Wisbech Town Hockey Club begins new season with nine of the club’s ten teams in action

The 2024/25 hockey season began at the weekend with nine of the ten teams from Wisbech Town Hockey Club in action.

The Men's 1st XI hosted UEA 1st XI at Harecroft Road.

Wisbech got off to a dream start as Lewis Jackson gave the hosts a 2-0 lead early in the game thanks to two excellent drag flicks from penalty corner opportunities.

The visitors pulled a goal back before half-time and equalised from a penalty corner.

With five minutes to go, UEA took the lead with a reverse stick strike into the bottom corner, with the visitors holding on to claim a 3-2 win.

Tom Jupp’s side head to Spalding next week looking to get their first three points of the season.

The Ladies 1sts also began their season against University opposition, travelling to Cambridge University 2nds where Wisbech made a strong start, pressing well and securing good possession.

Two goals from penalty corners saw the University side carry a lead into the break.

Wisbech pulled a goal back through captain Jo Gomm, who latched on to Izzy Pope’s long pass to narrow the gap.

The Fenland side faded in the final 15 minutes and Cambridge pulled away despite several saves from Wisbech goalkeeper Georgia Ellis.

While Pope managed to grab a second goal for Wisbech, the hosts secured four further goals of their own to run out 6-2 winners. Wisbech host Dereham at Harecroft Road on Saturday.

It was a tough start to the season for the Men's 2nds, who travelled to Ely City 1sts.

Goalkeeper Adam Sisson made several saves to keep Wisbech in the game, but Ely claimed a 2-0 lead before the break.

Despite a determined defensive effort, the constant pressure from a well-drilled Ely side eventually told, with the city side scoring four further goals during the second half to claim a 6-0 win.

Wisbech takes on local rivals March Town 1sts at Harecroft Road next weekend.

The Ladies 3rds began their campaign away at Ely 2nds.

Using a new formation, Wisbech started well with goalkeeper Kirstie Harrison making some early saves, but Ely came into the game and managed to score twice before the half-time break.

Wisbech came out strongly in the second half, maintaining possession well and creating several opportunities before Ely eventually ran out 4-0 winners.

Wisbech host March Town 1sts at Harecroft Road on Saturday.

The Men's 3rds earned a draw at home against a strong St Neots 2nds, who finished third in the league last season.

Youngsters Jerome Lawrence, who earned Player of the Game for his efforts, and Felix Markillie combined to set Ciaran Lowe up for the opener with a well-worked move down the left-hand flank.

Goalkeeper Kevin Shippey made key saves in the Wisbech goal before St Neots scrambled home an equaliser with five minutes to go.

The team travel to Bourne-Deeping 2nds on Saturday.

The Ladies 4ths travelled to Kettering 3rds where they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat.

Player of the Game Hannah Holt supported both attack and defence in an all-action performance from the midfielder.

“Overall a brilliant start with lots of positives and an exciting season ahead” captain Lisa Lowe said after the game, with her side set to take on Long Sutton 2nds at Harecroft Road on Saturday morning.

The Ladies 5ths defeated Peterborough 5ths 1-0 XI at Harecroft Road with Laynie Thompson scoring her first-ever goal for the club.

Player of the Game Ashleigh Lawrence marshalling the Wisbech defence to help keep Peterborough at bay, while youngsters Isabella Burton and Meredith Killick also impressed on debut.

“The team worked hard in the heat,” said captain Emma McGregor.

“Our young players performed brilliantly, and the more experienced players provided fabulous support and encouragement throughout the game."

The ladies travel to Cambridge City 7ths at the weekend.

Despite playing some excellent hockey at times, the Men's 5ths succumbed to a 3-0 loss at Newmarket 4ths, while the Men's 4ths lost 6-0 at St Neots 3rds, but will have the chance to bounce back against Bourne-Deeping 4ths on home soil this weekend.

The Ladies 2nds will also begin their campaign when they travel to Kettering 2nds.