A strong James side faced a numerically inferior, albeit packed with university players, Vanbrugh yesterday afternoon on the JLD. In the end their numerical advantage told, as they breezed to a 5-1 victory.
James started more brightly than their oponents, using the space to pass the ball around nicely and pushing their opponents back. They soon opened the scoring through Ollie McGaw, and never really looked back. James would have added to their tally almost immediately but for the outstanding defending of Chris Baldrey, who fended off attack after attack, aided by the equally talented Mike Ward who saved multiple shots on the goal line.
However, James finally broke through Vanbrugh’s stubborn defence when Chris Butterworth scored, helped by a deflection off a defenders stick. Vanbrugh rallied at this point, with veteran Rob Smith instrumental in his sides attacks, along with Baldrey and Sally Warrington, and a goal was pulled back by Smith who beat numerous defenders with a surging run down the right before coolly slotting home a simple finish, making the score 2-1.
James came out looking for more goals in the second half and Joss Winter, James’ prolific striker, finally found the goal after a slick through ball, with Ellie Redwood and Ashley Collinson also chipping in with goals to make the result a 5-1 win to James. The Vanbrugh defenders were subjected to wave after wave of James attacks, as the Black Swans demonstrated why they were college champions last year.
Vanbrugh should be credited for their work rate and attitude given they were playing without a full team, but it was a deserved victory for James. James also received a walkover victory over Alcuin earlier in the day, since Alcuin failed to field a side. James remain unbeaten to date, and appear to be the favourites to top the college league at this stage.
Vision MOTM: Ladina