So yesterday we provided you with an overview of this year’s college hockey cup, now we will take an in-depth look at all of the teams, assessing their strengths, weaknesses and prospects heading into one of the most successful college tournaments of the year.
Group 1
The draw has been kind to those who have been lucky enough to land in Group 1, with this seeming to be the easier to progress out of, even though James 1sts and defending champions Halifax 2nds are present.
Alcuin 1sts
After a miserable year where Alcuin have been blighted by unavailability and lack of numbers, there is a sense of optimism heading into the cup. There are a number of talented players in the college, and all have been clustered into the first team led by Dave Washington. In the shape of Robin Willows and Katie Penrose Alcuin possess two excellent individual talents, who will be ably supported by their counterparts. If the key players can be available regularly, Alcuin 1sts have every chance of finishing in the top two in their group.
Goodricke 1sts
Unlike Alcuin, Goodricke have opted to split their strength between three teams, which may hinder their chance of progressing. Nevertheless in the form of Aidan Pilgrim and Sam Kemp, Ben Crawley’s side should still have the strength to be competing in the upper echelons of the group. The risk is that exams will hamper availability, which could prove costly later in the term and mean that the side are more likely to finish third or fourth in the group rather than in the top two spots.
James 1sts
James have dominated the College League this year, and will be looking to maintain their form in the cup format. Captain Chris Butterworth has been one of the standout college players over the past two years, and assisted by Declan Hall and Poppy Bullard, the side possesses a strong core. Their best players though have been split between the two teams, which should give hope to other sides, and their opening match against Alcuin will be intriguing in deciphering where both teams stand.
Derwent 2nds
Last year Derwent 2nds struggled in the cup competition, and a challenging campaign seems to lie ahead once more. Derwent’s strength is focused in the 1sts hindering the prospects of the 2nds, but they still possess some talented players with the ability to hurt other teams. Their inspirational leader is currently injured in the shape of Simon Varley, and his return can’t come soon enough for the side. If they can finish in the top four then that will be construed as a successful campaign.
Halifax 2nds
Last year’s winners will be looking to replicate their miraculous run from last year, and have been handed a kind draw which provides them with a realistic chance of progressing through to the cup semi-finals. Last year no-one tipped them to be crowned inaugural champions, and although they will not be fancied for victory this year, they are likely to challenge the top teams in this group.
Langwith 2nds
This season has seen Langwith improve dramatically, defeating some of the big name teams during an impressive campaign. Despite this Langwith 2nds are still likely to be rooted to the lower reaches of the table, as their strength is concentrated in the 1sts, meaning that they appear to be one of the weakest teams in the competition. Finishing fifth or sixth seems to be the best hope for this side, but will they prove me wrong?
Goodricke 3rds
Despite being the only 3rds team in the tournament, Goodricke don’t appear to be the weakest side and will be hoping to cause some upsets over the course of the tournament. Led by Alex McDonald, the side’s target is likely to be to try and finish in the top four, and record some notable scalps on the way.
Group 2
If the term ‘Group of Death’ could be applied to either of the two, then it is definitely this one as the group contains several strong sides who will have high hopes moving into the tournament. Picking the two teams who will progress through this group is challenging, with most of the sides appearing capable of enjoying success.
Derwent 1sts
Derwent could well be the team to beat this year, as in the shape of Chris Daniel, Dom Munns and Phil Hammick they possess potential match winners. Although they may have been blighted by inconsistency over the past two terms, they have shown glimpses of their true potential and undoubtedly possess the ability to challenge for honour over the coming weeks. In a tough group though their progress is far from guaranteed.
Halifax 1sts
Halifax 1sts reached the final last year, where they were beaten by their second team, and this year they will be looking to go one step further. There is undoubtedly a wealth of talent in the side and they will be determined to make up for a disappointing season, which saw them fail to challenge for top honours. In the cup they may well do, but their progress could be stalled by the wealth of talent that is found in this group.
Langwith 1sts
Langwith have enjoyed a very successful season, and will be looking to cap that off with a strong performance in the cup. They will be disappointed by their draw, but with the likes of Charlie Williams, Andy Lister and Mike Dunnett-Stone in their ranks they have the talent to progress to the later stages of this tournament. There won’t be many easy games in this group, and goal difference could well prove vital.
Vanbrugh 1sts
Vanbrugh’s main problem this year has been fielding a team, and they are probably the weakest of the 1st teams in the competition. One advantage that they possess is that they only have the one team led by Chris Baldrey, and therefore will be able to concentrate their best players into the one side. Nevertheless it will probably be asking too much for them to finish in the top two, and third or fourth would probably be deemed as a success.
Alcuin 2nds
On paper Alcuin appear to be far the weakest side in the group, and are therefore likely to struggle against some of the top sides in the competition. With their best players in the 1sts, James Burroughs is left to lead a young and inexperienced side, who will be hoping that their exuberance leads to success. In truth fielding a full team is probably most important for them, and developing players for the future.
Goodricke 2nds
Tournament organiser Tom Merriman will be hoping to lead his side to success, and will be well supported by the duo of Nick Larvin and Tara Annison. However the strength of their rivals in the group means that their progress through to the later stages of the cup is likely to be difficult, and Goodricke may face some stiff challenges over the coming weeks. However their spirit and ability should allow them to finish somewhere in the middle of Group 2.
James 2nds
James appear to possess by far the strongest 2nd team in the tournament, and it is arguably stronger than their 1st team, with the presence of university players in the shape of Jambo Talbot, Alex Bond and Izi Hutchinson. Strength in depth is one of James’ greatest strengths, and whilst two Halifax sides progressed through to the final four, it could well be two James teams who seal their progress to the semi-finals of the cup.