Category Archives: Ladies Section

Ladies Section, Match Reports, Men's Section

Match reports – 01/10/16

Whitchurch ladies 1s 4 Buckley ladies 1s 4

Whitchurch ladies 1s played at home against Buckley 1s today and played their most exciting game so far. Whitchurch started strong getting into the D but failed to score.

Buckley were a strong team with a ring of very strong players who were also pushing hard into the Whitchurch D. They scored first which left Whitchurch fighting hard to equalize. A few short corners were awarded to Buckley, which allowed them to score again. Whitchurch ladies keep pushing up towards the Buckley goal. Emma Harper took the ball and dribbled passed the Buckley defence and scored with a strike from top of the dee.

Heads started to rise for Whitchurch until Buckley broke and scored another. Keeper Gwyn Thomas-Rees was kept busy this match making some amazing saving dives and the whistle went for half time with Whitchurch 3-1 down.

Time started again after a good team talk and this is when the excitement started! Passing from Lisa Sullivan, Helen Machin and Charlotte Lawder made Buckley run around and you could see them tiring. Also a change of players into key positions saw Whitchurch shake up Buckley defence allowing the ladies to tackle and drive forward. Whitchurch kept working so hard to get some goals. A short corner was awarded to Whitchurch allowing Laura Workman a touch on the ball tapping into the Buckley goal.

Confidence was rising for Whitchurch with 10 minutes to go. The ladies were really fighting for the ball. Phoebe Jones, Nicola Workman and Ellie Windsor passed the ball around Buckley, allowing Sue Read to score their third. Five minutes to go and Whitchurch were catching up.

The defence of Clare Fitzgerald, Catherine Reece- Gresty fought hard not to allow Buckley another goal and with help from Jane Williamson and Emily Hilton they kept them from scoring. Whitchurch supporters were on edge with only minutes left.
Whitchurch earned themselves a short corner and with some great passes around the Buckley defence the Workman sisters scored with a final tap from Laura. Final whistle went with a 4-4 final score.

 

Neston Ladies 5 1 Whitchurch ladies 2s 4

Whitchurch travelled away to a very wet game against Neston. Whitchurch went out the stronger of the two teams passing around the Neston players. Hayleigh Busby, Tracy Tolhurst and Emily Vernon working down the left hand side and passing the ball through the Neston defence picked out Grace Berry to score and leave Whitchurch 1-0. Despite Neston having many attempts on goal Emma Clarke, Jess Kimberley and Shola Bailey kept them at bay and kept the ball clear from the goal before the ball came to Vernon on the left who then ran in at pace with the ball and scored the second of the game.

Five minutes before the end of the first half the rain came down heavier but this did not stop the Whitchurch team as Olivia Edgerton picked out Grace in the dee who spotted Hayleigh Busby by the post and deflected it in to score.

During half time Whitchurch had a positive team talk too keep up the fight despite the cold and the rain and to keep the scoring coming even though they were 3-0 up.

In the second half the Neston team came out stronger and passed the ball around the Whitchurch defence and past the reach of keeper Shola. But Whitchurch were not stopping there as they knew that they had to keep fighting. Kate Goodwin and Becky Brookfield working hard down the right hand side along with Martha Teggin and Wendy Cooper passing the ball to Busby to score her second of the game.

Whitchurch will be entertaining Crewe at home starting at 12.30.

 

Birkenhead Mens 1s 8 Whitchurch Mens 2s 1

Whitchurch 2s travelled to Birkenhead 1s looking to build on their 7-0 win on the opening weekend of the season. Although a new team to the league for this season, the Birkenhead side were made up of experienced hockey players that had moved from other clubs on the Wirral, and in cold, wet conditions they soon took control of the game.

Birkenhead’s speed, movement and crisp passing caused Whitchurch no end of problems, and the Whitchurch midfield and defence struggled to repel the continued assault on their goal. Keeper Neil Jones made a number of fine saves early in the game, whilst Steve Kay and Matt Brookes were forced to make a number of last-ditch tackles.

Inevitably the breakthrough came midway through the first half. Another incisive attack down the Whitchurch left was quickly switched to the right where Birkenhead had a free man who fired into the D for a close-range deflection past the stranded Jones. Birkenhead then swiftly doubled their lead from a clever short-corner routine.

Whitchurch did fashion their own half-chances however. Although the midfield of Craig Hockenhull, Tom Forster and Marcus Conway were forced deep into their own half to help the defence, they were able to find some penetrating passes to the enable the front three to hit Birkenhead on the counter-attack. Richard Leigh and Rupert Yeoward were able to combine well to release the pace and skill of Felix Jeffreys, although Whitchurch were unable to create any clear-cut chances.

Despite being a little fortunate to only 2-0 down at half time, Whitchurch were keen to try and score and get a foothold in the game in the second-half. However, Birkenhead were also keen to be more clinical in front of goal. And early in the second half had raced into a 4-0 lead.

Whitchurch were undeterred and good interplay from the front three enabled Felix Jeffreys to dribble into the Birkenhead D and force Whitchurch’s only short corner of the game. A well-worked routine led to Hockenhull feeding Forster who drilled home a consolation goal for Whitchurch.

Birkenhead’s response was immediate and ruthless, as they added a further 4 goals during the second-half.

Despite the 8-1 score line, Whitchurch can be proud of their efforts. The players worked incredibly hard for each other and were undone by a new team playing 1 or 2 leagues below their true level. Birkenhead pressed Whitchurch high up the pitch and didn’t give the midfield and defence any time to find their passes. And when Whitchurch did break forward the Birkenhead defence was well marshaled by some very experienced players.

It was good to welcome back Aaron Llewellyn after a couple of years away from hockey. Aaron produced a hardworking and disciplined performance in defence despite the trying circumstances, and made a number of crucial interceptions and blocks.

The win leaves Whitchurch 2s in 3rd place in the league, although only Birkenhead have 2 wins from 2 games at this stage. Next week the 2s are at home to Denbigh 2s, who have lost the only game they’ve played so far this season.

 

Whitchurch Mens 1s 5 Oxton Mens 6s 3

Whitchurch Mens 1s played their first home game of the season against a young but strong Oxton team who combined experience with youth and speed. Oxton put the pressure on from the start with a number of strong passing moves and good movement around the Whitchurch dee. Several minutes of balanced play followed before Whitchurch made the breakthrough with a short corner shot which just clipped the backboard and passed under the height limits in doing so.

By these fine margins the match was defined; Oxton scored a goal, which trickled through the keeper’s pads and rolled agonisingly slowly over the line. A few minutes later, a similar thing happened at the other end, as Whitchurch scored from a short corner scramble which resulted in the ball again just making it over the line before it could be cleared. Several short corners were won by some good control in the Oxton dee, but shots went agonisingly wide or were well saved by the Oxton keeper.

Relief was had after some fine passing work through the midfield, between Tom Leonard and Joel Leese, got the ball up the field quickly and Ben Kimberley did excellent work on the right wing to get another goal, but Oxton immediately put the pressure on, beating Whitchurch’s tiring defence with strong work from the byline and losing their markers at the last minute.

Continued pressure from Whitchurch paid off, though, for the score to end 5-3 in our favour after some quick attacks with great movement on and off the ball, but it was a very strong effort from both sides in an evenly matched game. The 1s continue their season next week away against Runcorn’s 2s.

General News, Ladies Section, Men's Section

Membership due: Saturday 01 October 2016

Just a quick reminder to all.

Membership is due for those playing in senior teams by Saturday 1st October 2016.

Forms can be found at the below link and are contained in the Senior Welcome Pack.

Please complete signed membership form and code of conduct and return with payment to either James Partington, Treasurer or your team captain.

https://www.whitchurchhockeyclub.com/club-info/documents/

General News, Ladies Section, Match Reports, Men's Section

Match reports 24/09/16

Bowdon Ladies 5s 0 Whitchurch Ladies 1s 6

Whitchurch 1s played away against Bowdon. From the start Whitchurch took the ball to Bowdon and had most of the play. First goal came from Lisa Sullivan dribbling into the dee and firing the ball home. Within minutes Lucy Ratcliffe scored her first on a great reverse slice.

There was some really good passing from mid players Ellie Windsor, Helen Machin and Lisa Sullivan. Short corners were coming thick and fast allowing Jane Williamson to receive a pass from Lisa Sullivan and grab herself a birthday goal.

Whitchurch continued controlling the game having plenty of shots on goal and Lucy Ratcliffe firing another impressive reverse shot into the top right of the net. Confidence was oozing and Lucy went for her 3rd goal and succeeded before the half time whistle.

After a quick recharge of batteries Whitchurch forwards Laura Workman and Phoebe Jones had some chances on goal, but Bowdon were determined not to let any more in. Using the width of the pitch Charlotte Lawder took the ball passing into the dee allowing Sue Read a touch and scoring the 6th goal.

Bowdon broke through a couple of times giving Clare Fitzgerald, Catherine Reece-Gresty and Emily Hilton something to do but they cleared the ball every time. Final whistle went with Whitchurch coming away with a well-deserved 6-0 win.

Whitchurch 1s play at home next week against Buckley Ladies 1s starting 12.30.

 

Whitchurch ladies 2s 3 Oxton ladies 4s 1

Whitchurch entertained Oxton 4s at home this week and carried on the winning streak.

Ashleigh Heath started off on the score sheet and gave Whitchurch the buzz at the start off the game. Newcomer Grace Berry and Becky Brookfield passed the ball around the right hand side of the pitch for Olivia Edgerton to score the second of the game.

During halftime Whitchurch had a positive team talk and came out fighting. After a scramble around the goal Grace Berry found the corner of the goal and scored past the advancing Oxton keeper. Oxton pushed forward to get back in the game but were unable to convert any of their chances on goal.

 

Whitchurch Mens 2s 7 Neston Mens 8s 0

Whitchurch started the season with a comfortable win. Within minutes of the start Mike Shrimplin fired home to give Whitchurch the lead. A brace from Tom Forrester and one from Craig Hockenhull and Rupert Yeoward gave Whitchurch a 6-0 lead at the break.

The second half was a different story as the Whitchurch side suffered from match fitness and the younger legs in the Neston team began to run them around. Neston had long periods of play but couldn’t turn their possession into goals. Whitchurch counter attacked where possible and Craig Hockenhull got his second deflecting home a cross from Steve Kay.

The 2s travel away to Birkenhead 1s next week.

 

Neston Mens 7s 2 Whitchurch Mens 1s 6

Whitchurch Mens 1s got their season off to a good start away against a young-but-strong Neston 7s team. Having a few changes in personnel from last season’s division-winning team meant a few changes in approach and new tactics, but these worked well with Martin Beecher getting his tally underway within a couple of minutes with some well organised passing down the channels before slotting home.

This gave the team the chance to take stock and settle into the game, but Neston were quick on the break and came close almost straightaway after, getting a short corner to put the pressure on. Some good defence from Ryan Murtagh and Ben Fry got the ball away and the game settled down. Some good runs of play down both wings, from Ben Fry to Ben Kimberley, and Jake Wood to Jack Barnes put pressure on a young Neston defence containing three first-time senior players.

Strength in the middle came from Joel Leese, who controlled the centre and laid the ball off well to Jack Barnes and Tom Leonard who were then able to get the ball up the pitch to Simon Briceno and Martin who combined well to allow Martin to get four goals in total, including a lovely short-corner hitting hard to the bottom left of the goal. Ben Kimberley claimed two goals with strong control and striking from the edge of the dee, as part of good continued pressure from all of the midfield and forwards.

At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Aaron Swain showed his increased strength in keeping out several good shots from the Neston forwards, as well as good communication with the defence to keep the ball away. That Neston scored two goals is testament to their good passing skills and movement, and their forwards drawing the defenders wide, but also showed Whitchurch the areas they need to improve on: some ball control wasn’t to our normal standards, and good marking is always a challenge to any team, but as a first game of the season it showed great promise and we look forward to the rest of the season.

General News, Ladies Section, Match Reports

Match Report 17/09/16

Whitchurch ladies 1s 6 Lymm ladies 3s 2

Whitchurch started their first home game of the season with last week’s sickness issues resolved. On a very hot afternoon they started strong from the beginning with some good possession leading to an early goal from Lucy Radcliffe. This was quickly followed by Lucy’s second from a strong run into the Dee picking out a great cross from Catherine Winter-Gresty.

Lymm then started to get into their stride and were awarded a short corner that they scored from.  With some great saves from keeper Gwyneth Thomas-Rees and defending by Clare Fitzgerald and Jane Williamson, Lymm were not allowed to capitalise on their goal.

After a good half time talk Whitchurch came out strong again with some great runs down the wing by Charlotte Lawder and Emily Hilton which resulted in Sue Read making it 3-1.

Lucy Radcliffe quickly followed it up with her third, following a goalmouth scramble. Lymm were allowed back into the game briefly with there second, but Whitchurch then powered through with Lucy getting her fourth and Sue Read getting the final goal.

Lisa Sullivan was awarded player of the match for her great work in midfield.

 

Bebington ladies 2s 0 Whitchurch ladies 2s 3

Whitchurch travelled away to Bebington for their first away game of the season full of confidence after last week’s win.

Whitchurch started off the stronger of the two teams and applied the pressure to the Bebington defence. Hayleigh Busby opened the scoring running straight through the Bebington defence and past the advancing goalkeeper.

Tracy Tolhurst and Emily Vernon worked down the left hand side passing around the Bebington players resulting in Vernon scoring the second goal and giving Whitchurch a lead into the break.

The second half saw Whitchurch set off strong and five minutes into the half Tracy Tolhurst scored the third of the game. Bebington through everything at the Whitchurch team to get back into the game but Whitchurch held strong and secured another three points.

Helen Machin was awarded player of the match.