Alcuin and James started their season off in style yesterday, as they both cruised to comfortable victories in their opening fixtures of this years’ college hockey league.
Defending champions James, who have won the league for the last two years and were unbeaten for the whole of the last league campaign, once more appear to be the favourites to prevail this year, with a strong team once again on display, as they beat Goodricke 3-0.
Two first half goals put James in the ascendancy, but they were made to work hard by a resolute Goodricke side, with a number of skilful players including Tom Merriman and Nick Larvin. A defensive lapse though gifted James the opening goal, as a poor clearance was slotted home, before James doubled their lead on the counter before the break.
Sam Kemp’s Goodricke side continued to battle willingly in the second half, but they were unable to breakdown a strong James defence led by captain Ollie Mcgaw. And in the closing minutes James sealed their victory with a fine third goal, as a surging run by Chris Butterworth ended with the ball being placed into the bottom corner by a supporting James forward. The 3-0 scoreline may have been a little harsh on Goodricke however, who appear to have a promising year ahead of them, despite the opening day defeat.
Alcuin meanwhile moved to the top of the table as they thumped Vanbrugh 5-0 in torrential conditions. The second half saw heavy rain drench both players, but Alcuin were already 2-0 up by the interval, as they controlled the play against a depleted Vanbrugh side.
Last year was a challenging one for Alcuin who constantly struggled for numbers, resulting in them winning only one league game all year, but a more prosperous season looks to be in store, mainly due to a number of excellent women’s 1st team players in the side.
Three further goals were added after the break, the pick of them being a 50 yard burst by Nick Yates who outpaced the Vanbrugh defenders and slotted home, whilst Vanbrugh rarely threatened to add a goal of their own, despite their best attempts.
Derwent and Halifax’s match meanwhile was postponed due to Derwent’s rugby and netball fixtures in Durham, whilst Langwith had the week off since there are only seven teams in the league.