Last week the JLD was graced by an all James quarter final, which produced arguably the greatest upset in the history of the College Cup as James 3rds beat their own 1st team, and in the first semi-final on Monday, two Halifax teams lock horns as the 1sts meet the 2nds.
These two teams were pitted together last year in the quarter-finals, where the 1sts secured their progression, before eventually succumbing to defeat in the final on penalties. Therefore the 2nds will be out for revenge, as they look to continue their fabulous run and make the College Cup final; sadly though that seems unlikely.
The 2nds have been in fabulous form, beating both Goodricke 1sts and Vanbrugh 1sts to reach this stage, but on Monday they will be severely handicapped as three of their most potent attacking threats will be pinched by Halifax 1sts. The trio of Connor McCoy, Connor Meckin and Hamish Denham have all been integral in the 2nds success to date, but on Monday they will be on the opposite side, a factor which will surely jeopardise the 2nds’ chances.
Instead they will have to hope that Elliot Ragan continues his goalscoring form, and will be looking to 3rds players such as Ryan Docherty to step up on the big occasion. Defensively the 2nds have been solid, with captain Jonny McGuinness and Dave Lewis leading by example, but they will be tested by their high-quality opponents.
However their record doesn’t compare with the 1sts, who have cruised through to this stage in majestic fashion without even conceding a goal. Goalkeeper Jonny Sim has largely been a spectator, as Matt Darling’s team have gone from strength to strength, topping their group, before a Matt Mawdesley goal sent them through to the semi-finals.
Indeed Mawdesley has once more been one of the star performers, combining energy and enthusiasm, with an array of passing, which has excellently accompanied the playmaking skills of Ash Daly. Up front Tom Day has found his form, scoring six goals to date and displaying sublime awareness to effortlessly link up with his teammates. In the quarter-finals they were far from their best, but you feel that the team has the ability to reach its third successive College Cup final.
The College Cup so far this year has been one of surprises, with only four 1st teams remaining in any of the competitions, however it will take an almighty effort from Halifax 2nds if they are to continue their giant-killing form. Yet as I’ve said before stranger things have happened, so don’t rule it out!
Stat: Halifax are the only college to have their 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams still in the competition.
Key Player:
Halifax 1sts, Tom Day: Last year Day struggled for goals, but such a problem has not blighted him this year, as he has produced some brilliant displays.
Halifax 2nds, Dave Lewis: The versatile Lewis is strong in the tackle, and reads the ball well. He’ll have to be in top form on Monday if the 2nds are to make the final.
Vision Prediction: Halifax 2nds have shown that they should not be underestimated, but with the call-ups to the first team, they have been severely weakened. 2-0 to the 1sts, with goals from McCoy and Mawdesley.