Category Archives: Development News

News about development plans

New season starts with busy weekend

It has been a busy weekend at Whitchurch hockey club as the season started with ‘HockeyFest’ on Saturday with a club open day as part of a National hockey promotion. Despite a rainy day there was a good turn out with 50+ players of all ages and abilities turning out to try hockey.

Deeside Ramblers ladies 2s 3       Whitchurch Ladies 1s 6

Sunday saw the first competitive game of the season as the Ladies 1s travelled to local rivals Deeside Ramblers to play a friendly fixture prior to the start of league matches next week.

Both teams fielded experimental sides whilst Deeside took the opportunity to field their up and coming Whitchurch took the opportunity to include the some new arrivals into the club.

Whitchurch knew this was going to be a tough match playing opponents from the league above and started the game cautiously letting Deeside pass the ball around and defending in numbers. With five minutes gone Whitchurch broke quickly after intercepting the ball and picked out Sue Read with a cross who gave Whitchurch the lead. Goals followed at regular intervals for Lisa Sullivan, Catherine Winter-Gresty and new girl Lucy Ratcliffe to give Whitchurch a comfortable lead going into the break.

Despite the lead Whitchurch were only too aware that the game could change very quickly as fitness and lack match practice came into play, Deeside went into the break looking fresh and ready to go Whitchurch were glad of the break.

Deeside came out in the second half trying different tactics to break down the stubborn Whitchurch defence and as they moved the ball around the Whitchurch team began to tire and they found space around the Whitchurch dee. Three quick goals in quick succession saw Deeside back in the game and Whitchurch under pressure but as so many times over the last few seasons Catherine Reece-Gresty organised from the back and Whitchurch settled.

Whitchurch again extended their lead with an individual goal from Ellie Windsor storming down the right wing and firing into the Deeside goal. Lucy Ratcliffe completed the game with her second picking the ball up in her half and running the length of the pitch before calmly slotting the ball home.

Whitchurch took away win and a confidence boost and Deeside got to test out their younger players who will be a force to reckon with in a few seasons.

Whitchurch ladies 1s travel to play Runcorn Ladies 1s on Saturday whilst the ladies 2s entertain Alderley Edge ladies starting at 12.30 at the Leisure Centre.

Whitchurch Junior sessions start again on Wednesday September 7th 2016 from 18.30 to 19.30 prior to the senior training from 19.30 to 21.00. The sessions are for those aged from 13 to 16 who are progressing from the Academy into senior hockey or those who want to try hockey for the first time.

Whitchurch Hockey Academy starts on Saturday September 10th 2016 from 10.00 to 11.30. Welcome to all from 8 to 13 to learn new skills, make new friends and become part of a fun team sport.

For contacts or further details see www.whitchurchhockeyclub.com

Junior Development Centres @ Whitchurch – Autumn 2016

Setup around the country by England Hockey as a player pathway for those looking to progress from club into county and higher.

Available to boys & girls born in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006
Held Wednesdays nights : 17.00 to 18:30 @ Sir John Talbot School
on 14th Sept, 21st Sept, 28th Sept, 5th Oct & 12th Oct.

The JDC’s are designed to attract players from around the surrounding area and are not constrained by county boundaries so you can attend the closest session to where you live.

See attached link for further details

JDC-2016

@hebersport @maelorpenley @SJT_School

L1 Umpiring Course – 14th February 2016 at Whitchurch, Shropshire

I am pleased to say the course is now on the England hockey website available for bookings >>

https://englandhockey.co.uk/courses.asp?section=296&sectionTitle=Find+a+Course (currently page 3).

The deadline is Wednesday 3rd February or until full. Places are first come first served and only secure when booked and paid for online.

Please be advised bookings must be made in the name of the participant – bookings cannot be made on behalf of someone else. Guidance for those having trouble with the booking process is available at the link above.

 Please send any queries to umpiring@englandhockey.co.uk

 

Date Sunday 14th February 2016
Time 9am-4:30pm
Venue Sir John Talbots School, Tilstock Rd, Whitchurch, Shropshire, Whitchurch, SY13 2BY
Course Format Option 1
Organiser Craig Hockenhull, 07971 865223 (please text and i and i will get back to you)
Tutor Laura Geeson, 07834 382121

Academy success at County presentations.

Thursday evening saw a number of the Whitchurch Academy attending the Shropshire county presentation evening.

It turned out to be a great night for Whitchurch U13’s as they picked up the U13’s Central Venue League Playoff trophy.

Individual honours went to Aaron Swain and Hebe Dixon who were awarded  Players’ Player and Jake Wood who was awarded Coaches Player of the Season.

Well done to all!

County Under 13 Awards