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Photos: Jack Western
Alcuin 1sts made it five wins out of five, but only just, as a depleted side scraped past Derwent 2nds 4-3, to consolidate their place at the top of Group 1, and become the first team to book their place in the Cup semi-finals.
Arguably the most crucial game in the group however was the clash between James 1sts and Goodricke 1sts, with the winner likely to finish second in the group. In a close match James 1sts prevailed 5-3, as Declan Hall bagged two, whilst Chris Butterworth, Joss Winter and Ashley Collinson all got their names on the scoresheet.
Goodricke demonstrated their own ability, playing some crisp flowing hockey, with Sam Kemp distributing play excellently from the back. However on numerous occasions they were thwarted by Izi Hutchinson, as James recorded a vital win, which makes them favourites to finish second in the group.
Alcuin meanwhile were struggling against a strong Derwent side which was boosted by the presence of Chris Daniel from the 1sts. Generally Derwent controlled possession and enjoyed the majority of territory, but struggled to break through a resilient Alcuin defence marshalled by Dave Washington and Nick Yates.
Somehow Alcuin scored not once, but three times, to open up a considerable first half lead, as they employed counter attacking tactics to perfection, with Lucinda Cowling and Alex Wilson leading the way. Derwent though continued to push forward, and the pressure told as they pulled two goal back in the first half, to make the score 3-2.
A similar pattern of play continued in the second half, and as Alcuin, who had no substitutes in comparison to Derwent’s four, tired in the scorching heat, it seemed as if Derwent would overturn the deficit. However they continued to come up against a resilient Alcuin backline, who displayed great stubbornness. Eventually though the equaliser arrived with roughly eight minutes remaining, and it seemed as if Derwent were favourites to claim the three points.
Alcuin though showed why they are unbeaten, and after absorbing more Derwent pressure, Alex Wilson broke free to slot home the winner with two minutes remaining, and maintain Alcuin’s 100% record. Derwent meanwhile sit fourth in the group, and now only possess a slim chance of finishing in the top two.
The final game was between two winless sides, and Halifax 2nds emerged as comfortable victors, belying their place in the standings with an 8-0 drubbing of Langwith 2nds, who remain rooted to the foot of the table.
| Group 1 |
PLD |
W |
D |
L |
GD |
PTS |
| Alcuin 1sts |
5 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
19 |
15 |
| James 1sts |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
15 |
9 |
| Goodricke 1sts |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
-6 |
9 |
| Derwent 2nds |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
| Goodricke 3rds |
4 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Halifax 2nds |
4 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
| Langwith 2nds |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
-33 |
0 |
What a cheeky devil Washington is. Writing an article about how good Alcuin are, then putting a photo of himself as the featured image! The nerve of him!