Hockey: Wilmslow clinch league title

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After the success of promotion last week Wilmslow travelled to Bebington in a game that historically Wilmslow have struggled with away from home, but knowing that a win or a draw would clinch the league title spurred them on.

The game started off with Wilmslow on top creating a fair few chances and penalty corners which they couldn't convert. After 10 minutes however, a penalty stroke was awarded. Early game nerves were settled when Pete Hallinan, cool as you like, flicked high in to the right of the net with a fantastic finish.

This was exactly the start Wilmslow wanted and things only got better for the away side when the Bebington captain was given a straight red card for making lewd remarks to the umpire.

With Bebington down to 10 men, the game was destined to only go one way. At least that is what the script would have you believe. It actually prompted a resurgence from Bebington and they scored two goals on the break in quick succession. With Wilmslow unsure of how to handle this strange situation the score was 2-1 to Bebington at the break.

With choice words from Rob Turner at half time, the Wilmslow men tried to break down a frustrating Bebington side. It wasn't until midway through the second half that Wilmslow finally woke up and showed why it is that they were top of the league.

Some good interplay down the right meant Steve Edmonds was able to set Andy Hunt up for his 17th Goal of the season to make the score 2-2. Edmonds then got himself on the score sheet after using the keeper as a human shield until he fell on the floor, dribbling the ball past him and pushing in to an empty net making the score 3-2.

After a fantastic long ball pass from Martin Wright in to the D, Pete Hallinan was able to finish with aplomb through the on rushing 'keepers legs to make the final score 4-2 to Wilmslow and allow them to claim the league title sparking wild scenes of jubilation. Congratulations to the team on promotion.

Whilst the men's second team also had great success as they welcomed Alderley Edge on Saturday knowing that a win would clinch the league title. With Alderley rooted to the bottom of the table it looked a formality on paper but Edge's defensive formation and mind-set made Wilmslow work hard for an opening.

It was the in-form Matt Bonner who broke the dead-lock, finishing neatly after Paul Hallam guided a pass through the packed Alderley defence.

The energetic Hallam then added a goal of his own before Ric Phieffer made it three. Wilmslow bagged a fourth with the goal of the game just before half time. Phieffer exchanging passes with captain Roger Eden before the latter glided into the Alderley D and finished with aplomb.

Wilmslow came out for the second half determine to turn their dominance into more goals. The flood gates indeed began to open as goals for Phieffer and James Bell put Wilmslow six to the good. Hallam added a thunderbolt seventh after a mazey run and selfless pass from Jack Wright.

With the defensive trio of Green, Campbell and Large in complete control Wilmslow started to throw men forward. Cam Armstrong and debutant Matt Lewis using all their trickery to help Bonner and Eden bag further goals. Ric Phieffer finished the scoring for the day with his 33rd goal of the season giving Wilmslow a 10 nil victory.

With the league title secure Wilmslow will look to blood a few youngsters in the remaining 3 games, starting with a tricky away trip to Neston next weekend.

Elsewhere the club had great success, with the men's third team sitting 7 points clear at the top of the table, and the men's fourth team sitting 3rd despite losing 2-1 to Crewe this weekend.

The ladies first team beat Prescot 2-0 this weekend. Whilst the second team continue their unbeaten record with a 4-0 win against Lymm this weekend, with goals from Di Law, Fiona Jeffers and two from Hayley Bull. The ladies 3rd team were unlucky to lose 5-1 to Oxton despite being 1-0 up in the opening minutes.

Match report by Amy Bracegirdle.

Tags:
Hockey, Wilmslow Hockey Club
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