Week 6: The Men’s 1s battled hard to pick up their first point of the season with a 2-2 draw away at Hertford. Tim Mall’s jinking runs were rewarded with an early goal and Adam Machray popped up at the back post to make it 2-0. A stunned Hertford battled back to 2-2, but WHE remained resolute and held out to the end. A few breakaways could even have culminated in three points, but it was not to be. There was tireless work from rotating wide-men Craig Jackson, Chris Burd, Harry Stone, John Lappin and Jake Sumner. Constant harassment by Josh Lewis in the middle of the pitch, and a solid defensive core of Jonathan Pitcher, Harry Franks and Matt Dray. MOTM was goalkeeper Jack Henson for some tip-top goal-tending.

Next week they can try and close the gap on the rest of the league when 12th place WHE face Southgate Adelaide in 11th, at home on #derbyday!

M1 v Southgate Adelaide 1
Home (Aylward Academy, 1 Windmill Rd, London N18 1NB)
Saturday November 4, 2017 @ 1:30 pm

After another week without a game, the Ladies’ 2s took to the pitch with only 10 players (though some didn’t realise they were a player down!). They played some great hockey and came away with a well deserved 2-0 victory! Goals came courtesy of Kelly Davids and Gem Luckman, both scoring in short corners, although only one was caught on camera, oops! Special mention to the youngens, Caitlin and Erin, who continue to really step up in the senior teams.

Big thank you to Talyssa Mensah, Chris Putt and Charlotte Gonella for doubling up. Here’s hoping the 2s get to play another game next week!! They are scheduled to play away at Harrow.

Harrow 3s v L2
Away (The John Lyon Playing Fields, Sudbury Hill, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3SB)
Saturday November 4, 2017 @ 2:30 pm

This week the Men’s 2s faced top of the league and unbeaten side Welwyn Garden City at home, knowing they needed a win to maintain their position and unbeaten record. WGC started strongly, however, the WHE defence held stronger with Captain Joe displaying the perfect mix of aggression and determination to keep the opposition at bay. WHE broke the deadlock when Rob, returning after a lengthy break from hockey, broke free early on and hit a neat reverse into the far corner leaving the ‘keeper stranded.

WHE always looked in control with Dom governing the midfield, showing grit in defence and breaking with pace. Little Thomas displayed great confidence and linked up well with Leo and big Thomas, causing WGC problems down the left flank. Dom got WHE’s second goal just before the break, skilfully dribbling into the D and smashing the ball home to double the lead.

WGC continued to pressure the WHE defence, however, Goalkeeper Josh was outstanding and commanded his box well making some crucial saves to maintain the lead. The game was secured 3 minutes from time when Leo ran onto a loose ball from a WHE attack and took it to the baseline before passing across goal to Joseph who calmly took a touch and slotted it past the ‘keeper to score a much deserved first goal of the season!

Having beaten top of the league, the 2s remain unbeaten and face a crucial game against Southgate Tankards next week, another #derbyday match!

Southgate Tankards Y v M2
Away (Southgate Hockey Club, Trent Park, Snakes Ln, Barnet EN4 0PS)
Saturday November 4, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

The Ladies’ 1s also played an undefeated, top of the league side. Coming into the game Harrow had won all 4 of their matches, some with huge score lines! A good first half performance from WHE held them to 1-0 at half time, it could easily have been even at half time but for an unfortunate deflection. The match got a bit away from WHE in the second half and shall never be spoken of again! Harrow were a very well drilled team and capitalised well on their chances. Final score 5-0.

Man of the match went to Sarah E-Q for a goal line save and also full commitment at trying to save goals with her face (luckily she had a mask on!). Oh well, once more unto the breach next week ladies! Once more!! …Away against Eastcote.

Eastcote Ladies’ 2s v L1
Away (Eastcote Hockey Club, Kings College Road, Ruislip, Middx, HA4 7JZ)
Saturday November 4, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Big thank you to a packed-out Team Umpire this week: Chris Moran, Dominic Smith, Samantha Deane, Bethany McNamara, Lisa Jobson and Beth Deane!