Cheshire Hockey League Div 5
Whitchurch Ladies’ 2s 2
Bowden Ladies’ 6s 1

Whitchurch Ladies’ 2s hosted the match against Bowden Ladies’ 6s. Whitchurch started well with some good attacks from Ashleigh Heath and Charlotte Lawder.

Heath opened the scoring, flicking the ball into the goal, and they added to that when they were awarded a series of short corners late in the half, and a fantastic strike from Jess Kimberley put them 2-0 ahead going into the break.

Despite the strong defence and numerous saves from Emma Clarke, Jess Kimberley and keeper Shola Bailey, Bowden managed to reduce the decifit.

Whitchurch fought hard in the second half to stay ahead and managed to keep the score at 2-1.

Throughout the match the midfield worked hard to support the attack and defence with some fantastic play from Tracy Tolhurst and Martha Teggin.

Hayleigh Busby and Wendy Cooper made some brilliant runs up the wing and helped to pass into the dee for the goals to be scored. Martha Teggin was awarded player of the match.

n  Next week the Seconds travel to Macclesfield 4s.

Cheshire Hockey League Div 6
Chester Ladies’ 5s 6
Whitchurch Ladies’ 3s 1

Whitchurch continued their learning curve on an extremely wet day against a strong Chester team.

Without captain Katie Goodwin they fielded a young team containing only three senior players. Whitchurch played beyond their years and gave everything but on the day were beaten by a stronger and more experienced side.

The first half saw Whitchurch defending in numbers with Annie Buckeridge and Emily Lister both playing well in their first game in defence under strong guidance of Mel Reid.

They showed fearless determination and tackling everything that came near them and learning as the game progressed.

Whitchurch thought they had a goal when Amy Fry shot into the bottom corner but it was disallowed as it was just outside the dee.

Undeterred, Whitchurch pressed forward and as their confidence grew they found Fry free in the dee and this time there was no doubt as she tapped in from close range.

The first half ended 3-1 but with Whitchurch still working hard to press the Chester team.

The second half started as the first finished with confidence high and Whitchurch having a lot more possession.

Maddy Sugden in goal continued her excellent form producing a string of fine saves to frustrate the Chester attack.

Whitchurch suffered a big blow when Fry took a ball to the hand and the game was stopped for treatment and to assess the extent of the injury.

This shocked the young Whitchurch team and without Fry to lead the forward line their chances were restricted and allowed Chester to dominate the game.

Whitchurch never recovered from this blow and Chester went on to score another three goals before the final whistle and secure the points.

Maddy Sugden was named man of the match.

n Whitchurch Ladies’ 1s game was cancelled as Alderley Edge failed to raise a team. Whitchurch were awarded the three points, taking them to third in the league.

For a full round up of the hockey, see this week’s Herald.