30th January 2007
Slazenger English Hockey League
Whitchurch 3, University of Birmingham 2

Whitchurch kicked off the second half of their Slazenger EHL programme with a fine 3-2 win at University of Birmingham on 27 January.  It was a thoughtful, controlled performance by Whitchurch, who kept possession well at key periods of the game and built their attacks well.  Whitchurch started in positive style with Graeme Egan and Jamie Westerman probing well from midfield and deservedly took the lead with their second penalty corner of the game in the 18th minute, skipper Alex Keating converting well from Laith El Khatib’s pass.  The Whitchurch defence was coping well with the fast running Birmingham forwards but the students grabbed an equaliser on 28 minutes, Will Turner shooting home from close range after a breakdown in play.  Whitchurch hit back, Gareth Thomas going close with a fine shot before Joe Naughalty restored the lead with a cracking reverse-stick shot from the edge of the D four minutes before half time.  Birmingham piled on the pressure at the start of the second period and levelled matters after 51 minutes, skipper Michael Farrer firing home a penalty corner.  The Whitchurch response was immediate: from the restart James Bainbridge set off on a 50 yard run down the left wing, powering past several defenders before crossing for Laith El Khatib to coolly convert and restore the Whitchurch lead.  Both sides went close in an exciting finale, Whitchurch keeper Chris Gierak saving well at the near post from a last minute penalty corner.

Whitchurch, in 6th position, will look to make further progress up the table when they  entertain 9th placed Ipswich at home this Sunday 4th February (1.30 start at the Welsh Institute of Sport).

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