Focused ‘Fax aim for cup glory

Halifax 1sts are hungry for revenge after 2012’s agonising final defeat on penalties to Vanbrugh 1sts. However, if they are to muster a worthy challenge they must first sidestep the tricky teams completing Group 1: Derwent 3rds, James 3rds, Alcuin 2nds, Wentworth 2nds and Langwith 1sts.

To call these teams ‘banana skins’ or mere ‘obstacles’ is perhaps disrespectful; as seen in previous years, anyone can beat anyone, form and reputation go out of the metaphorical window. Group 1 especially, seems to be the most open of the lot.

Yet at first glance Halifax 1sts are the clear favourites to progress from the group, despite a disappointing mid-table finish in the spring term league. The likes of Matt Mawdesley and Tom Day, University first-team players and stars of last year’s tournament, will strengthen the side. The pressure will be firmly on the shoulders of the 2013 ‘Fax squad to qualify for a shot at the cup.

Langwith, as the other 1sts team in the group, will be aiming for authoritative displays against the so-called lesser sides. Nonetheless, after the men in yellow finished bottom of both autumn and spring leagues without recording a point, the 2nds and 3rds squads will fancy their chances of causing an upset.

Wentworth 2nds are on a mission to defend their College Plate title and have looked strong in the Spring league, missing out on the championship by just a point. More than capable of qualifying from the group, their tournament may hinge on the goals of Dave Clinton and the fitness of playmaker Chris McGuire.

After last year’s heroic run in the Plate, Wentworth manager Dan Howdon is relaxed about another solid showing: “Talent-wise, we’ve got the best 2nds squad I’ve seen in my four years at Wentworth, and we play to a system in which everyone knows their own role and sticks to it.” But as Howdon points out, “Can we do it on a warm June day on the JLD?”

Alcuin 2nds have made a habit of letting promising starts slip by the wayside in league play this year, so they may be helped by the truncated matches on the JLD. Captain Chris Houlgate reckons any team in the group has the potential to reach the top two, but has confidence in his team’s ability: “It’s a versatile and flexible squad, so all of the players are capable of fulfilling different roles with ease. Goals have come from all over the team.”

Two of the stronger 3rds teams complete the group. James 3rds, champions of the autumn league, will be a big test for the more established sides in the competition, as will Derwent 3rds, runners up in both terms, ensuring that the old cliché ‘there are no easy games’ is certainly true for Group 1.

Notable fixtures include Langwith 1sts vs Alcuin 2nds on the opening day; Alcuin could make a real statement of intent by claiming a 1sts scalp. The battle of the thirds teams will take place on Tuesday of week 4 and could be crucial in deciding which will challenge the teams at the top. While Monday of week 7 sees the second teams play each other in another potentially decisive fixture.

With Halifax desperate to put painful memories of last year’s final behind them, Wentworth determined to cling onto their College Plate title and a strong couple of 3rds teams looking to slay some giants, it is set to be a competitive and exhilarating group.