Whitchurch men’s 1s 3 Yardley men’s 1s 2

Whitchurch entertained bottom of the league Yardley and from the start took the attitude that it would be an easy three points. Throughout the half Whitchurch created a number of chances which they failed to convert, but finally took the lead as Ollie Jones slotted home a back post cross.

Yardley were not the team Whitchurch expected with some quick forwards and silky stick skills and caused Whitchurch problems throughout the half and it was deserved when they equalised to leave it all even at the break.

The second half again saw Yardley take the game to Whitchurch and score a brilliant deflected goal to give them the lead. This was what it took to wake the Whitchurch team and get them to raise their game. Ben Lea driving the team forward and scoring a blistering strike to bring Whitchurch level. At this point Yardley tired and Whitchurch pressed for the win. Despite creating numerous chances it appeared Whitchurch were to be thwarted before Alex Harris deflected home the winner to the relief of all.

 

Mid-Staffordshire Men’s Fathoms 0 Whitchurch Men’s Fathoms 6

The Whitchurch Men’s Fathoms travelled away to Mid-Staffordshire in what turned out to be a one-sided, yet good-humoured affair.

Mid-Staffs’ game plan was to keep a player high up the pitch to stretch the Whitchurch defence. However the Whitchurch mid-field remained solid and intercepted numerous attacks only to run the ball back into the Mid-Staffs twenty-five and keep the pressure on their defence.

The first-half account was opened by Jack Barnes who slotted away three well worked Whitchurch goals, followed by a further goal from Ryan Murtagh before half time.

A relaxed Whitchurch side entered the second half determined to pass the ball better and get captain Phil Tranter a birthday goal. This was made more challenging by in the spirit of Fathoms hockey giving up goalkeeper, Neil Jones, to the opposition, who had not touched the ball in the first half.

The Whitchurch Fathoms continued to dominate the game with numerous attempts on goal; to finally celebrate a Tranter birthday goal whose new stick scrabbled the ball over the line under an out stretched goal-keeper.

A further goal from Simon Bricento made the final score 0 – 6 in what was a dominant performance from the Whitchurch Fathoms.

Special mention to Ben Fry for effectively running back to bolster the mid-field, and Simon Bricento for making numerous piercing runs through the opposition’s mid-field and defence.

 

South Cheshire Ladies 2s 0 Whitchurch Ladies 1s 3

Another must win match for Whitchurch Ladies 1st team on Saturday as they came head to head with South Cheshire Ladies 2nds.

It was clear from the beginning that South Cheshire were not to be underestimated as they came out with a fast strong attacks but Whitchurch were up to the challenge. Within 10 minutes of the first half starting, Whitchurch were dominating the game and attacking hard with plenty of passes from Ellie Windsor and Catherine Gresty resulted in a first goal for Sue Read and shortly after a second from Catherine Gresty from a short corner strike.

South Cheshire broke through the Whitchurch mid-field on numerous occasions but were quickly dealt with by Katie Plant and Emily Hilton with some solid defensive work and one great save from goalkeeper Phoebe Jones ensured Whitchurch kept a clean sheet throughout the first half.

The second half continued with Whitchurch dominating periods of play with strong mid-field play forcing the ball into the dee for Keeley Hathaway and Jess Kimberley to apply further pressure on the South Cheshire goal. The final goal came from a short corner where a well executed set play from Whitchurch saw Sue Read finish with a well timed deflection into the South Cheshire net.

 

Whitchurch ladies 2s 1 Oxton ladies 3s 1

Whitchurch 2s put together a performance that reflected their rapid progress and improvement of the past couple of games.

The team played with more confidence and took the game to the Oxton side with fluid passing and dynamic runs into the opposition half. Emily Vernon and Helen Machin worked well down the right wing causing problems for the Oxton defence from the start.

Whitchurch were finally rewarded for their efforts when Tracy Tolhurst picked out Laura Workman just outside the dee and she glided past the last defender and slotted calmly past the advancing goalkeeper to give the team a lead at the break.

The second half saw Oxton bounce back and challenge the Whitchurch side and for long periods both teams cancelled each other out. As Whitchurch tired they stopped the attacking runs of the first half and sat back allowing Oxton to pressure the Whitchurch goal.

The equaliser for Oxton came late on in the game as the ball fired into the dee bounced around and despite all Whitchurch’s efforts was scrambled past goalkeeper Shola Bailey.

Despite a valuable point for the 2s the team knew they had lost the opportunity for the victory despite all their efforts.

Whitchurch 1s entertain Golborne at home on Saturday whilst the 2s have two games next weekend to complete their season with Wrexham 2s at home on the Saturday and a re-arranged fixture away to Alderley Edge on the Sunday.

Whitchurch ladies 1s 10 Whitchurch ladies 2s 0

The return fixture saw the 1s having to go all out to keep their promotion chances alive and from the off they took the game to the 2s.

Lisa Sullivan opened the scoring with a well stuck penalty corner to give the 1s the lead, the 2s however where in no mood to lie down and a quick counterattack saw Laura Hollinshead break through the centre of the 1s defence and fire just wide of the post.

This focused and fired up the 1s and saw Keeley Hathaway score a brace before the halftime break. The juniors in the 2s stepped up their games for long periods and defender Becky Brookfield and goalkeeper Shola Bailey made a string of crucial tackles and fine saves to keep them in the game.

The second half continued as the first finished with both sides not willing to give any ground. The 1s kept the score ticking over with a clinical display of finishing that has got them top of the league. Sue Read scored two from crosses from Jessica Kimberley on the right wing. The 2s gave everything with Tracy Tolhurst and Julia Neale never stopping in the midfield, but as the 2s started to tire the 1s took full advantage with another two goals for Keeley Hathaway and one each for Catherine Gresty and Ellie Windsor.

The 2s had a momentary lapse of concentration and Lisa Sullivan scored the goal of the game taking a quick free hit that was run to the top of the dee and smashed into the bottom corner of the goal.

Both teams took a lot out of the game the 1s the points and the 2s some excellent performances as the team gets stronger with every game they play.

The 1s travel to South Cheshire next week whilst the 2s take on Oxton at home 12.30 at the Whitchurch Leisure centre.

 

Whitchurch Fathoms 1            Barlaston Fathoms 6

Whitchurch Fathoms learnt a hard lesson against an experienced Barlaston team, Whitchurch couldn’t play their normal attacking game using their pace and youth to dominate the opposition.

Whitchurch had the early run of the game but against the run of play Barlaston took the lead. Whitchurch came back into the game as Ben Kimberley poached another goal on the back post.

Whitchurch attempted to attack the Barlaston team but they easily soaked up the Whitchurch attacks and counterattacked on the break exposing Whitchurch and took the lead again before the break.

The second half saw the Whitchurch team continue to attack Barlaston in an effort to get back in the game but Barlaston continued their game plan and continued to pick off the Whitchurch team with a number of well-executed goals.

The game gave the Fathoms plenty to think about and work on before the start of next season.

Wrexham ladies 2s 2 Whitchurch ladies 1s 1

Top of the table clash, Wrexham 2s vs. Whitchurch 1s took place on Saturday.  Wrexham took advantage of knowing their own water based pitch well by playing hard and fast.

Both teams, equally pegged, attacked and defended well. Whitchurch thought they had taken an early lead, only for it to be disallowed. Whitchurch keeper Phoebe Jones did an excellent job saving two shots from Wrexham breaks meaning the score remained at 0-0 at half time.

The second half began much like the first, with both teams desperate to score, Wrexham succeeding in converting a short corner. However minutes later the Whitchurch attack retaliated, Nicola Workman drove the ball through the Wrexham defence to score a fantastic aerial goal.

A break by Wrexham ensured a second goal, leaving Whitchurch on the run.  The last ten minutes saw great passing between Whitchurch players, Ellie Windsor, Lisa Sullivan and Catherine Gresty with many opportunities to score being created but none converted. Whitchurch worked exceptionally hard until the final whistle, but were disappointed to walk away with a loss.  Whilst still top of the table, Whitchurch 1s have to win all their remaining matches to secure promotion this season.

 

South Cheshire ladies 2s 2 Whitchurch ladies 2s 0

Whitchurch ladies 2s travelled to Congleton High School to play mid table team South Cheshire 2s.

Whitchurch applied pressure during the first 15 minutes generating a number of chances. Unfortunately the defence were caught out on a lucky break that gave the opposition a goal advantage.

Whitchurch continued to press with Laura Hollinshead making several breaks into the D but the forwards were unable to convert their chances.

Congleton’s second goal came after a lapse in concentration from the team. Overall, Whitchurch showed great endeavour and deserved to come away with a point from this game.

Laura Hollinshead was voted player of the match.

 

Bridgnorth Men’s Fathoms 1 Whitchurch Men’s Fathoms 2

A full strength Whitchurch Men’s Fathoms team were hosted by Bridgnorth Hockey and Cricket club this week.

The grass pitch, situated on the cricket out field, was always going to be a challenge to the younger Whitchurch players and warranted a change of tactics to the usual style of play.

In the first half Whitchurch Fathoms played down hill and pressured the Bridgnorth back-line creating the first Whitchurch goal by Jack Barnes in the opening 10 minutes.

Sporadic break away runs from the Bridgnorth attack were effectively cleared away by the Whitchurch defence led, by Ryan Murtagh, supported by Mark Sugden, Doug Buckeridge and Neil Jones in goal.

Yet it was incessant pressure and well worked attacking play through a mid-field of Craig Hockenhull and Phil Tranter to the Whitchurch forwards of Jack Barnes, Simon Bricento, Ben Fry and Ellis Hickson that led to the Whitchurch Fathom’s second goal – slotted away by Ben Kimberley from the edge of the ‘D’, hitting the back board with a satisfying thump.

Starting the second half 2 – 0 up, Whitchurch expected a different game from Bridgnorth who would use the down hill advantage to good effect. Whitchurch snubbed out many attacks by intercepting long-hit power plays within the Bridgnorth half.

Yet as the game entered the last ten minutes, Whitchurch Fathoms to lost some of their focus and discipline allowing Bridgnorth to score their goal in the last three minutes of the game.

All in all a good performance from the Whitchuch Fathoms on an unfamiliar surface which caused the ball to bobble about, move slower than the astro turf and prevent flat-stick stops.

Bridgnorth were welcoming hosts at a friendly clubhouse with a good atmosphere – serving a welcome chicken and leek casserole afterwards.