West Wilts 4 vs. Cheltenham 6

West Wilts Mixed suffered their first defeat of the season, as they lost to a strong and well drilled Cheltenham Mixed side in the last sixteen of the EH National Trophy.

With Cheltenham men's first and second teams having gained promotion this season West Wilts knew they would be facing stiff competition and in the opening stages seemed to give the visitors too much respect and ultimately time and space when on the ball.  From the outset Cheltenham pressured and a break from the centre forward saw Hamish Wyper in the Wilts goal make a good excellent reaction save at the far post as the shot was taken on the angle.  Wilts were struggling to find their rhythm and were soon behind when a defensive error led a scrambled effort that was bundled in from close range.  This setback seemed to spur Wilts into life and good linking play from James Baker and Anj Whittamore led to Jess McClean slipping the ball through the advancing keepers legs and into the goal.  Nick Hutchings provided a solid pivot at the back, trying to link with his midfield partner of Dan Sheppard whenever possible. 

Kate Smith playing her first game for Wilts was always making space in the advanced forward role and this allowed Nettie Pellow space to attack the Cheltenham defence.  As the half drew on Cheltenham started to exert more pressure and converted a well worked penalty corner routine with shot just inside the far post.  Despite having a number of penalty corners themselves, Wilts were unable to get an equaliser and the half closed with the away side holding the advantage.

Knowing that it was imperative to get a good start to the second half, Wilts got off in the worst possible way as a deflected cross was converted at close range.  Laura Allsop and Marty Pellow worked well in the centre of the pitch and made some last ditch tackles, but this was often a rear guard action as Cheltenham continued to pressure.  Rachael Clarke, despite still recovering from flu, tried to step up and provide support from left back and this provided some respite from the pressure being exerted by the away team.  West Wilts then looked to have got themselves back into the game when Matt Elloway converted a perfectly timed cross from Nettie Pellow.  Unfortunately this score seemed to drive Cheltenham forward with added vigour and they were able to score two more goals from penalty corners and a further goal from an excellent solo effort which seemingly put the game to bed.  Matt Elloway had other ideas and within the space of two minutes had brought the deficit down to two goals and completed his hat trick with two excellent individual efforts.  Time however was running out and it was proving not to be Wilts day as a testing first time delivery into the area from Martin Allsop went unrewarded and Cheltenham shut up shop to book their place in the quarter finals.

Whilst the loss was frustrating it proved how far Wilts had come this season and provided the same effort is put in next year the promise of another fulfilling season lies ahead.

Barons - 3 West Wilts Mixed - 5

West Wilts Mixed played out their first friendly fixture of 2010 in glorious sunshine, on a day the hockey played by the travelling side matched the weather conditions.  After a series of cancellations to home fixtures, Wilts travelled to Failand to face a Barons side who have proved to be something of a nemesis in recent cup finals.  Due to the early start only ten players were available, however this mattered little to a Wilts side who came with intention of keeping possession and making the opposition work hard for any ball they got.  From the outset Wilts were on top, using Phil Jeffereys in the linking role to great effect, as he provided a number of telling passes, that only some resolute defending prevented an opening to the scoring.

The pressure was beginning to tell and when James Baker made a perfectly weighted pass to Mark Brothers, he was able to round the keeper and slot home from the angle.  Wilts were using all their players to great effect and at the back Kirsty Kenyon was able step up and provide good support to the midfield.  Mark Brothers and Andrew Miller both went close before a counter attack for Barons provided an opening the centre forward was not going to waste with a powerful shot into the corner of the goal.  The half ended in parity, but it was unlikely the second half would be played out with further score.  This proved to be true when Mark Brothers fired in from the angle and Annabel Harrild finished from close range to open up a comfortable lead.  Olivia Evans battled admirably in the wide midfield role and the team, marshalled by James Baker who was captaining, never let the pace drop.

Playing arguably her best game in Wilts colours, Rachael Clarke dominated the player she was marking and in turn opened up the right hand side of the pitch for attack after attack.  But again the home side responded with another strike.  With both sides playing some excellent flowing hockey Shahair Aissaoui got his reward for some dynamic midfield runs and Mark Brothers turned provider, setting up Andrew Miller.  JC in the Barons goal made a series of excellent saves that gave Barons some hope and they were awarded a penalty stroke when Hamish Wyper in the Wilts goal was beaten and only a defenders foot prevented the ball entering the goal.  Whilst the resultant stroke was converted, it was Wilts that ended the game strongly, with only ever consistent defending from the home side that prevented the score line being extended.

In the next game Wilts face Cheltenham in the fourth round of the national cup, in what is likely to be a stern test if they want to make the quarter finals.

EH Mixed Trophy - Round 2 Wimborne Wayfarers 1 West Wilts Mixed 3

West Wilts Mixed sucessfully negotiated  the second round of the EH Mixed Trophy, beating a spirited Wimborne Wayfarers Mixed XI.
 
Despite a number of team adjustments brought about by injury, West Wilts soon were into their stride, attempting to keep up the fast flowing hockey that has served them so well so far this season.  Anji Whittamore linked well with the forwards and Wilts went close on a number of ocassions in the opening exchanges.  Despite this control the home team posed a threat on the break and Wilts had to be wary of over stretching resources.  However the pressure from Charlie Wakefield in midfield began to tell and a series of slick passes allowed Laura Allsop to finish from close range. 
 
Phil Jeffreys came on and provided a number of testing passes that stretched the opposition.  A second goal followed when a Wimborne attack broke down as Rachel Clarke expertly dispossed the home player and Nick Hutchings provided the quick pass that released Matt Elloway, who held of the attentions of the Wimborne defender and slotted the ball between the advancing keeepers legs.
 
The second half found the home team striving for a way back into the match and this provided space for Jo Carter to sweep forward with some very skilful runs.  Martin Allsop went close on a number of ocassions as he tried to get onto a series of far post crosses.  However for all the effort, the Wimborne keeper remained resolute and provided an excellent display, making save after save.  At the other end West Wilts keeper, John Stevens, needed to be on guard and clear the odd counter-attack.   Just when it looked as though the Wimborne keeper was not to be beaten, James Baker dribbled into the area and finished efficiently into the corner of the goal.
 
Despite having the majority of possession, Wilts were always aware of the threat poses by Wimborne and when an overload developed, the high forward slipped the ball under the Wilts keeper for the goal they ultimately deserved.  Despite searching for a second goal, Wimborne ran out of time and Wilts ultimately ran out deserved winners.  Player of the match was awarded to Jo Carter. 

The next round draw having been carried out, it is Exe, high flying masters of the match report, that stand between West Wilts and a place in the 4th round.  This game to be played on the 14th March at WTC.

EH Mixed Cup Round 1 : West Wilts 8 - Sidmouth Mixed 0

Following the disruptions due to the weather West Wilts Mixed finally managed to get a match in 2010 and it was worth the wait with a comfortable home win against EH Cup opposition, Sidmouth Mixed.

Despite a lack of recent hockey for most of the team Wilts were soon into their stride playing the ball around comfortably both in defence and attack.  James Baker was able to link well from right back and it was from this position the ball was worked around the Sidmouth area and Martin Allsop was on hand to finish off for the opening goal.  Wilts were soon two up, when a Netty Pellow penalty corner shot was deflected in by the ever reliable Laura Allsop.  With Jo Carter providing an excellent link from sweeper, Jess McLean converted coolly under the advancing keeper and the score line was soon four to the good as Nick Hutchings was able to slot home from close range following a telling run by Charlie Wakefield.  The first half concluded without the need for Hamish Wyper in the Wilts goal to make a save.

The second period started well for Wilts when Nick Hutchings grabbed his second with a well placed shot and although Wilts did threaten, the away side began to get more involved and it took some resolute defending from Phil Jeffreys and Rachael Clarke to thwart these attacks.  Nettie Pellow capped off a fine individual performance with a low strike and Jess McLean got her second with a flick into the roof of the net.  With the game running away from Sidmouth they continued to strive for a foothold and as they committed players forward, Wilts were able to counter-attack and got their eighth goal when Matt Elloway converted from close range.

With the next round due to be played on the 28th February, Wilts will eagerly look forward to establishing the identity of their opposition.

Old Bristolians - 0 West Wilts Mixed - 2

The first half of the West Wilts mixed teams season ended on a high note with an unbeaten run spanning eight games and included winning the Bristol 9 aside competition.  With OB's being the only team to have deprived Wilts of a 100% win record with a 2-2 draw in the opening game, the travelling team turned up at an extremely cold Failand looking to exact revenge.
 
The hot and sunny environment of Warminster in September seemed a long way away as the match got underway in a biting wind, but this did not stop Wilts immediately taking control of the game, using the wide players to great effect.  Phil Jeffries made an immediate impression in the holding midfield role, teasing a number of passes to Annabel Harrild and Rachel Clarke, who in turn put OB's under considerable pressure.  With such an attacking approach the home side soon began to pack the area and this meant that finding space proved difficult in the last quarter of the pitch.  Regardless of this, Wilts continued to probe and Charlie Wakefield enjoyed several testing runs which were unlucky to provide a breakthrough.  Will Powell,  made way for Matt Elloway and he was able to use his stick skills to great effect, providing a number of quality of crosses that were not converted due to diligent defending by the home side.  Despite the majority of possession Wilts had to be aware of the counter attack and relied on an unorthodox save from the Wilts keeper to divert a goal bound shot.  As the half drew on it appeared that Wilts were going to go unrewarded for their efforts, however Rob Kerr-Bonner capitalised on a lack of appreciation of the current rules, as he took a self-pass outside the area and was able to take the ball into the D unchallenged and fire a lifting shot past the keeper into the back of the net. 
 
The second half saw OB's step up a gear and it took some resolute defending from debutant James Greene and the ever reliable Marty Pellow to thwart these these attacks.  Laura Allsop continued her excellent season providing an excellent link on the right and from some of this build up work Will Powell was able to round the keeper and fire home a second.  OB's realised that they would need to throw players up field in an attempt to get a foothold back into the game and this in turn allowed space to counter-attack.  It was from one of these forays that a penalty corner was awarded and from the resulting shot, Nicola Yalland was unlucky to see her deflected shot hit the crossbar and the post before being cleared.  Despite plenty of further possession the home team defended strongly and Wilts had to settle for the 2-0 win. 
 
With the Christmas break, the next fixture is an away game at Bath Buccs on the 17th January.

Salisbury Mixed - 1 West Wilts Mixed - 2

West Wilts put on a very efficient performance at a rain soaked Salisbury to reverse last seasons loss, with a first half display that was probably the best of the season so far .
 
Despite having a couple of players carying injuries, the away side began passing the ball around in a composed manner that soon had Salisbury on the back foot.  Nick Hutchings provided the perfect pivot to launch attack after attack and this allowed Jess McClean and Anji Whittamore plenty of time in the wide positions to form a solid platform for a number of excellent crosses.  It was from this build up play that Nettie Pellow provided the final link and made time for Matt Elloway to open the scoring from close range.  Whilst Wilts continued to press, Salisbury remained dangerous on the counter-attack and it was only some resolute defending from James Baker and Nicola Yalland that prevented Salisbury from grabbing an equaliser.  Due to the pace of the game the Salisbury defence found itself increasingly stretched and Matt Elloway grabbed a second goal with a far post tap in following a broken down Salisbury penalty corner and a telling pass from Marty Pellow.  With the home side being increasing driven back Wilts were unlucky not to add to their tally by half time.
 
With a change to the Wilts personnel in the second half due to baby minding duties Salisbury strove hard to get back into the game and Wilts were slowly put under more and more pressure.  Yoda Johnson in the Wilts goal made a series of top quality clearances and made sure that the two goal cushion remained intact.  Laura Allsop linked well with Annabel Harrild and Wilts were unlucky not to extend their lead with a series of counter-attacks.  However the home side were not to be denied their reward and got the goal they deserved when a shot screwed off the keepers pads into the goal.  This spurred the home team and they strove for the equaliser but with time running out were unable to breach the Wilts defence and provided they avoid defeat next week at Old Bristolians Wilts will finish the first half of the season undefeated.

West Wilts Mixed - 3 Bath Buccs Mixed - 1

West Wilts Mixed XI continued their excellent run, notching up a fifth win on the trot.  From the outset Bath Buccs played the expansive hockey that was expected of them and it was the visitors that immediately put the home team under pressure. Whilst these attacks posed a threat, the defensive line of James Baker, Rachel Clarke and Shahair Aissaoui ensured Yoda Johnson in the Wilts goal actually had little to do in the opening ten minutes.  However it was during a Buccs counter attack that Yoda Johnson had to be on top form with a diving save.  As the half drew on Wilts began to get into their stride and Netty Pellow showed she was back at the top of her game dominating the midfield and providing a series of telling passes. This pressure told as Wilts were awarded a penalty corner and from this the ball was passed to Olivia Evans, who placed an unstoppable shot into the corner of the Buccs Goal. As the half neared an end Wilts continued to press and both Annabel Harrild and Kirstly Kenyon played good supporting roles that allowed the home team to finish the first thirty five minutes very strongly.

The second half started at a good pace, with both teams striving for the next goal which was likely to prove crucial.  In his midfield holding role, Phil Jeffries provided an excellent link to the forward line and this allowed Will Powell to use his pace to great effect during several attacks. It was from one of these attacks that Anji Whittamore found herself with some pace on the right and was able to fire in a shot off the keepers pads. This goal seemed to spur Bath in to life, with several attacks going close and finally the away team got the goal they deserved with a far post finish into an open goal. Despite this causing a few alarm bells, James Baker was able to stem any nerves when he found then net from close range. With both teams continuing to attack to the final whistle it turned out to be another excellent very good and well natured game played out between two skilful sides. With cup duties taking precedence over the next two Sundays Wilts will travel to Salisbury on December 6th.

West Wilts 7 - Bath Buccs 2

West Wilts Mixed maintained an excellent run of form with a 7-2 win over local rivals Bath Buccs.  Played in good spirit, Buccs were the first on the score sheet when Ronnie Willis found the back of the net.  Wilts replied during the course of the game with goals from Martin Allsop, Dan Sheppard, Jess McClean, Anji Whittamore and Nikki Foster, before Buccs grabbed a late consolation goal from Mark Brothers.

With a two week break for men's and ladies cup games, the two teams play each other again on the 15th November when Buccs will no doubt be seeking revenge.

Bath CD -2 West Wilts - 3

West Wilts Mixed continued their impressive run with a hard fought win over local rivals Bath CD.   Fielding a couple of Wilts saturday players, Bath played to a game plan with Janet Gubbin and Alex Menezes putting the Wilts defence under pressure from the first whistle.  Having soaked up  these initial attacks Wilts soon began to press and Dan Sheppard and Nick Hutchings strove to provide quality ball for the forwards.  Annabel Harrild went close, as did Netty Pellow, but Bath countered on the break and Alex Menezes finished efficiently.  Laura Allsop provided able support on the right and this possession soon provided Netty Pellow to convert from a penalty corner.  James Baker and Rachel Clarke were on hand to prevent most Bath attacks, but it took an excellent save from Yoda Johnson to ensure the half finished level.
 
The second period was as evenly matched, with Matt Kenyon and Nikki Foster putting on a good display for their Saturday team mates, but it was Netty Pellow who gave Wilts the lead with an ever efficient finish from a penalty corner.  Martin Allsop and Shahair Aissaoui worked hard to provide midfield support, but it was Bath that countered for a second time and Gary Ford finished a strong run with a close range effort.  Bath continued to look dangerous but Marty Pellow and Nicola Yalland were more than a match for these attacks and Wilts strived for a winner.  Whilst the match looked like it would end as a second draw of the season, it was time for a coup de grace moment courtesy of James Baker.  Netty Pellow turned provider when a Bath attack was thwarted and the ball was quickly recycled to her at the edge of the area.  Playing a quick pass to the unmarked James Baker, he unleashed an unstoppable shot at the first opportunity and this goal turned out to be the final play of the game as the final whistle blew.
 
Facing Bath Buccs at Warminster next Sunday, the pressure will be on West Wilts to maintain this unbeaten run. 

Bristol 11aside competition

Wilts turned up at a Firebrands surrounded in heavy drizzle but lit up this part of Bristol with a dazzling series of performances that ensured that the trophy would be heading back to Warminster.
 
The group games were played at a very high competitive pace and ensured that Wilts finished the group having won every game and not having conceded a goal.  On the score sheet were most of the team, but the pick of the goals was either a solo reverse stick effort from Dan Sheppard or the far post goal converted by Charlie Wakefield after build up work that involved virtually every player.
 
The semi final involved a switch in pitches to OB's ground but this was not going to disrupt the Wilts machine as Nick Hutchings found the net for the only goal of the game against a spirited Medics team.  Whilst the score line may have been higher the Medics keeper put in an awesome performance to keep his team in touch.
 
The final found Wilts facing a Goonies side that had beaten Peelers in their semi on penalty flicks.  Starting the match at a very quick pace, Jo Carter and Charlie  Wakefield were soon distributing the ball accurately around the pitch and early in the half Mark Brothers converted after excellent build work from Dan Sheppard and Holly Simpson. Jess McClean soon made it two with a far post finish, again following excellent support play from Dan Sheppard.  Dan then went on to be provider again as Mark Brothers got his second after a composed finish.
 
The half finished with Anji Whittamore making some telling passes from the right.  The second half saw Wilts struggle to maintain the pace and Goonies suddenly found themselves back in the game with two well taken goals that left Yoda Johnson no chance.  These setbacks might have rocked the team as they were the first goals conceded in the tournament, but today was to be Wilts day as James Baker took the ball into the area and unleashed an unstoppable shot that found the far top corner of the net.  Wilts then saw out the rest of the game without further drama.
 
Thanks are extended to Hannah and Becks from OB's and Barons for organising the tournament which was a competitive, but friendly event.

West Wilts Mixed - 6 Barons Mixed - 0

West Wilts put the sluggish performance from the previous week behind them and ran out comfortable winners against 10 man Barons. Despite losing to Barons on the previous two meetings, Wilts were able to soften these Cup Final defeats with a dominant home performance.

Starting the game at a good pace the Wilts forward line of Dan Sheppard and Annabel Harrild immediately put the visitors under pressure and this produced a goal within five minutes as Dan Sheppard used his pace to burst through the defence, round the stranded keeper and slot the ball into an empty goal from a tight angle. Despite Barons trying to counter on the break, the Wilts midfield pressurised through Nick Hutchings and Holly Simpson and midway through the half a penalty stroke was awarded for a defenders foot on the line and James Baker stepped forward to convert. With the half drawing to a close Wilts got a third following a close range effort from Annabel Harrild.

The second half saw Barons counter more frequently and it took some good defensive work from Rachel Clarke and Hannah Cornish to block these attacks. As Barons pushed players up field this created space for Wilts to counter and soon good build up play from Anji Whittamore, allowed Holly Simpson the opportunity to slot home the ball on her debut. A second penalty stroke was converted by Shahair Aissaoui and the match was rounded off in style when Dan Sheppard blasted an unstoppable shot past the hard worked Barons keeper. Played out in a very cordial manner West Wilts look to continue this form in two weeks time when they play Mendip Mixed Hockey Team at Norton School.

West Wilts - 2 Old Bristolians - 2

The first mixed fixture of the season was played out in brilliant sunshine at the Kingdown School pitch, when at times the hockey matched the conditions.

Clearly the summer had resulted in some rusty skills but in all the score line was a fair reflection of the game given Wilts inability to find a way past the on-form OB's keeper. Despite a good opening spell when Lara Robson and Jess MaClean put some pressure on the OB's defence, the away team began to find their rhythm and ultimately took the lead when a breakdown by the Wilts midfield led to a counter attack and a sharp finish at the near post flicking the ball past the stranded Yoda Johnson. The goal spurred the Wilts team into life and soon the scores were level after some good attack play from Nick Hutchings and Netty Pellow led to Anji Whittamore converting from close range. Despite having several penalty corners Wilts were to be undone on the break a second time when the OB's centre forward was able to find plenty of space and place a rising shot into the far corner of the goal.

Despite a good start to the second half, Wilts struggled to find a pattern due to the constant chasing down by the OB's defenders. Laura Allsop was on hand on several occasions to stifle the away teams attack and the hot weather led to both teams struggling to keep the pace up in the heat. Marty Pellow provided some telling passes, but as the game neared an end these could not be converted and it looked as though Wilts would slip to an opening day loss. However, the pressure was finally to tell as James Baker broke across the top of the opposition area and made time to unleash an unstoppable reverse stick shot that left the keeper no chance.

The final seconds were played out with both teams settling for a very entertaining draw. Next week Wilts host Barons at WTC in a replay of last seasons district mixed final.