After the tumultuous weather of the early weeks of term decimated the college hockey schedule, action returned to the JLD this morning, as James continued their fine form from before Christmas with a convincing 4-0 win over Goodricke.
Goodricke were the only team to take a point from James during the first term, holding the Black Swans to a frustrating 2-2 draw, but this time the side from Heslington East were dispatched by a side littered with quality.
Two first half goals from men’s 3rd team captain Declan Hall put James into a commanding position at the interval, before Dave Gopinath and a late fourth by Joss Winter sealed the contest. However it was not all one-sided, as Goodricke displayed some pleasing hockey, in what was an excellent encounter between two of this year’s strongest sides.
Indeed Goodricke started the contest in positive fashion pushing James onto the back foot, with notable contributions from Ben Crawley and Tom Merriman. James however appear to be unrivalled this year and gradually they stamped their authority on the contest, as they applied pressure on the Goodricke backline marshalled by Aidan Pilgrim.
Both Ellie Redwood and Joss Winter were finding space in the final third, whilst Ollie Mcgaw was providing a constant threat down the right flank. Eventually the pressure told, and an excellent reverse stick finish from a narrow angle by Hall handed James the lead.
Goodricke tried to respond, but the presence of university players such as Alex Bond and Chris Butterworth on the James side, was making it difficult to establish a foothold in the contest. With the clock ticking towards half-time Hall wriggled free of a challenge and slotted home to double his side’s advantage.
Some sides would have wilted under the pressure that James applied, but Goodricke gave an excellent account of themselves and enjoyed some promising spells during a relatively even second half. Nevertheless Gopinath added a third to put the contest beyond doubt.
Both sides had chances to further add to the scoring, and it was Goodricke who came closest, only to be denied by an excellent goal-line clearance from Poppy Bullard. One of Goodricke’s greatest threats was being provided by the skilful running of Sam Kemp, whilst the direct and powerful surges of Merriman exploited the gaps that emerged as both sides began to tire.
However the James defence was not to be breached, and as the game neared its close James bagged another goal as Winter finished a neat move. The win extends their advantage at the top of the table, and it seems more and more likely that James will be crowned this year’s college champions.
Vision MOTM: Declan Hall