Match reports – 10th September 2016

Runcorn ladies 1s 3 Whitchurch ladies 1s 2

Whitchurch started their first league in Cheshire Division 3 with a blow losing two players to illness and one to work commitments on the Saturday morning, leaving the squad to travel with only one sub.

Whitchurch were the stronger of the two teams in the first half and led 1-0 at half time from a short corner where Lucy Ratcliffe shot at goal and Emily Hilton deflected it in. Whitchurch continued taking the ball to Runcorn but they had a very strong defence to battle through. Runcorn had more subs and their fitness proved better in the second half in which Whitchurch conceded three goals.

There was some great play between the Whitchurch youngsters Charlotte Lawder, Laura Workman, Ellie Windsor and Phoebe Jones but Whitchurch couldn’t make their efforts count by converting into goals.

Despite being 3-1 down Whitchurch pressed hard to get back into the game. The ball was moved around nicely on the right hand side through great interlinking play between Lisa Sullivan and Catherine Winter-Gresty before Lisa found Jane Williamson who squared to Lucy Ratcliffe to sweep in the net to make it 3-2 at final whistle.

As Whitchurch moved up into division 3 this season it was a good start to work on. Whitchurch 1s play Lymm next week at home 12.30 start.

 

Whitchurch Ladies 2s 6 Alderley Edge ladies 7s 1

Following a league re-organisation during the summer the second team have found themselves playing in Cheshire Division 6 and looking from the start of the season to build on the finish to last year.

With new captain Emma Clarke buzzing around before the game the team entered the pitch ready for the new season. From the push back Whitchurch pressured Alderley and within minutes had their rewards as Tracy Tolhurst fired the ball high into the goal to give Whitchurch the lead.

Whitchurch continued to pressure and doubled their lead, from a penalty corner Becky Brookfield picked out Jess Kimberley to sweep home.

Throughout the game the pace of Emily Vernon and Ashleigh Heath caused the Alderley defence problems and as Katie Goodwin picked out Ashleigh Heath she slipped it coolly past the keeper to give Whitchurch their third. As half time approached the Whitchurch team switched off and Alderley capitalised to pull a goal back.

The second half saw Whitchurch tire and the Alderley team cause Whitchurch numerous problems but the Whitchurch defence of Claire Fitzgerald, Mel Reid, Masie Owen and goalkeeper Maddy Sugden stood firm.

As Alderley pressed Whitchurch had more space to exploit and whenever they got the ball into the Alderley half Heath and Vernon where there to exploit it. Emily Vernon scoring a brace and Heath getting her second just before the final whistle gave Whitchurch a comprehensive victory and a positive start to the season.

Whitchurch 2s travel away to Bebington 2s next week.

New season starts with busy weekend

It has been a busy weekend at Whitchurch hockey club as the season started with ‘HockeyFest’ on Saturday with a club open day as part of a National hockey promotion. Despite a rainy day there was a good turn out with 50+ players of all ages and abilities turning out to try hockey.

Deeside Ramblers ladies 2s 3       Whitchurch Ladies 1s 6

Sunday saw the first competitive game of the season as the Ladies 1s travelled to local rivals Deeside Ramblers to play a friendly fixture prior to the start of league matches next week.

Both teams fielded experimental sides whilst Deeside took the opportunity to field their up and coming Whitchurch took the opportunity to include the some new arrivals into the club.

Whitchurch knew this was going to be a tough match playing opponents from the league above and started the game cautiously letting Deeside pass the ball around and defending in numbers. With five minutes gone Whitchurch broke quickly after intercepting the ball and picked out Sue Read with a cross who gave Whitchurch the lead. Goals followed at regular intervals for Lisa Sullivan, Catherine Winter-Gresty and new girl Lucy Ratcliffe to give Whitchurch a comfortable lead going into the break.

Despite the lead Whitchurch were only too aware that the game could change very quickly as fitness and lack match practice came into play, Deeside went into the break looking fresh and ready to go Whitchurch were glad of the break.

Deeside came out in the second half trying different tactics to break down the stubborn Whitchurch defence and as they moved the ball around the Whitchurch team began to tire and they found space around the Whitchurch dee. Three quick goals in quick succession saw Deeside back in the game and Whitchurch under pressure but as so many times over the last few seasons Catherine Reece-Gresty organised from the back and Whitchurch settled.

Whitchurch again extended their lead with an individual goal from Ellie Windsor storming down the right wing and firing into the Deeside goal. Lucy Ratcliffe completed the game with her second picking the ball up in her half and running the length of the pitch before calmly slotting the ball home.

Whitchurch took away win and a confidence boost and Deeside got to test out their younger players who will be a force to reckon with in a few seasons.

Whitchurch ladies 1s travel to play Runcorn Ladies 1s on Saturday whilst the ladies 2s entertain Alderley Edge ladies starting at 12.30 at the Leisure Centre.

Whitchurch Junior sessions start again on Wednesday September 7th 2016 from 18.30 to 19.30 prior to the senior training from 19.30 to 21.00. The sessions are for those aged from 13 to 16 who are progressing from the Academy into senior hockey or those who want to try hockey for the first time.

Whitchurch Hockey Academy starts on Saturday September 10th 2016 from 10.00 to 11.30. Welcome to all from 8 to 13 to learn new skills, make new friends and become part of a fun team sport.

For contacts or further details see www.whitchurchhockeyclub.com

HockeyFest 2016

hockeyfest

Hockey Fest is focused on the friendly and social side of hockey where clubs open their doors to new and existing hockey players. If you are feeling inspired from the summer of hockey then Hockey Fest is a perfect way to join the hockey family. That can be from juniors to volunteering to parents coming back to the sport there is something for everyone.

This will take place at the Sir John Talbot’s school on Saturday September 3rd 2016 from 15.00 with small sided games, taster sessions and coaching for new players and finishing with a BBQ.

All equipment can be provided but please bring shin pads.

Please come along and join in.

 

 

Junior Development Centres @ Whitchurch – Autumn 2016

Setup around the country by England Hockey as a player pathway for those looking to progress from club into county and higher.

Available to boys & girls born in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006
Held Wednesdays nights : 17.00 to 18:30 @ Sir John Talbot School
on 14th Sept, 21st Sept, 28th Sept, 5th Oct & 12th Oct.

The JDC’s are designed to attract players from around the surrounding area and are not constrained by county boundaries so you can attend the closest session to where you live.

See attached link for further details

JDC-2016

@hebersport @maelorpenley @SJT_School