28th September 2009
Whitchurch overcome Old Georgians in the National League
Whitchurch opened their EHL account for the season with a well deserved 4-2 home success against Old Georgians. Whitchurch opened brightly with Adam Barker going close following a penalty corner and Jamie Westerman hitting a fierce shot just over the bar. Old Georgians were dangerous on the break and earned a penalty stroke following a penalty corner but Whitchurch keeper and skipper Iwan Williams made a fine save to deny the visitors. Whitchurch continued to press and took the lead when a long pass out of defence from Jon Collis found Joe Naughalty who combined well with Barker to set up Ben Croxall to fire home the opening goal. The Whitchurch defence was in confident form and Jonny Gordon brought off a fine tackle to counter a dangerous move from the visitors. Whitchurch increased their lead midway through the half, Barker capitalising on some confusion in the visitors' defence to force the ball home. There was plenty of goalmouth action as Whitchurch sought to take a decisive grip on the game. Westerman had a snap reverse stick shot well saved by the keeper and a fine individual effort by Croxall went wide. Old Georgians forced two penalty corners in quick succession towards the end of the half, both well defended by Whitchurch.
The second period opened quietly with Old Georgians coming more into the game and the visitors pulled a goal back midway in the half from a penalty corner. Whitchurch were stung into action and attacked strongly to put pressure on the visitors' goal. Martyn White restored Whitchurch's two goal lead, hammering home Whitchurch's third goal after some desperate goalmouth defending by the visitors. Old Georgians forced a couple of penalty corners before Whitchurch made the game safe; Rhys Gowman found Gareth Thomas with a fine pass from halfway and followed up to fire home the return pass for Whitchurch's fourth. Old Georgians pulled a goal back in the last minute but Whitchurch ran out worthy winners of an entertaining game.
