Wisbech Hockey Club Men's II beat big freeze and St Ives 3rds too

Although Wisbech Hockey Club had anticipated the freezing temperatures on Saturday morning, all their efforts still weren’t enough to see all matches go ahead.

Thanks go to Wisbech Grammar School for accommodating some earlier matches and junior training but even their pitch was unplayable.

Both ladies 3rds and ladies 1sts fixtures had to be rescheduled, however the men's 2nd team worked incredibly hard to make Harecroft Road playable for their 2pm pushback.

Two of the club's home teams also suffered when travelling away as both mens 1’s v Bury and ladies 2’s v Alford & District reached their destinations or within touching distance only to be informed their matches were cancelled.

The club stated: "Not the news you want at such a late stage having braved the early start in freezing temperatures!

"We know the weather can have a knock on effect in all sorts of ways which can impact on the club, the teams, umpires, volunteers, teas, bar staff, however, it’s not always possible for matches go ahead although every effort is made.

"Many thanks to everyone for all your efforts, patience and understanding this week it has really been appreciated!"

Wisbech Men's II 4 St Ives 3rds 1

The men’s 2nds showed great spirit to just get the game played on Saturday after a questionable decision to sweep the pitch.

They started the half in chaotic fashion when one player didn’t turn up, however despite this they dominated the opening exchanges, and Dom Stannard missed three great chances in the first half.

Luckily Joe Melton smashed in a short corner towards the end of the half to take a 1-0 lead. In all honestly a 5-0 half-time lead would be fair, but it wasn’t to be.

Early in the second half they pushed forward as a team and with great team play from the positive Joe Else and Matt Pooley they defied gravity and connected well to set up Lee Punter who slotted home to score a superb goal to make it 2-0.

As the half went on, St Ives came back into the game and reduced the deficit.

Wisbech rallied and knew that they couldn’t lose this game.

Great play meant they won a short corner and a great spot from Nick Osborne, led to the ball slipping left for Stannard to control the ball and push into the far post, having a late influence the game.

Just minutes later another short was won and the team took the brave decision to attempt the same short and the same result occurred with Stannard scoring his second.

Late on the team had many opportunities to extend their lead, however it wasn’t to be and a 4-1 win was the result.

City of Peterborough 7ths 3 Wisbech Men's 4ths 0

Wisbech travelled to top of the league Peterborough on a bitterly cold morning.

As expected Peterborough were well organised and tried to dominate the game from the off. However, Wisbech stood strong and were equal to them for 20 minutes but inevitably Peterborough found the back of the net.

Heads never dropped and Wisbech were finding some space of their own but couldn't find a finish. It was Peterborough who found the net again for their second. Half-time: 2-0.

Wisbech were still in the game but were finding it difficult to break down their defence. Chris Middleton and Brodie Ellis worked tirelessly through the middle, making chances for the strikers but it was not their day, as all attempts on goal were snuffed out.

Peterborough then scored their third from a rocket of a shot from a short corner.

A frantic last 10 minutes, but midfield and defence worked hard and kept the score at 3-0 (an amazing improvement on last season's 19-0).

MoM: Robin Middleton who never gave up on a ball and barely lost a tackle.