The College Cup football may be in full swing, but this weekend sees this term’s College Cup hockey tournament draw to a close. To date we have had five weeks of hotly contested matches, which have whittled the field down to four semi finalists. This Saturday will play host to the semi-finals from 13:00, before the final and third place play off will be held at 16:00 on Sunday. Undoubtedly your college would love your support, so come on down and witness some superb hockey and your college in action.
Halifax have been the most successful college in the group stages, as both of their sides made it through their groups, finishing second to reach this stage. They have avoided one another in the semi-final, and been joined at that stage by Derwent 1sts and James 1sts, who both impressed in topping their groups.
Derwent 1sts v Halifax 2nds
Derwent have been the goal machines of the tournament so far, scoring 19 two weeks ago against Langwith and surpassing the twenty mark last weekend against Goodricke. Week by week they appear to be growing stronger and are likely to be hard to beat in this competition, however Halifax 1sts have proven that possible. Nevertheless they combine physical strength and skill effectively, a dup which has overpowered numerous opponents so far.
Halifax 2nds meanwhile recovered from an opening day defeat to James, to win four straight games and qualify as runners up of group 2. Again scoring goals has been one of their main strengths, as Graeme Osborn has been in particularly prolific form, bagging seven in his last outing. Both teams will have to be wary of the threat posed by the other team, and this game may well be decided by who can be stronger in defence.
Ones To Watch:
Jack Bradshaw (Derwent): A skilful and combative player, Bradshaw has been one of the key protagonists in Derwent’s success. If he can fire in the goals again, then it may well propel Derwent into the final.
Nick Finil (Halifax): Finil forms an instrumental part of this side, adding defensive steel to a strong line up. He needs to stifle the Derwent attack if his team are to be successful on Saturday.
Vision’s Prediction: Halifax are a good side, but Derwent appear to be too strong for them, and I expect them to record a relatively comfortable victory. The goals won’t fly in as in previous weeks, but still I’ll go for 6-3 Derwent.
James 1sts v Halifax 1sts
Led by captain Gareth Purvis, James are the only team to maintain their 100% record throughout the group stages. They’ve had to fight for that though, recording narrow victories over Langwith 1sts and Halifax 2nds, whilst enjoying a walkover against Vanbrugh 1sts. Nevertheless they are still a strong side, with a host of quality players, who have scored goals a plenty, and will be looking to extend their winning run.
Halifax 1sts meanwhile go into the final on the back of a 5-3 defeat against Alcuin, but up until then they had been in imperious form. Their highlight was an 8-3 victory over the impressive Derwent 1sts, and performances like that will undoubtedly give them confidence. They are strong at the back through Joe Lancaster and Hannah Boyne, whilst Alex Francis is also key to their success. A team blessed with much talent, they’ll be looking to go all the way in this tournament.
Ones to Watch:
Declan Hall (James): Next year’s university 3’s captain has been in superb form for James, scoring goals as well as creating them. James will once more be looking for his inspiration to guide them through to the final.
Joe Lancaster (Halifax): This is very much a battle of the university players. Lancaster has been sensational for Halifax, winning nearly all battles, and distributing play effectively, impacting both ends of the pitch. Stifling him is key for James.
Vision’s Prediction: This is likely to be a close game between two strong teams. Halifax though look that little bit stronger and I fancy they will triumph. 4-2 Halifax.
On to Sunday
So if one day’s excitement isn’t enough for you, then we have two, as at 4pm on Sunday the final and third place play off will be held. You need to be brave to guess what is going to happen then, but Vision will stick their neck on the line and make a bold prediction.
1st Halifax 1sts
2nd Derwent 1sts
3rd James 1sts
4th Halifax 2nds
Who knows if this will be right, only time will tell, all I can say though is get down to the JLD astro over the weekend to find out!