Men's 2XI Vs Chippenham B

West Wilts 2nd XI hosted Chippenham 3rd XI in a local derby match at Warminster School this week. After last week’s lacklustre performance Wilts really had point to prove, to themselves more than to others.

Wilts started with slightly different aims than the previous week, which was reflected in the slight change of formation and positioning. It worked though; Wilts started well and quickly gained control of the game. In doing so they gained confidence and relaxed into their usual slick style of hockey. Chippenham did have their opportunities, but a stellar ‘man of the match’ performance from Mike Sandiford in goal kept them out. Wilts also had opportunities to get off the mark but the half ended 0-0.

Having settled into the game Wilts used the tactical genius of recently-injured-and-now-coach Hugh Newmarch to switch things up a bit. Changing the formation to be more attacking and a shift of positioning set the tone. Early in the second half Matt Dawson stepped up to the plate and slapped the ball past the diving Chippenham keeper to open the scoring. Shortly after this Wilts earned a penalty flick which Cameron Jessop placed cool-y into the top corner of the Chippenham net. Great work through Patrick Ost and Jonny Hackett in the Wilts midfield then released James Baker to slam a shot home. Outstanding work from JP McCormack at the back helped keep Chippenham at bay for most of the half. Chippenham found a way through though, netting once in the half. To finish the game off, Baker found himself in the Chippenham ‘D’ once more. This time, under a strong challenge from the defender, he was (somehow) able to get a shot off, which (somehow) reached the goal and went in.

The final score was 4-1 to Wilts. A decent score line and a return to form for this promotion-seeking squad. Next week, away to Devises, Wilts hope to continue their push to the top of the table.