In a dramatic last round of group fixtures in the College Cup hockey, James 2nds hopes of progressing through to the cup semi-finals were cruelly demolished, as they missed out on the top two places courtesy of goal difference.
Derwent 1sts, Halifax 1sts and James 2nds, all finished tied on 15 points in Group 2, but it was Derwent and Halifax who qualified for the cup semi-finals as their final goal differences were marginally superior to James. They now join Alcuin 1sts and James 1sts in the Cup semi-finals, whilst James 2nds drop into the plate.
The most crucial fixture of the day was the contest between Derwent 1sts and Halifax 1sts, as Derwent knew that only a win would secure a top-two place. And they duly delivered, claiming a vital 4-3 victory in one of the most intense encounters of the Cup, which saw tensions escalate.
Halifax, who moved into the weekend unbeaten, led 2-1 at half-time, but Derwent rallied after the interval overturning the deficit and securing the three points through goals from James Ramm and Phil Hammick, which sealed their progression through to the Cup semi-finals. James 2nds meanwhile also tasted victory, prevailing 6-2 over Langwith 1sts to temporarily put them ahead of Halifax on goal difference.
In the final matches of the group stages Jambo Talbot and Charlie Tyler continued their excellent form for James, helping their side to a convincing 11-2 victory over Vanbrugh 2nds, but dramatically they still slipped behind Halifax 1sts after their rivals thrashed Alcuin 2nds 26-0. Alex Francis was the star of the show, bagging an incredible 16 goals, whilst Matt Pheasant and Hannah Boyne scored five and three times respectively.
In the end the margin between the two teams was only a paltry three goals, but that was enough to cause anguish for a James’ side who were desperately unfortunate to only finish third in a strong group. James will be joined in the plate by Langwith 1sts, who secured fourth place with a 4-3 victory over Goodricke 2nds.
There will be one James team in the Cup semi-finals though, as two victories secured James 1sts second place in Group 1. Both Joss Winter and Millie Greenwood were in fine form, scoring crucial goals as James overcame Halifax 2nds 9-4, despite some skilful dribbling by Cameron Sanders and resolute defending by Helen Marston. A second victory of the day followed, as Chris Butterworth and Declan Hall starred in an excellent performance, as they breezed past Derwent 2nds 15-3 to book their place in the semi-finals next week.
Alcuin 1sts meanwhile cemented top spot in the group, as they maintained their 100% record with a comfortable 13-2 victory over Langwith 2nds. Both Robin Willows and Katie Penrose displayed their talent expertly, whilst Michael Thurloway bagged two goals on debut. Langwith battled wilfully, with Guy Bennett and Steve Le Cornu both impressing, but they were unable to contain an Alcuin team who have shone so far this tournament.
Langwith also narrowly lost out to Derwent 2nds, who will meet James 2nds next week in the plate. Goodricke 1sts meanwhile prevailed 7-2 over their third team to secure third place in the group, and will meet Langwith 1sts on Sunday.