The season has finally started for all - a busy weekend

23 Sep 2018 by Crewe Vagrants Hockey Club

Mens 1s v Didsbury 2s – 2-0 Loss

The men’s 1s hosted newly promoted Didsbury 2nd team this weekend. A scrappy affair led to few chances for both teams. Didsbury managed to sneak a 1-0 lead and as Vagrants pressed for an equaliser this left space at the back for Didsbury to put the game beyond doubt. A trip to Lytham is on the horizon next weekend with Crewe looking to get their season started.

Mens 2s v Wilmslow 4s – 5-1 Win

Crewe 2s began the season with a 4.30 away game at Wilmslow. Things looked ominous at the outset as Wilmslow scored in the first couple of minutes but Crewe dug deep and pulled themselves into the lead through 2 almost identical Jamie Escott goals both slid past the keeper into the bottom left corner. In the second half Crewe looked revitalised playing some slick passing hockey and creating plenty of opportunities. Bruce Forster netted 3 times in open play to settle the game in Crewe’s favour. Dan Read had an outstanding game at right back and gained an assist with a beautiful aerial, however Iain Ford takes this week’s man of the match for a solid central midfield display.
Hosting Knutsford 3s next week.

Mens 3s v Bowdon 8s – 2-2 Draw

Crewe knew they would have a tough game today, with a bare 11 men the pressure was on to play smart. In the first 5 minutes Crewe pulled ahead, a fast ball from the back, gave Ben a chance, quickly round the defender and a well placed flick gave Crewe the first goal. Not content with that, within the next 5 a well executed play allowed Simon to get a quick ball into James at back post for a deflection for Crewe’s second. Crewe kept the pressure on and had several other chances that just didn’t quite hit the mark. Bowdon responded with a shot that they were able to convert after the initial rebound. Shortly after they won a penalty but Evan was able to secure that safely. The second half saw a lot of back and forth with both teams having chances and none converting, until the last 5 minutes; when an extended, messy play in Crewe’s 25 saw Evan save repeated shots with one eventually finding the net. Crewe responded with a good scoring opportunity but the shot unfortunately went just wide hitting the post. Overall a well played game and start to the season, unfortunate result but a lot to be happy about. Man of the Match, Evan for his excellent goalkeeping under pressure
Hosting Urmston 3s next week

Ladies 1s v Timperley 2s – 3-0 Win

Ladies 1s were away against Timperley in their first league game of the season. They got off to a great start, with some excellent passing and working for each other. Crewe had an excellent press that put pressure on Timperley, giving Crewe opportunities to score. Crewe’s first goal came from a free hit at the back from Georgie Brown, who passed to Izzy Escott who passed to Shez and then scored. Crewe continued to work hard and the defence kept Timperley at bay and kept their short corners out. Crewe’s second goal was a team goal with Shez passing the ball to Maz who then passed to Zoe on the back post to score on the reverse. Crewe were leading 2-0 at half time. The second half had the same high intensity with Crewe working for each other. The excellent keeping from Alison Smith meant that Crewe kept a clean sheet. Crewe’s final goal was created by Izzy Escott who passed the ball to Maz to score a reverse stick goal to make the final score 3-0. A great start to the season for the ladies 1s who face Oldham at home next week.

Ladies 2s v Chester 2s – 3-2 Loss

After earning a point last weekend, the 2nd team were hoping to secure their first win of the season. Chester scored first from a penalty corner, Vagrants having successfully defended a number of penalty corners prior to the goal. Vagrants equalised through Morgan Zwijnen, who pounced onto a loose ball from close range following a penalty corner. At Half time Crewe were 2-1 down and went quickly to 3-1 in the second half. From that point onwards, Vagrants put some passes together, recycled the ball and began to push Chester through better fitness levels. With 10 mins to go, and after a succession of penalty corners, Mel Brookes popped the ball over the line to get Vagrants hope of securing a draw. Vagrants did everything they could to score, but it wasn’t meant to be. The team are getting better week on week, players are pushing themselves technically, tactically and physically which is great to see.
MOM – Vicki Lee
Triton1s away next weekend.

Ladies 3s v Timperley 5s – 2-0 Loss

Crewe travelled to Timperley for second away game of the season feeling positive and hopeful for a win! Timperley were very clinical putting Crewe under pressure from the start! Crewe defence battled back and Amanda Kimber threw herself into some amazing saves to keep Crewe level. Crewe responded well and had some great passes coming through in midfield and were unfortunate not to convert them. Timperley reacted with a break into Crewe’s defence resulting in 6 consecutive short corners, Crewe defence reacted accurately off the line but unfortunately on the 7th short corner defender Nova Wallace was too quick off the mark and had to retreat to the half way line resulting in the first goal of the game for Timperley. After half time talk and discussions Crewe came back stronger and positive for a comeback, Jenny moved into attacking midfield, driving the ball into Timperley’s defence and Crewe were rewarded with a couple of short corners but strikes from Nova Wallace and Paula Bourne unfortunately both went wide. We grew in confidence and attackers Trish, Beth, Penny and Lucy had some lovely passing around the Timperley defence and were very unfortunate not to pull a goal back. Timperley managed a quick break again, Erin, Kate clearing the ball well but unfortunately from a controversial decision Crewe were caught off guard and Timperley took the advantage to score. An unfortunate result when Crewe were the stronger side on the day!
MOM Amanda Kimber
Hosting Sandbach 1s next week

Ladies 4s v Runcorn 2s – 8-0 Loss

This week saw the Vagrants 4’s, with new additions to the team, travel away to play Runcorn 2’s who are currently top of Division 5.

For the first ten minutes, we dominated the play with confident movement up the pitch and opportunities to score, only to be intercepted by their strong and well-drilled defensive line. Their goalkeeper was a continual source of guidance for their players and knowing where their team-mates would be, combined with a slick and well-drilled approach allowed them to score. The half time whistle came and we were 4-0 down.
A positive team talk by our captain, Dawn Price, kept our spirits high and we continued to fight throughout the match; with many attacking opportunities in Runcorn’s danger zone. We kept with our positions and formation; with more confidence evident in the second half of the game. Eleanor Saignes took a hit to the hand, but in true hockey style, returned to the defensive line to support her team.

Jayne Sharpe put on a magnificent display of saves learnt from John at Vagrants’ specialist goalkeeper training. The score line could have been much higher considering that Runcorn has in their midst, an ex Premier Division player who has the accolade of still being in the 10 top goal scorers in the country! Incidentally, she scored 6 of the goals this game.
MOM – Molly Pheasey
Hosting Deeside 4s next week

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