WITHAM 2 WAPPING II 4

East League division 2S

Witham Hockey Club men’s firsts lost out to a well-oiled Wapping seconds team who are making a bold statement in division two south as they continue to impress at the top of the league.

After last week’s abandonment against West Herts due to the intervention of fog it was always going to be a difficult task for an under-strength squad Witham, who are sponsored by Omars Tandoori of Hatfield Peverel, had injuries and a few absentees and were facing a Wapping side who had won seven in a row including a 6-2 victory against former leaders Blueharts.

The game started with Wapping dominating possession, while Witham were happy to sit in formation and frustrate the opposition.

There were chances at both ends, but poor finishing kept it goalless.

Wapping gradually took more control, some good saves from Neal Hadgraft as well as solid tackles from Andy Holm, Chris Smith, James Belsham and Tony Hicks kept them frustrated.

They did take the lead before half-time, though, when a ball from the top of the D was fired in an deflected in for the opening goal.

A good half-time talk by Brett Parker rejuvenated Witham and there were some great performances from the midfield quartet of Steve Hill, Tom Wilsher, Michael Roberts and man-of-the-match Richard Marshall.

Wapping were still extremely dangerous and doubled their lead with the move of the match – a four-touch move that that ended in the goal it deserved – and they added a third after Witham got caught out of position.

It became 4-0, but Witham stayed in the hunt for goals.

They won a penalty flick after Mike Taylor was fouled in the D, which James Suett converted with ease, and then, entering the final exchanges, Witham grabbed another goal when Marshall converted the rebound from a short corner to make it 4-2 at the end.

Marshall said: “It was a very tough match and with the conditions making for a quick pitch, coupled with injuries picked from Matt Parsons and Chris Smith, it meant a long day for the guys in the outfield.

“However, the way we fought was great to see and although we haven’t gained any points we will be looking to take something out of the game up at Blueharts.”