Wednesday plays host to the first of the College Cup semi-finals, which will be eagerly anticipated after the previous rounds, and Vanbrugh 3rds’ victory earlier today in the first plate semi-final.
On Wednesday at 2pm, Vanbrugh 1sts will be looking to reach the final, but first they will have to shake off the formidable threat of Derwent 1sts. Derwent have been improving throughout the tournament, and particularly impressed in their quarter final demolition of Alcuin 1sts. Their success has been built on a solid defence, which has so far managed five clean sheets in the competition, as Tom Brandreth and Andy Jeffreys have shone in the centre of defence.
At the other end, goals have sometimes been hard to come by, as they have only twice scored more than once in a game. David Kirk is their top scorer with five, whilst much pressure will lie on the shoulders of Alex D’Albertanson and Dan Atherton to create the chances. In the quarter finals, Sam Earle was in terrific form, bossing the midfield, and he will be looking to put in another impressive display when it really matters.
Vanbrugh 1sts however will pose the stiffest opposition to Derwent so far, and in fact Derwent have already suffered defeat in the competition, during the group stages at the hands of Wentworth 1sts. Vanbrugh’s success has also been built around keeping clean sheets, something which they have managed on five occasions to date, their defence only being breached during the 3-2 reverse against Halifax 2nds. Ziggy Heath has been a tower at the heart of the backline, whilst Chris Wignall has effectively distributed play from right back.
Unlike Derwent, Vanbrugh have found it easy to score goals, bagging 24 so far in the competition. Phil Taylor has created numerous chances from the centre of midfield as well as scoring goals, whilst they have a number of dangerous players. Jon Gill and Ben Stanier have both been amongst the goals, whilst Elliot Rous-Ross has led the line effectively. Their battle with the Derwent backline will be crucial in deciding the fate of the game.
Ones to Watch:
Tom Brandreth (Derwent): Brandreth has been one of the standout players in the tournament to date, dominating the aerial battle and being instrumental in Derwent’s defensive success. He’s a threat at the other end too, as are his phenomenal long throws.
Phil Taylor (Vanbrugh): Taylor has bagged seven goals already in the tournament, second only to Tom Clarke in the scoring charts. His ability to find space and take chances could once more define the outcome of this intriguing clash.
Vision’s Prediction: This is a hard one, as both teams seem reasonably evenly matched. However I’ve tipped Derwent to come good all along and they seem to be coming into form at the right time. 2-1 Derwent.
think you may have missed my name out for ones to watch x