The Mens 1s had a bye this week.

Clwb Hoci Eirias Ladies 1s 7 Whitchurch ladies 1s 2

Ladies 1s travelled away to Eirias Park to play second in the league. Expecting it to be a tough game, the ladies were pleasantly surprised to dominate the first 20 minutes of play. Unfortunately, after a string of short corners with no avail, Eirias were able to break away down the pitch and score a goal against the run of play. Within the next 10 minutes Whitchurch’s strong defence was put to the test and it resulted in more goals in quick succession. Player of the match Georgia Munro managed to get a great goal minutes before half time from a brilliant weaving run through the defence.

Whitchurch came out strong after half time and were awarded a short corner which Hayleigh Busby expertly converted to come back to 4-2. However once again Whitchurch’s tireless efforts and great team play did not result in those much-needed goals to get even. Eirias Park then capitalised on a tiring Whitchurch team and scored 3 more goals before one of their players took a nasty injury 5 minutes before the end of the game. Due to the nature of the injury the game ended early. Whitchurch had a lot of positives to take from this game and some areas to work on before facing top of the league Crewe at home next weekend.

Whitchurch ladies 2s 5 Alderley Edge ladies 5s 2

Saturday’s game versus Alderley Edge 5s at Whitchurch started slowly whilst the team adapted to this week’s positioning. Despite good defending from Cath Reece-Gresty and excellent tackles from Rachel Chester’s two goals were quite quickly conceded . Immediately, Whitchurch began to pressurise Alderley Edge’s defence and on numerous occasions shots were taken with Julie Parsons hitting the post and Jane Laffey’s shot being saved by the keeper. At 24 minutes, Heidi Groom finally broke the deadlock with a beautiful goal slipped by the keeper.

The second half started with Whitchurch totally in control passing the ball around between Lexi Morgan and Maisie Bennett as well as excellent runs up the right wing by Poppy Gilbert. Great teamwork ensued enabling several corners to be drawn and at 36 minutes, Gilbert injected the ball to Laffey who slipped to the left allowing Groom to score the equaliser. Further corners awarded saw numerous saves by the opposition’s keeper and a very close call from Eleanor Beecher on the right post.

Excellent passing by Maisie Bennett, Lucy Hearn and Bella Morris in midfield saw the ball soon transferred up the pitch where it was taken by Laffey at the front of goal and slipped sideways to Lucy Hearn who scored the 3rd Whitchurch goal.(39 mins) With lovely stick work in front of the keeper Eleanor managed to score a fourth.

Unfortunately, following on from this the game became a little heated and Beecher received a yellow card at 40 minutes after colliding with a player and Morris received a green card at 46 minutes for encroaching when a free pass was awarded to the opposition. Despite this, the team managed to keep their shape and this enabled Groom to score a final goal in the 56 minute making the score 5-2.

After a final late attack on the Whitchurch goal Gwyn Rees-Thomas made an excellent save from a short corner. All in all the team came away with an excellent 5 to 2 win.
Poppy Gilbert was awarded player of the match following her superb runs up the right wing throughout the match.

Whitchurch ladies 3s 1 Macclesfield ladies 4s 2

The 3’s came out this week very eager with lots of young legs on the pitch, some great runs were made by the forwards Izzy Gilbert, Esme Mackreth , Lois Ebben and Freya Kellett with Tracey Tolhurst up front ready to receive. Gilbert scored a goal halfway through the first half (her first in the 3’s) and the sideline roared. Many more opportunities were created but no more goals for us. The defence worked hard this week with some amazing tackles and injections to the forwards. Mel Reid, Isla Gregory, Mabel Hazelhurst, Erin Harnden, Alice Page and Ella Goodfellow.

Alice Snaith made some fab saves in goal but unfortunately two slipped passed her. The 3’s continue week on week improving to work well as a team with passes being more accurate and confidences growing every week. Continue with the good work and look forward to next week.

Player of the match Freya Kellett

Whitchurch Men’s 2s 7 Winnington Park Men’s 3s 0

After so many weeks of creating chances and failing to convert, Whitchurch took the game from the first minute and controlled throughout.

Martin Beecher scored a hattrick during the game as chances came thick and fast. Will Edwards caused the Winnington opposition many problems and grabbed himself a brace.

Captain Neil Jones was a spectator in goal for most of the match as the few chances created by Winnington were swept up by James Partington, Adam Rance and Lucas Hill in defence.

Whitchurch dominated the midfield with Airan Jones, Liam Pallet and Thomas Wyndam-Lewis putting up a midfield barricade freeing Charlie Edwards and Archie Phews to drive the ball down the wings.

Craig Hockenhull got in on the action as a ball came back from a penalty corner and he fired into the bottom corner. Oliver Edwards then received the ball on the run and neatly rounded the keeper for Whitchurch’s sixth.

The scoring was completed from another blistering strike by Hockenhull leaving the keeper no chance.

Whitchurch travel away to Northern next week hoping to capitalise on this well-deserved victory.

Deeside Men’s 4s 3 Whitchurch Men’s 1s 2

The game kicked off with Whitchurch making an impressive start, showcasing their offensive prowess. They earned themselves an early short corner opportunity, where Ben Lea executed a flawless drag flick, putting Whitchurch ahead 1-0.

The excitement didn’t stop there, as Joe Chesters displayed his skill by skilfully navigating past the goalkeeper and calmly slotting the ball into the net, extending Whitchurch’s lead to 2-0. The away team seemed to be in control.

However, Deeside were determined to make a comeback, and they managed to pull one back near the end of the first half, narrowing the score to 2-1.

The second half began with both teams eager to make their mark on the game. Deeside quickly won a crucial short corner and capitalized on a deflected shot that sailed over the valiant efforts of Sturge in goal, levelling the score at 2-2.

Shortly after that, Deeside seized the lead with their third goal, much to the dismay of Whitchurch. However, the Whitchurch team displayed unwavering determination.

Despite relentless pressure and some heroic saves by the Deeside goalkeeper, Whitchurch couldn’t find the elusive equalizer. A dramatic goal-line save and a blocked shot due to a thrown stick demonstrated the intensity of the match.

In the end, Whitchurch can hold their heads high, as they dominated much of the game and showcased their transition to a new 3/4 press system. They left everything on the pitch, even though victory eluded them. Whitchurch’s resilience and exceptional performance throughout the game will surely serve as a source of inspiration for future matches.

Wilmslow Ladies 2s 7 Whitchurch ladies 1s 2

Ladies 1s travelled through the floods to play away at Wilmslow this Saturday.

Coming up against an extremely strong side was a shock to Whitchurch and found themselves conceding 3 goals in the first 20 minutes of the match.

After fighting hard to get into the Wilmslow dee Georgia Munro slotted the first home for Whitchurch. Defence Chloe Lloyd and Katie Laffey worked tirelessly to keep Wilmslow out but they managed to score again before half time.

Hermione Ball and Tilly James kept the pressure on passing up to mid Hayley Kellet and Holly Edwards but Wilmslow kept taking the ball back before Whitchurch could get up the pitch.

After a half time break, Whitchurch found themselves defending continually, keeper Caroline Wynne made some amazing saves in the second half. Struggling to get the ball up the pitch in the first half, Whitchurch managed to break down the Wilmslow defence a little bit more in the second half with some shots on goal, then Poppy Huxley took a wide shot on goal with it slipping through the keeper’s legs.

Jaz Williams and Lisa Sullivan kept pushing the ball out wide to get to Cath Gresty and Tibby Galliers but couldn’t get past their very solid defence.

Whitchurch continued to put as much pressure on Wilmslow but couldn’t stop them scoring 3 more before the end whistle.

Crewe Vagrants ladies 3s 0 Whitchurch ladies 2s 3

Whitchurch scored two goals in the first half. The first goal was assisted by Heidi Groom who passed it to the left post where Freya Gresty flicked it over the goalie.

Whitchurch were given many short corner opportunities in both the first and second half but could not quite get past Crewe’s keeper. The second goal came from a free hit by Cath Reese-Gresty who picked out Poppy Gilbert who moved it up the field to Freya Gresty and with a good strong hit smashed it onto the back board past Crewe’s keeper.

Many other chances were created by Lucy Chadwick, Lucy Hearn, Julie Parsons and Eleanor Beecher in midfield using the whole pitch passing wide and tiring Crewe’s players. Whitchurch had a strong defence with Rachel Chester’s, Maisie Bennett, Gayle Ladd and Cath Reese-Gresty which meant Crewe struggled to get any shots on goal.

In the second half Whitchurch scored the third goal, Eleanor Beecher and Julie Parsons switching the ball up the field before finding Heidi Groom who out skilled Crewe to pick up Freya Gresty who slapped it into the goal for a hat trick. Whitchurch continued to work hard with some lovely passing moving the ball up the field to Freya Gresty who then scored another goal however it was disallowed.

On the odd occasion Crewe broke Whitchurch’s defence goalkeeper Phoebe Gregory kept the ball out of the goal with a fantastic save. A clean sheet for Whitchurch leaving with a 3-0 win.

The player of the match was Lucy Hearn due to her movement with the ball and creating great opportunities for Whitchurch.

Whitchurch ladies 3’s 0 Winnington Park ladies Development 1

With an early goal from Winnington park the 3’s were not down on energy and enthusiasm. The play was very even with runs made forward from both teams and lots of attempts on goal.

Some cracking saves were made by goalie Phoebe Gregory with one save off the tip of her toe going over the chain link fence.

Jan Teggin made some huge runs and was on full form, as was our player of the match Mel Reid with an impressive run which stopped a stay ball heading forward which would have seen the opposition with a one on one opportunity. We have seen some huge improvements over the last few weeks with today’s match showing some fantastic accurate passes and communication improving immensely.

There were some great shots on goal today and although no goals we have some great players working as a team and continue to improve week on week.

Whitchurch Men’s 2s 2 Crewe Men’s 3s 2

Whitchurch played a very hard and enjoyable match against a very evenly matched Crewe team which either team could have won.

The first half saw chances for both teams to score goals and both teams fail to convert their chances. Oliver Edwards latching twice onto the end of crosses in the dee and forcing excellent saves from the goalkeeper.

Despite the excellent defending of Pip Jones, Adam Rance and Lucas Hill, Crewe finally broke the deadlock and took the lead.

Whitchurch pushed forward and Alfie Edwards up front continuously pressured the Crewe defence and a run and pass to Martin Beecher saw Whitchurch draw level.

The second half saw Whitchurch awarded a penalty corner from which Craig Hockenhull setup a strike by Beecher which was deflected in on the back post by Will Edwards.

Crewe came back at Whitchurch straight away and James Partington was called into action with several crucial tackles along with keeper Neil Jones to keep Crewe at bay.

Whitchurch continued to roll players and Charlie Edwards and Liam Pallet joined the game to keep up the intensity. Whitchurch rode their luck on several occasions and should have gone further into the lead but for excellent goalkeeping.

Crewe finally took a chance and drew level and despite both sides battling hard until the final whistle neither team could find the winning goal.

Deeside Ramblers ladies 5s 8 Whitchurch Ladies 3s 0

A very well played match where the score line did not match the level of play. With play being pretty even in both halves.

New goal keep Alice Snaith was kept busy throughout with lots of brilliant saves but also some very cheeky back post goals. Bella Clarke had numerous breaks with great runs, but the keeper matched her and no goals unfortunately. The weather was the coldest this year and with downpours of rain one side of the pitch seemed to be more slippery than the other and Tracey Tolhurst’s first outing in a while turned into her attempting some gymnastics on the pitch.

The attackers made some great runs and had numerous attempts on goal but unfortunately was not fruitful on this occasion. The defence had a tough time for as many breaks we had Deeside also made some massive runs. All players have given 100% throughout and are starting to work better with each other and looks good to continue through the season.

Whitchurch ladies 2s 0 Deeside Ramblers ladies 4s 1

From the beginning of the match, Whitchurch could tell that it was going to be a close game. Time on the ball was very even, however, despite some great tackles from Eleanor Beecher, and excellent defending by Cath Reece-Gresty, Deeside scored off a short corner in the first half.

Whitchurch came back strong and seemed to dominate throughout the second half. Many great passes were made between midfield players including Nipper, Freya Gresty and Maisie Bennett, which led to multiple shots on goal, however none made it past the Deeside keeper. Whitchurch still didn’t give up, with some brilliant runs being made by Lucy Chadwick, and lovely tackles from Lexi Morgan meaning that Deeside barely got the ball in the Whitchurch dee, however Whitchurch could not secure a goal in time for the end of the match.

Wilmslow Men’s 3s 7 Whitchurch Men’s 2s 1

Whitchurch travelled away for their second late start in two weeks to play in the pouring rain. Wilmslow attacked from the whistle and camped in the Whitchurch half for the first 5 minutes of the game. Whitchurch then started to settle and move the ball around and should have taken the lead as numerous chances came and went. Wilmslow then took the lead from a penalty corner against the run of play.

The second half saw Wilmslow use their experience to control play and frustrate the Whitchurch attacks and several unforced errors by Whitchurch were punished by Wilmslow. Whitchurch continued to cause Wilmslow problems on the break and Danny Foulkes scored a consolation from a penalty corner, but Whitchurch will want to put this behind them and move on next week.

Whitchurch Men’s 1s 4 Deeside Men’s 5s 1

In an exciting hockey match, Whitchurch 1’s displayed their prowess as they secured a 4-1 victory over a strong Deeside Ramblers 5’s team. Deeside came out with a strong start, taking the lead 1-0 early in the game. However, the tide began to turn when Felix Jeffrey’s remarkable play earned a flick, expertly converted by Jack Barnes to level the score at 1-1.

The momentum continued to swing in Whitchurch’s favour as Steve Lloyd made a brilliant shot from the top of the dee, threading the needle between the keeper’s legs to put Whitchurch ahead 2-1. Not long after, Ethan Gresty showcased his skills, converting a short corner with a beautiful drag flick, extending the lead to 3-1 by the end of the first half.

The second half was characterized by Whitchurch’s control of the game, although they missed several clear-cut chances to put it out of reach for Deeside. But they were determined, and Ben Lea sealed the 4-1 victory with a fantastic goal from a tight angle, ensuring Whitchurch’s well-deserved triumph. A thrilling match that showcased Whitchurch 1’s resilience and skill on the field.

Whitchurch ladies 3’s 1 Golborne 3’s 5

From the pushback Whitchurch could see this was not going to be an easy game as the Golborne ladies had stance and experience on their side.

With Golborne players breaking free early to have a shot on goal at goalkeeper Phoebe Gregory managed to save numerous chances. The pressure was finally rewarded as Golborne took the lead via a penalty corner. Defenders Jan Teggin, Elsie Cottrell, Mabel Hazelhurst, Wendy Cooper and Mel Reid had their work cut out as they were busy sticking to their players who were very quick to try and break free.

In midfield Esme Mackreth, Izzy Gilbert, Grace Haynes, Alice Page and Freya Kellett worked continuously to support the defence and forwards throughout the game.

Just before half time Bella Clarke scored a cracking goal from a short corner.

At half time, Whitchurch had time to catch their breaths and discuss tactics for the second half, they then went out and implemented these frustrating the Golborne attacks and preventing all but one goal. Whitchurch fought hard and continue to gain in experience with each game they play.

Player of the match went to Freya Kellett were her efforts and constant running in midfield.

Lymm ladies 2s 2 Whitchurch ladies 1s 2

Whitchurch ladies 1s played away against Lymm 2s. Both teams had a shaky start and Whitchurch conceded early off a short corner. Whitchurch came back with a fighting spirit, passing well between Lisa Sullivan and Jasmin Williams.

Georgia Munro made a cross to Poppy Gilbert, who scored her first goal for ladies 1s. After a delay in play due to stoppage time for a Lymm injury, the half time score was 1-1.

In the second half Whitchurch came back as the stronger team, having multiple chances on goal from Hayley Kellet. Lymm broke against play but were stopped by the super defence of Chloe Lloyd and Katie Laffey, and superb saves from goalkeeper Caroline Wynn.

Player of the match Hayleigh Busby made an excellent goal line save to keep them in the game.

Whitchurch applied more pressure on Lymm, receiving a free hit just outside the 25. Lisa Sullivan played an excellent ball into Georgia Munro, who scored Whitchurch’s second goal.

After another break in play from Lymm, they received a penalty flick, making the score 2-2. Whitchurch were fired up after the penalty flick and determined to get ahead once again. Holly Edwards and Poppy Huxley worked together along the right to secure a series of short corners, but Whitchurch were unfortunate not to score before the final whistle was blown.

Oswestry ladies 1s 0 Whitchurch ladies 2s 8

The Whitchurch ladies 2s travelled away to play Oswestry 1s at Oswestry school.

Whitchurch started strong and Lucy Hearn scored in the first twenty minutes from a strong pass into the dee from Bella Morris. After a tough battle from midfielders Lexi Morgan and Maisie Bennett, Freya Gresty received the ball on the back post and slapped it past the keeper.

Oswestry fought back, battling through Julie Parsons and Jane Laffey with Pheobe Gregory making several strong saves from their attacks on goal. With Rachel Chester’s and Eleanor Beecher moving the ball out of the dee towards Erin Harden and Maisie Bennett, who passed to Laffey who passed a strong hit to Gresty who slipped it past the keeper once again.

Half time went with a quick break for Whitchurch and a constructive team talk and they came back refreshed. The second half started as strong as the first with Whitchurch taking most of the possession. Midfielders Laffey, Lexi Morgan and Julie Parsons made some lovely triangular passes up the pitch to yet again reach Freya Gresty who scored two goals within quick succession. Bennett battled hard on the left, stopping Oswestry getting passed and slipped the ball to Lucy Hearn who scored.

Bella Morris received the ball at top dee and slipped it across to Freya Gresty and it was flicked into the net securing her fifth of the game. After a lucky break from Oswestry, Eleanor Beecher got possession of the ball in the 25 and ran fast paced up the middle of the pitch and passed it to Lucy Hearn who scored her hattrick. Oswestry kept battling until the end but couldn’t get past Rachel Chester’s who was awarded player of the match.

Deeside Men’s 6s 4 Whitchurch Men’s 2s 1

Whitchurch travelled for a late start against an experienced Deeside side and came away frustrated with the result. Whitchurch started the game well moving the ball around through the defence of James Partington, Adam Rance and Pip Jones. Frustratingly a ball hit straight through the middle of the pitch saw Neil Jones with no chance as it was deflected past him to give Deeside the lead.

Deeside used their experience to control large parts of the game but when Whitchurch got the ball they attacked at pace through Nik Moga and Oliver Edwards down the left side of the pitch. From one of these runs Whitchurch equalised as Martin Beecher received a cross and guided it into the path of Will Edwards who slotted past the keeper for the equaliser.

Whitchurch continued to push forward, and chances fell to Beecher and Liam Pallet but some good saves from the Deeside keeper continued to frustrate Whitchurch. Whitchurch continued to push but several unforced errors were punished by the clinical Deeside attack.

The second half was a repeat of the first, Whitchurch created chances via Archie Phews and the hard work in midfield of Charlie Edwards in midfield and again it was the final pass in and around the Deeside dee which undid the Whitchurch’s attacks.

Whitchurch had numerous opportunities throughout the half, Craig Hockenhull drove into the dee and a quick exchange with Liam Paller saw him flick the ball over the keeper, only to hit his shoulder pad and deflect the ball into the air. From the resulting penalty corner Will Edwards forced the best from the keeper but it was not Whitchurch’s day

Thomas Wyndam-Lewis defended resolutely on the right and made countless runs supporting the Whitchurch attacks and duly earned man of the match.

Whitchurch Men’s 1s 6 Golborne Men’s 2 2

In an electrifying field hockey clash, Whitchurch 1’s emerged victorious against Golborne 2’s with a commanding 6-2 win. The match showcased thrilling moments and impressive plays from both sides.

Whitchurch set the tone early in the game when Tom Forster found the back of the net from close range just five minutes into the match, giving his team an early lead. Joe Chesters then doubled Whitchurch’s lead with a remarkable goal, skilfully manoeuvring around the Golborne keeper to score from a tight angle.

Golborne, however, showed their resilience by pulling one back, making it 2-1. But Whitchurch were relentless, and Tom Edwards capitalised on an error from Golborne’s defence, showcasing his clinical finishing with a well-struck shot late in the first half.

The second half continued to be dominated by Whitchurch, with Tom Edwards notching his second goal of the game. Ben Lea displayed incredible dribbling skills to weave his way through the dee to score during a short corner, extending Whitchurch’s lead further.

Golborne managed to find the back of the net once more, securing their second goal, but it was Whitchurch who had the final say. Jack Barnes sealed the win in style with Whitchurch’s sixth goal, converting yet another short corner.

In the end, Whitchurch 1 displayed exceptional teamwork, skill, and determination to secure a convincing 6-2 victory over Golborne 2.