cooper and Mel Reid, Bebington managed to score another four goals.

Despite this, at half time spirits were still high, as everybody was enjoying the match so much. Throughout the game, Whitchurch had some good chances and made a good number of attacking runs were made by our new junior players, but nothing came of them.

Edina Jones particularly performing well in her first match playing for Whitchurch.  However, Bebington were just too strong for this new some-what in-experienced team. Shola Bailey our goalie made some incredible saves making her man of the match, but the final score line was Bebington 9 and Whitchurch 0. We learnt a lot from this match and our next match is a new game!