Winnington Park Men’s 3rds 1

Whitchurch Men’s 1sts 6

Whitchurch travelled away this week to play the team they played in the first match of the season, hoping to get another good win under their belt and stay top of the table for a ninth week.

They started with both Rob Chappell and Jon Chappell on the pitch providing experience in the middle and up front, and the two combined well for the Reds’ first goal as Rob drove the ball down the right and along the by-line towards the goal before unselfishly passing it to Jon to put it away.

Winnington responded well, and put the pressure on Whitchurch throughout the game with runs down both sides of the pitch that were lacking only the last bit of pace or a final touch to be turned into a goal.

Paul “Sturge” Leigh was again a rock in the Reds’ net, making his signature diving saves and giving the defence the confidence they needed when moving the ball around at the back.

Danny Foulkes again built play well, supported by Chris Ruscoe and James Partington, with Ruscoe making a number of incisive runs down the right causing all sorts of trouble at the back for Winnington.

Rob Chappell controlled the centre of the pitch, with Tom Forster just behind, and they moved the ball well wide in both directions – but knew when a straight run could cause trouble.

The pressure told as Nick Cooper received a sharp pass, ran into the dee on the left and unleashed a bullet that hit the keeper’s pads, but with enough force to keep going and make its way into the back of the goal.

At the other end of the pitch, Winnington started winning the 50:50 calls, and were awarded a number of short corners, and they finally put one away despite Leigh’s best efforts on the line.

Again, rather than letting their heads drop, Whitchurch focused their efforts and went up the other end of the pitch looking for another, and Rob Chappell dribbled the ball around the dee before getting a reverse flick into the net.

Being 3-1 up at half time meant the game was still in the balance, but substitutes were starting to make a difference with fresh legs playing their part. Alex Fry lent experience in the centre of the pitch and gave options for distribution.

Ben Kimberley gave another strong performance making a number of runs into the dee and being very unlucky on a couple of occasions not to score, with shots going just across the face of the goal or being saved well. Luke Davies, on his return after a few years away, gave 100 per cent with great runs, tackles and commitment.

Fred Egerton ran well and provided options in attack, as well as covering when Winnington were coming forward.

Jack Barnes was powerful but controlled on both sides of the pitch, with some excellent tackles, runs and passes.

The team were building up more good phases, but over a sustained period unlike last week’s five-minute-show.

The quality started to show with Kimberley finally getting his reward as a shot across goal was unfortunately put into the net by a defender running into it.

Then Cooper was the receiver at a short corner, and the rest of the Whitchurch team drew their players to the sides leaving him a big empty net to aim at, and his flick was never going to miss.

He was on hand again as Jon Chappell’s high flick at goal was just going to be saved by the keeper’s outstretched hand before Cooper stuck a stick up and knocked it past the frustrated goalie.

At the other end, Sturge was making his saves count, including an impressive leaping block with his right hand to knock the ball away even as the Winnington attacker was starting to celebrate.

It rounded off another good performance where Whitchurch made their talent count, but without ever getting complacent.

Ruscoe was awarded the player of the match for his endless running and impact on all parts of the pitch, but it was a good team effort with everyone putting in a shift.

Whitchurch are at home next week against Bowden Men’s fifths, looking to continue their winning run.

The club’s home games at Sir John Talbot’s School were postponed because of a frozen pitch but it did not stop members from putting on a friendly match between themselves.

The game saw two mixed teams of men’s and ladies players come together and play.

SJT will host two clashes next week when the ladies first team will host Macclesfield’s second XI and the men’s first team will also be at SJT for their clash with Bowdon.

Meanwhile, three sides are playing away when the men’s second string travel to the Wirral to face their counterparts from Birkenhead, the ladies second team are playing a reverse fixture at Macclesfield, against their third team while the ladies third team will be on their travels to face Golbourne.

For more about the hockey club and its fixtures, head to www.whitchurchhockeyclub.com or search for them on Facebook.