After last weeks 23 goal demolition of rivals Mellor, Wilmslow 1st team had to keep focus and momentum going into this weeks game away to Boardman & Eccles.
With club coach Mark Hodkin lending support to the A team and Michael Jordan tieing the knot with Michaela, there was a real determination to start where they left off last week.
Captains Jones and Worth took command and set the tone, with Wilmslow's Aussie Keesing battling hard on the face off but Wilmslow quickly realised this wasn't going to be an easy ride as both teams pushed to force the first goal. Finally it came Wilmslow's way through their other Aussie Witt, who rapidly scored another 4 on the bounce to see Wilmslow lead 1-6 at the end of the 1st quarter.
Boardman & Eccle's defence looked to change things up again but it didn't take long for Farrington to convert 2 quick goals followed by another brace for Witt, meaning that Wilmslow led the half 2-10.
The 3rd quarter started quickly and Wilmslow's defence looked solid yet again. Jones, Worth, Ingham & Cooper all working to ensure Pearson in goal had little to deal with. Wilmslow extended their lead quickly with goals from Witt, Perrin, Mountney C, Burgess and Farrington along with a clean sheet. With strong midfield performances from Burgess, Acton and debutant Smith, Wilmslow closed the quarter 2-18.
The final quarter saw another brace from Farrington as Wilmslow sent a message to the rest of the league with a final score of 4-21.
Goal scorers = Witt 9, Farrington 5, Perrin 3, Kessing 1, Mountney C 1, Burgess 1
Wilmslow's A Team find form
Wilmslow A who won back to back promotions in previous years have had a difficult start to the season, losing their first three games. So could their fortunes change on Saturday against Mellor A?
In the 1st quarter Wilmslow won the majority of possession from the face, through a strong midfield line consisting of Broughton and Mountney J on the wings, and Bowe taking the face. The deadlock was quickly broken via Mountney and then Green, both ex-England internationals scoring in the opening minutes through well crafted team goals. Mellor quickly replied with a couple of goals of their own, as the 1st quarter finished 4-2 to the home side. With Wilmslow dominating the face offs, the team were starting what was to be a fantastic display of team offence.
Guided by club coach Hodkin, the 2nd quarter finished 6-4 with further goals from Chris Smith and Green. But the 3rd quarter found Wilmslow firing on all cylinders with Mountney J scoring his second of the day followed by excellent individual goals by Green twice and Bowe from Green's assist. With Mellor only able to reply twice the home side extended their lead to seven with a score of Wilmslow 13 Mellor 6.
The final quarter saw Wilmslow control and see out the game, including a first senior goal for Jack Parry following excellent work from Wilson and Broughton.
The Wilmslow defence consisting of Lewis in goal, captain Boyer, Colin Smith and Lees consistently kept Mellor at bay with good body, communication and controlled stick checks; providing the foundation for Wilmslow's first win of the season.
The score finished Wilmslow A 17 Mellor A 6.
Scorers = Bowe 5, Green 5, Mountney J 3, Perrin 2, Smith C 1, Parry 1
Junior Results
U12's Lost to Cheadle Hume 6-12
U14's Beat WACS/HMG 16-5
U16's Beat Rochdale/Boardman 10-5
Match report by James Acton.
