The College hockey cup concludes tomorrow at 11am on the JLD, as the three finals of this year’s competition take place. After weeks of hard graft, six teams are left in the respective finals, with the most high profile and important contest being the cup final between Alcuin 1sts and Derwent 1sts.
Cup Final: Alcuin 1sts v Derwent 1sts
The pinnacle of this year’s competition is the cup final, which sees Alcuin 1sts meet Derwent 1sts, as two teams who have proven themselves to be worthy finalists battle it out to be crowned college cup champions.
The first two terms were miserable ones for an Alcuin team which has struggled for numbers, but in the six-a-side cup format the side has gone from strength-to-strength, producing a series of excellent performances, to reach this stage with their 100% record firmly intact.
Last week Dave Washington’s side weren’t at their best, but goals from Ruth Mason, Alex Wilson and Katie Penrose helped them to fight back from a goal behind to defeat Halifax 1sts 3-1. University players Robin Willows and Phil Hughes have been key to the side’s success, with Willows proving particularly devilish with his marauding rampages.
Katie Penrose though is set to be absent for the final, and the loss of one of Alcuin’s key performers is sure to hamper the side’s prospects in the final, as they look to bring success to a college which has improved this year, and finished an impressive third in the overall standings.
Derwent 1sts meanwhile have a full squad to choose from heading into the final, and are likely to start as favourites. Last week they cruised past James 1sts 6-3, and apart from one slip-up they have looked to be in immaculate form, and Alcuin will have to be at their very best to deal with the threat posed by the team in blue.
James Ramm has led the goalscoring feats of the side, and was in superb form in the semi-finals, causing havoc for the James defence, whilst Jack Bradshaw and Chris Daniel have the ability to carve open any side.
Phil Hammick looks set to return this week which will further boost the side, whilst they will be hoping that University 2nds player Sam Richardson again impresses, after threatening with his skilful running against James. Alcuin aren’t likely to roll over like other sides have done in the tournament to date, but the goalscoring capabilities of this Derwent team, means that they are likely to start as the favourites for this year’s final.
Plate Final: Goodricke 1sts v James 2nds
Goodricke have two opportunities of lifting silverware tomorrow, the first of which is in the plate against James 2nds. On first glance you’d expect a 1st team to defeat a 2nd team, but James 2nds have demonstrated that they are one of the strongest teams in this competition, and could very easily have been lining up in the cup final.
Only goal difference prevented the side which hammered Derwent 1sts 9-5 earlier in the tournament, from finishing in the top two of their group, and in the semi-finals they brushed the threat of Derwent 2nds aside, with an efficient if not amazing performance.
Ollie McGaw’s side are blessed with an array of talented University players, and they will be hoping that such experience proves vital in the final against another strong team in the shape of Goodricke 1sts, who booked their place in the final by beating Langwith 1sts last weekend.
Ben Crawley’s team finished third in their group with four wins out of six, and have only suffered defeat against Alcuin 1sts and James 1sts. Much of their success has been built around the inspirational defending of Aidan Pilgrim, who helped his side to a clean sheet last Sunday.
The likes of Sam Kemp and crossover player Tom Merriman have also impressed, as the side have reached this stage without too much fuss. James 2nds though may possess too much quality, with the likes of Jambo Talbot, Charlie Tyler and Izi Hutchinson, all having the ability to unlock the opposition.
Vase Final: Halifax 2nds v Goodricke 3rds
The third final sees Halifax 2nds and Goodricke 3rds meet in the vase. Goodricke 3rds have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament, producing some strong performances to belittle their status as the only third team in the competition.
Their semi-final against Goodricke 2nds was a controversial affair, and despite initially suffering defeat, the 3rds progression was secured after the 2nds were found guilty of breaching the regulations of the competition. Alex McDonald has been the side’s key performer, but against a strong Halifax 2nds outfit, a difficult game may well lie in store.
Halifax 2nds have already beaten Goodricke 3rds once in this competition during the group stages, and they will start as clear favourites heading into this contest. Isaac Barker’s side struggled in the opening weeks, and were disappointed to only finish fifth in their group, despite some improved showings.
In the semi-final though they cruised past Vanbrugh 1sts, who forfeited at half time due to a lack of players and the one-sided scoreline. If the likes of Barker, Helen Marston and Cameron Sanders are on form, then Halifax should have enough ability to lift the vase, which would be another trophy after this side last year prevailed in the premium cup competition.
Yet again, Phil Hammick is not the captain.