Another hour in bed meant that legs were slightly fresher for the second round of games on Sunday, even if hangovers were still yet to cure. Once more there were crucial games in store, as potentially James 1sts and Vanbrugh 1sts could have nailed down their top two places. As it is, Vanbrugh’s loss to Halifax 2nds means that the group is still open, as the above three battle it out to reach the semi finals.
The Presidents’ Ball had definitely hampered Vanbrugh’s preparations. Talismanic players Mylo Scurr and Max Fleming were nowhere to be seen, and both Jon Waghorne and Mike Ward were feeling somewhat worse for wear. Despite this it would be unfair to take any credit away from Halifax, who ended Vanbrugh’s unbeaten record, with a 5-1 victory. An even first half ended in Halifax showing more cutting edge, and therefore leading 2-0. They weren’t prepared to give up their lead easily, and inspired by Nick Finil and Danny Williams; they closed out a crucial victory, which gives them a good chance of finishing in the top two, or potentially even winning the group. Vanbrugh will be looking to bounce back, as they face James next week in the final round of fixtures, in what will be a huge encounter.
James will be tough opposition though, as they currently sit top of the group. Today they ground out a hard fought 5-4 victory over Langwith 1sts, to extend their winning streak to four. Langwith have succumbed to three consecutive narrow defeats now, which have ended their ambitions of making progress in the tournament. However they showed fighting spirit today and almost managed to sneak a result against a strong James side.
In the final game, Derwent 2nds and Goodricke 2nds both opened their accounts for the season, playing out an entertaining 6-6 draw, to put their first points on the table. A competitive first half saw Goodricke come out on top, leading 5-3, but Derwent were determined not to suffer defeat again. In the second half, led by Simon Varley, they clawed their way back into the game, with three goals which gave them a seemingly unlikely 6-5 lead. Just as they though they were set to record their first win, Goodricke struck to deny them with a late goal. In the end a draw was a fair result between two hard working teams who deserve credit for their efforts over the past weeks.
Vision Player of the Group: Danny Williams