Tomorrow afternoon, the second semi-final of the College Cup gets underway as we shall find out exactly who will face Vanbrugh 1sts in the final next week. However, as one team seems to be hitting their tournament peak, another seems to be falling away. After Halifax’s 3-1 defeat of their second team siblings, captain Jack Beadle remarked: “It’s the best we’ve played so far. That’s five wins in five now, and we’re looking to take that into the next game.”
Many doubted the capabilities of the side following their opening-day defeat to James 2nds, but since then last year’s winners have steadily improved. Last Thursday’s win was reminiscent of the team we saw trounce the field last year and lift the prestigious trophy.
By contrast, after a scintillating start to the tournament, James stuttered to a narrow 2-1 victory over a dogged Halifax 3rds side. It was a fantastic first half performance, but after that the intensity dropped and their second half complacency nearly cost them. But that is, after all, a hallmark of the greatest sides; winning when not playing well.
What is more serious, though, is the absence of star striker Tom Clarke who has gone home for the summer. It brings back memories of a similar situation at the end of last term; just like before Easter, when the university first team needed Clarke for their relegation D-Day match against Hull, he will be absent from the James starting XI on Friday.
Instead, James will be relying on James Davies, who made it into Vision’s Team of the Groups last week. Freddie Ferrao is also a tricky customer for the fullbacks and James will be looking to give him the ball as much as possible. Their defence is also extremely strong in the tackle, but perhaps lacking a little in pace which Halifax will be looking to exploit.
From a ‘Fax perspective, Tom Day will be one to watch after his brilliant all-round display last week. The return of Jack Beadle has undoubtedly lifted spirits, after there were fears that the captain fantastic would be ruled out of the tournament with an Achilles injury. Their side has the experience to cope with these situations, which is why I am tipping them to edge James and book that precious date with Vanbrugh 1sts.
Vision’s prediction: Halifax 1sts 2-1 James 1sts