Hockey: Dereham’s men make excellent start to 2018

Dereham started the year with a thrilling 2-1 win at Wisbech in East League Division 1N.

From the first whistle the reshuffled team were on the attack, with Falko Rosbergen seeing an early effort cleared off the line in the opening minutes.

With continued pressure and a succession of penalty corners awarded, Rosbergen soon found the back of the net to ensure the hard-working visiting side went into the break ahead.

Stirred by a vociferous crowd, Wisbech upped their efforts in the opening exchanges of the second half. Fine saves from Matt Collinge kept Dereham ahead but eventually the increased pressure saw Wisbech score from open play.

Dereham responded with a finely worked goal from vice captain Will Edwards and then saw out the game.

Dereham Ladies' scheduled fixture at Newmarket was postponed while the seconds drew 1-1 with Bury St Edmunds.