Name: Josh Spurling
Team captained: James 1sts
How have your team’s performances been in autumn and spring term?
Our performances in the first term far exceeded our performances last term. First term we showed a lot of fight and smashed Derwent 5-1 to win the league. Our performances last term could have been better but we still had a decent term.
What are your team’s strengths and weaknesses?
I would say we have a very solid core this year with Luke Bradley in goal and Baino and Gill at centre back. If we manage to keep clean sheets we will certainly get goals with Tom Clarke and Davies up top. On of our weaknesses is that throughout the term league we managed to create a lot of chances but failed to find the net with a lot of them. Shooting practice will be required for the likes of Freddie Ferrao.
How strong is your cup squad?
I think our cup squad is very strong despite losing many key members last year. Overall I am pleased with the squad and I think we are good enough to achieve our goals.
Who would you call your ‘key player’ and why?
It’s probably between Tom Clarke and James Davies. I’m going to go with Davies as Clarke hasn’t played for me yet this year. Davies almost plays in a free role for us and he is very dangerous when running at defences through the middle. He was our top scorer during term time so hopefully he can grab us a few goals in the cup.
What are your thoughts on your team’s group draw? Which game are you most looking forward to?
Overall I am pleased with the draw as we avoided Derwent and Halifax in the group who I believe to be the two favourites. We have quite a tough first game against Wentworth but apart from that I think every game in our group is easily winnable. Another benefit is that if Derwent Halifax and ourselves win our respective groups we will not meet either of them until the final. The game I am most looking forward at the moment is Alcuin 3rds, no disrespect to them but it’s a chance for myself to get on the scoresheet.
If you could beat any team in the final, who would it be and why?
Halifax, because we haven’t really had a competitive match against them over the two terms. Also Matt Darling’s chat about their team has dragged on a bit, would be nice to keep him quiet.
What will you do to celebrate if you win the cup?
Probably keep up my reputation of downing pints, and see a couple off. Obviously all the lads will go on an night out.
If you could change one thing about the college cup, what would it be?
No sliding, I’m prepared to get bloody knees. Also I don’t think I have ever tackled an opponent without sliding.
Who is your team ‘BNOC’ and why?
Apart from myself, Freddie likes to think he is but he and will probably expect me to suggest him but if we were ranking BNOC’s within the squad he would certainly be right down the pecking order. So gonna go with the big ginger at the back, Baino. He’s known and liked by a wide number of people and he likes to mingle with the netballers to expand his horizons even further.
Which team in world football are you most like?
I would say Manchester United or Real Madrid. We try to keep solid at the back and play a very counter attacking style of play.
What are your expectations and ambitions for College Cup 2013?
To Win.
Vision says:
James 1sts are certainly amongst the main contenders, looking to build upon a strong autumn term and strengthened by the availability of Uni players. The draw has been favourable to them; while Derwent and Vanbrugh 2nds will be tough tests, James would expect to get through unscathed. No doubt they will want revenge over Wentworth 1sts for a 6-1 defeat in spring term, but with a strengthened side James will be hot favourites to win Group 2.