College cup hockey: Group 2

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Photos: Jack Bradshaw

The complexion of group 2 was altered by a sublime James 2nds performance, as they romped to a 9-5 victory over a weakened Derwent 1sts side. Derwent had been in dominant form over the past two weeks, but missing a number of players including James Ramm and Jack Bradshaw, their excellent form hit an abrupt end.

Derwent started promisingly in the early stages opening the scoring in the first few minutes, but James quickly bounced back and seized the initiative with two quickfire goals. The momentum continued to shift in the first half, with Jambo Talbot and Chris Daniel impressing for their respective sides, but at the interval James led 4-3.

James lifted their level in the second half, and as Derwent began to tire, the Black Swans built an insurmountable lead through goals from Talbot and Briony Peters. Despite the loss Derwent still have an excellent chance of finishing in the top two, whilst James are undoubtedly back in the hunt after a fantastic result.

Halifax meanwhile capitalised on this to move clear at the top of the table, as they beat Goodricke 2nds 7-3. The damage was done in the first half as Halifax sauntered to victory, and in turn maintained their 100% record, as they look to go one better than last year, when they were beaten finalists.

In the final match of the group between two sides struggling at the foot of the table, Vanbrugh 1sts were the victors, as they prevailed 8-1 against a spirited Alcuin 2nds side, who have struggled in the opening weeks. The win was Vanbrugh’s first of the campaign, and they will be looking to build on that over the next two weeks.

The primary battle however remains at the summit of the table, where Halifax 1sts, Derwent 1sts and James 2nds look set to battle it out for the top two spots. The action continues next Sunday at 11:00.

Pld

W

D

L

GD

PTS

Halifax 1sts

4

4

0

0

24

12

Derwent 1sts

4

3

0

1

47

9

James 2nds

3

2

0

1

9

6

Langwith 1sts

3

1

0

2

7

3

Goodricke 2nds

3

1

0

2

-8

3

Vanbrugh 1sts

4

1

0

3

-24

3

Alcuin 2nds

4

0

0

4

-57

0