In a tough game away from home three players made their EHL debuts for Whitchurch - Jonny Gordon, Tony Gough and Kyle Stubley - all three aquitting themselves well.  Whitchurch did not have a full squad on the long trip to Kent, but started brightly nonetheless, only to conced a penalty stroke on 15 minutes.

Whitchurch continued to play in a positive manner against strong opposition and managed to force an equaliser through own Brotherton.  Talismanic captain and goal keeper, Iwan Williams was in fine form, keeping the talented holcombe penalty corner specialists at bay, until they finally forced a second via a well-worked deflection.  Whitchurch continued to battle for a second equaliser and the chance arose when a penalty corner shot fell free, but could not capitalise.  Holcombe were ahead 2-1 at half time.

Holcombe pressed hard early in the second half, but the new look Whitchurch rear guard stood firm and played some constructive flowing hockey in return.  It was during this passage of play that Holcombe scored their third and fourth, somewhat against the run of play.  Whitchurch were undeterred and Joe Naughalty forced home a well constructed open play goal.

At 4-3 both sides were evenly matched and it was unfortunate that Gordon suffered a hand injury and had to come off.  The hot weather started to take its toll on the limited Whitchurch squad and Holcombe went on to score another two, leaving the final score 6-3.

A bigger squad and more clinical finishing could have earned Whitchurch a well-earned draw.