Whitchurch started the season with all teams picking up points in the opening weekend

The ladies 1s and 3s both picked up points as the opposition failed to raise a team and subsequently were awarded the games.

Lymm Men’s 3s 1 – 2 Whitchurch Men’s 2s

Whitchurch Men’s 2s got their season underway with a hard-earned 2-1 victory away to Lymm 3s.

Both sides had flirted with relegation last season, so this was always going to be an important fixture for the two teams, even this early in the season. With home advantage, Lymm dominated possession in the early stages of the game. The much-changed Whitchurch side struggled to find their passes, and Lymm were quick to press forward on turnovers.

The away side’s defence, ably led by Danny Foulkes, repelled any Lymm forays. Lucas Hill and Airan Jones provided excellent cover and the home side struggled to make any progress into the Whitchurch dee.

Slowly, the Reds worked their way into the game and started to pose a threat on the counterattack. With Jacob Buckeridge and Ethan Gresty driving from midfield and penetrating runs on the right by Alfie Edwards on the right and Oliver Edwards on the left, Whitchurch were able to get the ball up to Craig Hockenhull in attack and threaten the Lymm goal.

The home keeper made a couple of useful saves from Hockenhull and a series of short corners came and went for Whitchurch.

With the game much more even in the latter stages of the first half, more short corners were won by Whitchurch. Eventually a clever shift of the ball by Hockenhull gave Gresty the chance to pick his spot and fire home the first goal of the game.

Another flurry of Whitchurch short corners followed the restart, and smart movement from Harry Foulkes, latching onto another clever Hockenhull pass, saw Foulkes fire the Reds into a 2-0 half-time lead.

Lymm reorganised for the start of the second half. A loss of possession in midfield caught Whitchurch out of position and allowed Lymm to quickly halve the deficit. But Whitchurch dug in.

Lymm enjoyed plenty of possession throughout the second half but struggled to break through the Reds defence. Chances for the home side were few and far between thanks to excellent defending throughout the team and a couple of useful clearances by Doug Buckeridge.

Despite not enjoying as much of the ball, Whitchurch were still a threat on the counterattack. Lucas Hill had an excellent half, stepping in to dispossess Lymm players and start attacks. Ollie Hayward and Charlie Edwards were tireless in providing options wide, and the midfield 3 of Gresty, Jacob Buckeridge and Harry Foulkes were a constant threat breaking into the Lymm dee to support Hockenhull.

Neither side could add to their goal tally and Whitchurch ran out winners by the odd goal in three. Either side could have won the game, but Whitchurch made the most of their opportunities and worked hard to keep hold of their lead.

Three 13-year-olds played their first matches in senior hockey, and none of Charlie Edwards, Ollie Hayward or Alfie Edwards looked out of place in the team. And the other young lads in Harry Foulkes, Lucas Hill and Oliver Edwards all continued their excellent progress from last season. It might be another challenging season for the Reds, but they have a win on the board and there are lots of reasons to be pleased with this game and to be optimism for the future.

The 2s next game is at home to Alderley Edge s on Saturday 1st October.

Whitchurch Men’s 1s 4 – Lymm Men’s 2s 0

Whitchurch started their season in fine fashion this week with a strong 4-0 win against Lymm, who fielded a young-but-talented team whose inexperience was more than made up for with speed and skill.

Both teams needed a few minutes to find their rhythm, but the game settled into a high-tempo affair, with both sides winning and losing the ball in midfield until the additional width from Whitchurch started to pay dividends and stretched the play and provide opportunities for attacks. It was a quick counter-attack that brought the first goal for Whitchurch, after Lymm’s strong work down the right broke down and a clearance freed Martin Beecher to run up the right and, while his initial shot was blocked, George Latham was on hand to pick up his first of the season, tidying up the rebound nicely.

Beecher picked up his own goal shortly after, as another break by Whitchurch gave him the time and space to run into the Lymm dee and his shot was strong enough to break through the block by the keeper and continue on into the goal. Whitchurch’s third goal was surrounded by some controversy as the ball had hit Tom Forster’s body, but it was off a Lymm stick so advantage was played and, while everyone else paused for a whistle that never came, Forster got a clean strike away and put the Reds three up at the break. Lymm could have got one back, but Paul “Sturge” Leigh was his ever-dependable self, with a diving save with his stick keeping out the opposition’s best chance.

The half-time talk by new 1s captain Jack Barnes was a recognition of the good things that had been done in the first half, and the encouragement to play to the Reds’ strengths in the second. Lymm were piling on the pressure and were unlucky not to capitalise on their hard-won short corner, but the Whitchurch defence was resolute and were able to turn that defence into quicker attack. Again, taking advantage of a quick break, Luke Beddow was clear in on goal with only the keeper to beat but was cleared out by the onrushing goalie – Joe Coburn stepped up to force the subsequent penalty stroke in, despite the keeper’s best efforts.

The last minutes of the game involved a number of chances from Whitchurch, with balls going just inches wide of the posts and some excellent passages of play with lovely one-touch passing and training-ground moves being implemented at pace and with precision. Lymm were not going down without a fight, and their attacks put the Reds under some pressure, but Sturge was on form again and Whitchurch worked well as a team to keep the ball safe until the final whistle.

A solid start to the season, with some great work but also things to work on. The 1s are away next week to Manchester 1s – a renamed team from one of the tougher matches last year, so will look to build on their success this week.

Alderley Edge Ladies 6s 0 Whitchurch Ladies 2s 5

After super success in the summer sevens league, the ladies 2’s went out feeling confident, for the first game of the season.

Whitchurch immediately dominated the game, with Jasmine Williams and Heidi Carr fearlessly driving forward and setting an unbreakable press on the opposition. Superstar sibling duo Sophie and Phoebe Jones worked tirelessly in the dee, with a plethora of shots on goal. Almost instantaneously, Whitchurch scored their first goal, with Lydia Jones expertly slotting the ball past the keeper. This boosted their moral, rapidly resulting in a first-class (first ever!) goal, from captain Emma Stubbs. Ever prevalent in the opposition’s half, the attacks made by Poppy Huxley and Louis Whitley created a multitude of short corners, which Molly Fry converted into their 3rd goal, flicking the ball into the net. The final goal of the half came from Phoebe Jones, beautifully scoring another short corner from the back post, and leaving Whitchurch 4-0 up as the half time whistle sounded.

Rejuvenated after their Haribo’s and (vegan) fruit pastilles, Whitchurch returned, ready to defend their lead. Hermione Ball and Rachel Chester’s unabatedly deterred any breaks from Alderley Edge, with Megan Nicholson making an awe-inspiring dive to protect Whitchurch’s clean sheet. The ball weaved through the opposition, ever glued to Holly Gilbert’s stick. After a cross into Jas Williams, the ball once again flew past the helpless goalkeeper, leaving Whitchurch 5-0 up as the game drew to a close.

A triumphant victory for the ladies has left them with high hopes for next week’s game against Golborne. Molly Fry was awarded player of the match.

Cheshire Blue ladies 1 Whitchurch ladies 1s 2

Ladies 1s travelled away to play top of the league Cheshire Blues.

Whitchurch were on absolute top form this week, from the whistle controlling the play, taking Cheshire Blue’s completely by surprise.

Mid players Lisa Sullivan, captain Cath Gresty and Molly Fry held the Blues off breaking the middle for most of the first half. Halves Mollie Bell and Caitlin Edwards supported pushing back up the pitch. Several shorts were won and their work paid off when Hayleigh Busby tapped past the keep after a battle on the line.

Cheshire Blues were getting frustrated with the fact Whitchurch were taking control, occasionally breaking but very quickly picked up by Chloe Lloyd and Hayleigh Busby. Half time for a well-deserved quick rest and team talk and Whitchurch came back onto the pitch just as strong as the start.

The forwards putting so much pressure on Cheshire Blues that they started making mistakes. Some great runs from Izzy Huxley and Gresty came up the wings but the Blues were packing out their dee.

A lucky break for the Blues and they managed to equalise from a scrappy short corner.

This didn’t phase Whitchurch and another run of short corner came for the reds, so much pressure came from Whitchurch, eventually Amelie Morris received the ball from India Freer and scored a second for Whitchurch.

As everyone was tiring the Blues managed another attempt on goal, but with several saves from keeper Holly Edwards they kept attacking desperately, Chloe Lloyd stepped in to make an outstanding save from just in front of the line.

Whitchurch calmed and with minutes to go managed to keep Cheshire Blues from making it a draw.

A very excited Whitchurch 1s team came away with a fantastic 2-1 win against the top side.

Crewe ladies 4s 0 Whitchurch ladies 2s 5

It was a quick start for Whitchurch with Phoebe Jones scoring a goal within the first 2 minutes. This put the team on a positive note. Some great passing in the middle between Jasmine Williams , Poppy Huxley and Bella Morris leading to a second goal scored by Bella Morris.

Crewe had some breaks through the middle but a strong defence of Rachel Chesters and Hermonie Ball stopped them. A few shots on goal but all deflected by goalkeeper Megan Nicholson.

Louise Whitley and Lucy Hearn made some good runs up the wing passing into the dee just missing the goal slightly.

After a positive team talk by captain Emma Stubbs, Crewe kicked off the second half but were unable to score any goals. Lydia Jones and Jas Williams made some strong tackles leading to a third goal assisted by Bella Morris crossing the dee put in on the post to Lydia Jones.

A few more breaks from Crewe were quickly shut down. Poppy Huxley broke down Crewe passing up to Jas Williams and out to Lucy Chadwick on the wing . This then led to a pass to Lucy Hearn putting it in the goal.

Another goal was scored quickly afterwards by Jas Williams  to make the final score 5-0 to Whitchurch. A well deserved win for Whitchurch

Phoebe Jones was player’s player

Whitchurch ladies 3s 0 Macclesfield ladies 3s 12

Whitchurch ladies 3s entertained Macclesfield ladies 3s this weekend at home. Whitchurch started off the stronger of the two teams by setting the pace early with Eleanor Beecher starting looking out for Poppy Gilbert on the left and Sophie Jones on the right. Whitchurch pressured the Macclesfield defence but missed the post by millimetres. Whitchurch then reset and Macclesfield managed to find the goal through Whitchurch keeper Louise Cottrell.

Whitchurch weren’t going to give up there they wanted to equalise but Macclesfield applied more pressure to the Whitchurch defence of Maisie Bennett, Emma Clarke, Mel Reid and Jan Teggin. With every player marked and Cotterell keeping Macclesfield at bay Sue Read made a bid for freedom looking for Mable Hazelhurst and Jessica Hunt. But Macclesfield had stolen the ball back and had scored a further 5 goals bringing the score line to 6-0.

At half time Whitchurch regrouped and had some positive talks and enthusiastic motivation which lead to them applying the pressure back on the Macclesfield defence.

Evie Hall, Harriet Slater and Freya Gresty worked together to mark and prevent Macclesfield from entering the Dee. But Macclesfield had won a short corner, which then turned in to a penalty stroke. Cotteroll knew she had to deny any more chances for Macclesfield and denyied them from slotting it past her!

With minutes to spare Macclesfield had slotted the ball a further 6 goals bringing the final score to 12-0.

Player of the match goes to Jan Teggin.

Next week Whitchurch will be heading to Sandbach for their final game of the season

Knutsford Men’s 1s 4 Whitchurch Men’s 2s 1

Whitchurch arrived late for the match and the lack of a proper warmup came back upon them as Knutsford scored three quick goals in the first ten minutes leaving goalkeeper Neil Jones with no chance. Whitchurch started to settle and string together a number of passes attacking down the wings through Airan Jones and Tom Edwards

Whitchurch started to take some control of the game as Jon Gilbert and Ethan Gresty got more of the ball and feed balls into Will Edwards upfront who had a number of shots that were saved by the Knutsford keeper.

Whitchurch started the second half the same as they finished the second as Knutsford scored straight from the start.

Whitchurch again settled with Danny Foulkes, Harry Foulkes, Gareth Teggin and Steve Kay moving the ball around the back of the defence and into Doug Buckeridge on the left hand side and Whitchurch finally got some reward as Lucas Hill picked out Craig Hockenhull in the dee who slotted the ball into the corner.

Whitchurch continued to push for further goals and had a string of short corners resulted in shots for both Danny Foulkes and Will Edwards which were excellently saved by the defenders and keeper.

Whitchurch entertain Alderley Edge at home next weekend.

Whitchurch ladies 1s 2 Wilmslow ladies 3s 1

With the end of the season in sight, Whitchurch Ladies 1s went into the match determined and looking for a win. Whitchurch immediately took control of play, with strong runs from Lisa Sullivan and Molly Fry. Mollie Bell worked tirelessly as left half making numerous excellent tackles and, alongside Hayleigh Busby and Chloe Lloyd, easily shut down Wilmslow attacks. Captain Cath Gresty made strong runs into the dee supported by right half Indie Freer and right-wing Holly Gilbert.

On the left, Emily Curzon and Fry worked well together, with a string of passes enabling Whitchurch to work its way into the dee and win its first short corner. A strong strike from Sullivan was defended well by Wilmslow and despite a string of short corners following, Whitchurch were unable to secure a goal. However, following strong drives from Fry and Gresty, Ellie Pearson scored an amazing reverse shot sending the ball powerfully into the top corner and bringing the score to 1-0.

With newfound drive following the goal, Whitchurch continued to fight hard. Whitchurch continued to maintain possession with amazing runs down the wing from Caitlin Edwards and Molly Fry’s continuous attacks and never-ending determination resulting in yet more strikes on goal, saved by the Wilmslow goalie.

Just before half-time, Sullivan easily dribbled the ball round the defenders and with a confident strike took the score to 2-0 as the half time whistle blew.

Whitchurch continued to work well together in the second half, with Goalkeeper Holly Edwards continuing to amaze with her excellent saves. Lloyd worked incredibly hard in defence, preventing several Wilmslow attacks. However, Wilmslow were able to take the score to 2-1 from a short. Whitchurch did not let this stop them and continued to fight. The final whistle blew leaving the score 2-1. Whitchurch were pleased with their performance and are ready to take on top of league Cheshire Blues next week.

Whitchurch ladies 2s 2 Alderley Edge ladies 7s 5

It was a slow start for Whitchurch ladies 2s, matched by a much faster and together opposition from Alderley Edge. Hermione Ball, Emma Stubbs and Rachel Chesters provided a solid defence throughout the first half but were unlucky three times as Alderley Edge managed to sneak to goals past them.

Whitchurch made some breaks in the middle from Lydia Jones, Jas Williams, Bella Morris, Louise Whitley, Lucy Hearn and Poppy Huxley, giving Heidi Carr the opportunity to score. This brought Whitchurch back together as a team and they almost regained their normal game.

After a tactical talk, the second half began much stronger for Whitchurch securing several short corners, tiring Alderley Edge’s defence and leading to a second goal from Phoebe Jones.

Unfortunately, Alderley Edge scored two more goals leaving the final score as 5-2. This wasn’t a fair reflection on Whitchurch ladies usual game play. Amelie Morris was player’s player.