Wisbech sides secure victories over St Ives and Spalding respectively
Wisbech Hockey Club enjoyed a positive weekend across its senior sides, with a series of impressive results that showcased both individual quality and collective progress.
From hard-fought victories to resilient defensive showings, the club demonstrated encouraging form throughout the fixture list and a growing sense of momentum across all teams.
The men’s 1sts secured their first win of the season in a competitive and fast-paced encounter against St Ives, emerging 2-1 victors.
The visitors began as the stronger of the two sides, creating early chances and looking composed in possession.
Their pressure told when a well-placed drag flick from a penalty corner gave them an early advantage.
Gradually, however, the home side grew into the contest.
Improved organisation and control through midfield allowed Wisbech to dictate play, and their persistence was rewarded shortly before the interval when Drew Harvey converted from a well-worked short corner to level the scores.
Carrying that momentum into the second half, Wisbech forced St Ives deep into their own territory.
The decisive moment came midway through the half when Jason Mallett fired home to give the hosts the lead.
From there, Wisbech managed the game with composure, defending resolutely to maintain their advantage.
Matt Pooley’s excellent all-round display earned him Player of the Match recognition.
The ladies' 1sts also delivered a superb result, claiming a 2-1 win over local rivals Spalding.
With one of their strongest line-ups of the season, Wisbech started confidently, linking well through midfield and taking control of the early stages.
Their efforts were rewarded when Holly Tyler finished a well-crafted team move to open the scoring.
Spalding equalised before the break, but Wisbech’s discipline and determination in the second half proved decisive.
Katie Punter, who was outstanding throughout, produced a vital goal-line clearance before Alice Salmon netted the late winner following an excellent combination between Georgie Dunn and Harriet Esser.
The men’s 2nds were left frustrated after a narrow 2-1 defeat in a game they felt they should have drawn.
Despite long spells of positive play and several clear chances, they were unable to make their dominance count.
After falling behind midway through the first half, Wisbech responded well and levelled just before the break with a well-worked equaliser.
The second half brought more attacking intent, but a defensive lapse allowed the opposition to retake the lead.
Josh Shippey impressed with his energy and control in midfield, while Jerome Lawrence stood out for his tireless work at both ends of the pitch. Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for the team to build on.
The ladies' 2nds continued their fine form with a 3-1 victory over Spalding 2s.
After conceding early, Emma Baker equalised before half-time following superb build-up play from Ana Norman and Lilian Ley.
In the second half, Wisbech took full control, with Lucy Ludlow dictating play from defence and Claire Burton excelling in midfield.
Further goals from Lilian and Sam Pritchard sealed the win, with Freya Matthews, Baker and Norman sharing Player of the Match honours for their contributions.
Wisbech men’s 3rds fell to a 3-1 defeat against a strong Peterborough 7ths despite a spirited performance.
Debutant Fin Morby-Jones scored Wisbech’s only goal, showing great promise alongside fellow newcomer Chris Stanhope.
Peterborough’s experience proved decisive in the second half as they extended their lead, but Wisbech battled hard throughout.
Sam Booty earned Player of the Match honours for his tireless work rate and determination in a competitive and encouraging team display.
The ladies' 3rds also enjoyed success, defeating Long Sutton 2nds 3-1 thanks to a commanding second-half display.
Becky Allen struck twice to add to Elana Freedman’s opener, while Yas Ibrahim claimed Player of the Match for her tireless running and creativity.
Elsewhere, the men’s 4ths fought hard in a 5-0 defeat to Peterborough 6ths, competing well before the opposition’s quality told.
Jake Bowering earned Player of the Match for his committed performance.
The ladies’ 4ths, meanwhile, battled bravely away to Spalding 3rds but were beaten 3-0 despite an outstanding player of the match goalkeeping performance from Rachel Archard, who made numerous key saves.
The men’s 5ths fell narrowly 2-1 to St Ives 5ths, with Cole Hewitson-Townley opening the scoring early on and debutant Jonathan earning Player of the Match for a composed defensive display.
Finally, the Ladies’ 5ths lost 4-0 to City of Peterborough 5ths, though Evana Hewitson-Townley stood out in goal with a series of fine saves, including her first penalty flick.
The club continues to build strong momentum heading into the next round of fixtures, with five matches at Harecroft Road this coming weekend.