12th October 2009
Whitchurch win again!
Whitchurch made it three wins in a row in the EHL with a convincing 4-1 home success against Havant. Sound in defence and creative in attack Whitchurch were in confident form and drew first blood after five minutes, Ben Croxall coolly converting a penalty stroke after a good move down the Whitchurch right. Whitchurch were passing the ball well and dominated the early exchanges, but the visitors gradually came into the game and Whitchurch keeper Iwan Williams had to be alert to clear a goal bound effort midway through the half. Croxall and Joe Naughalty were causing problems for the Havant defence as Whitchurch sought to extend their advantage and six minutes from the break Whitchurch scored their second goal, strong running from Neil Potter earning a penalty corner which was well converted by Jon Collis.
Havant started the second period strongly and forced two penalty corners in quick succession, but Whitchurch were dangerous on the break, Rhys Gowman and Jamie Westerman combining well to almost add to the Whitchurch score. Havant enjoyed good possession but found Jonny Gordon and Richard John in good form at the heart of the Whitchurch defence. Eight minutes into the half Whitchurch made it 3-0, Collis feeding the ball through to Naughalty who finished well. In an end to end game Williams was out quickly to smother a Havant attack before Whitchurch made it 4-0 with a fine individual goal from Westerman, who received the ball left of the goal on the edge of the circle and turned to drive the ball home on the reverse. Havant searched hard for a consolation goal, Williams diving full length to keep out a penalty corner strike and Croxall clearing off the line in another attack but Havant eventually had their reward, scoring from close range five minutes from the end of an entertaining match.
