Wisbech men’s first make it 14 wins from as many games in East Hockey campaign

Wisbech Town Hockey Club’s men's and ladies' firsts, and Ladies 2nds avoided the big freeze on Saturday to record victories in their ongoing East Hockey campaigns

Wisbech took on Bourne-Deepings at Harecroft Road looking to make it 14 wins from 14 games this season.

The home side went 1-0 up early through Jamie Hallatt, but found it tough going against a well-drilled opponent who created several counter-attacking opportunities.

Sam Markillie put Wisbech 2-0 up, but Bourne-Deeping pulled a goal back before halftime to keep things close.

Wisbech began the second half strongly and looked to take control, but failed to make their chances pay as the visitors worked hard to stay in the game.

Eventually, Wisbech’s persistence was rewarded when Hallatt scored his second goal, redirecting the ball into the net to put Wisbech 3-1 up.

The third goal relaxed the home side, who were able to see out the game relatively comfortably to maintain their 100 per cent record ahead of next weekend’s trip to second-placed Long Sutton.

Wisbech Ladies continued their strong start to 2024 with a 3-0 home win against Kettering.

Laura Bell gave Wisbech the lead from a penalty corner, her ninth goal of the season, before the home side doubled their advantage with a well-worked team goal, with player-of the-game Georgie Dunn setting up Oliwia Bolka for the finish.

The ladies continued to control much of the play, with Lily Cooper adding a third goal for Wisbech, while goalkeeper Lexi Klibanecz and the Wisbech defence remained firm to ensure another clean sheet was secured.

The result moves Wisbech into fifth place in Division 1 North, with a trip to Ipswich and East Suffolk on the horizon this weekend.

An Emma Baker hat-trick helped the ladies 2nds come from behind to secure a big 6-1 win against Huntingdon and Northstowe. Wisbech took the lead after ten minutes, but two quick goals from the visitors put the home side on the back foot.

Wisbech was able to regroup before the break, equalising shortly before half-time.

A much-improved second-half performance saw Wisbech pull away, with Baker completing her treble and player-of-the-game Amber Scott scoring twice, and captain Louise Sandall also finding the back of the net.

Next week the ladies travel to Cambridge to take on Division 3 North West leaders Cambs Nomads.

The ladies 3rds saw their game away at Long Sutton postponed due to the cold weather.

The team will look to maintain their Division 5 North West title challenge at home to St. Ives 4ths at the weekend, while the ladies 4ths travel to Ely.

The men's 2nds will also be back in action next weekend, after their game against Cambridge University 3rds was postponed due to a frozen pitch, with Wisbech set to take on Kettering 2nds.

A frozen pitch also saw the men’s 3rds game postponed against Peterborough 6ths.

Mike Lawrence’s side will be back in action this weekend as they travel to Cambs Nomads, while the 4ths host Bourne-Deeping 3rds at Harecroft Road.