After months away from the hallowed JLD, college hockey once more got underway today, as James college continued their fine form from last year with a high quality display, which saw them run out 3-1 winners over Derwent. James were met by a strong and full Derwent team, who are looking to improve on their form from last year.
After a cagey opening in which both teams attempted to spread the ball, James opened the scoring as their new prolific goalscorer Joss Winter pounced in the D. James kept pressing for a second goal to extend their advantage, but Derwent packed their defence and looked very dangerous in attack, with their male dominated strike force working well together. It was on one such break that Derwent equalised, moving the ball up the pitch with several good passes, before sweeping the ball into the goal
James became more urgent in the second half, but the Derwent defence looked impenetrable and it was Derwent who nearly went ahead on a number of occasions, with James being rescued by newcomer Tom Witherow. It was James however, who had been probing down the right all game, who scored next. Some good passing led to a short corner, which resulted in a penalty goal being awarded as Chris Butterworth had a shot stopped on the line by a Derwent foot. At this point it looked like the match would end 2-1, but with Derwent clearly missing the influence of Simon Varley, their tactically astute and skilful leader, Winter again showed her attacking prowess to slot home from the p-spot, making it 3-1 to James.
That’s how it finished, as James made a promising start to the season as they look to wrestle back control of the JLD from Halifax. Halifax meanwhile had a walkover in their first match as Wentworth were unable to field a team, the same fate that beset Alcuin, handing Goodricke victory without any effort.
If you are covering the game, just ask for the opposition names. So tired of reading James-biased reports.