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Photos: Tom Wooldridge
Halifax 1sts produced an exceptional second half display, helped by four goals from Kat Robinson, to defeat James 1sts in the semi-final of the College Cup Hockey Tournament and set up an all Halifax final.
James 1sts battled throughout, and the final 6-2 scoreline was harsh on them, as a series of late goals condemned them to their first defeat of the tournament, which now leaves them to fight with Derwent 1sts for third place.
A spirited encounter started evenly, with both sides performing admirably, retaining possession effectively and making use of the full dimensions of the pitch. For Halifax Joe Lancaster and Alex Francis were spraying the ball around nicely, but were matched by their James counterparts Declan Hall and Gareth Purvis.
Both teams struggled to break the deadlock, as they were constantly thwarted by the opposition defences. Katharine Bramwell and Kathy Cox provided some timely interventions to stave off any Halifax threat, whilst at the other end Cat Johnson and Hannah Boyne were extremely solid in defence.
Midway through the half however, James opened the scoring and a flurry of gaols followed, as twice James took the lead, only to be pegged back both times by a determined Halifax side.
Purvis and David Gopinath both found their way onto the scoresheet for James, only for Robinson to twice apply excellent touches to level the scoring. At half-time, after a high quality period of hockey, the scoreline read 2-2, and it was certainly difficult to predict the final result.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, as both teams plugged away, giving it their all, but trying not to concede what could be the crucial next goal, therefore declining the temptation to throw too many players forward. The game reached its three quarter mark, and despite some close shaves, there were no more goals, as we crept closer and closer to the final whistle.
Finally Halifax scored the crucial next goal, in the process taking the lead for the first time in the contest. From there they grew in confidence brushing James aside, despite the best effort of the likes of Hall and Rohit Rana, as they struggled in vain to find a way back into the game.
As a result of trailing, James were forced to commit more players forward, thus leaving space to be exploited, which Halifax duly did. In quick succession the fourth and fifth goals flew in as Robinson took her tally to four, before the impressive Alex Francis rounded off the scoring with his second of the game and Halifax’s sixth, to seal the victory.
The final scoreline didn’t truly reflect the nature of what was in reality a very even game. However in the end, Halifax were slightly more clinical at both ends of the pitch, whilst also being indebted to some excellent defending.
They will now face Halifax 2nds tomorrow in the final, in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
Vision MOTM: Alex Francis