So earlier we previewed the plate and vase semi-finals, now it is time look at the most important matches of the weekend, the two cup semi-finals. All four teams that remain have demonstrated their ability over the past weeks, and possess a realistic chance of lifting the cup, but only two can make it through to next week’s final.
Alcuin 1sts v Halifax 1sts
The first of the two semi-finals sees unbeaten Alcuin 1sts meet Halifax 1sts. All of the drama last weekend revolved around Group 2, as Halifax relied on a substantial 26-0 victory over Alcuin 2nds to book their place in the semi-finals at the expense of James 2nds on goal difference. In that game Alex Francis netted 16 times, and he is likely to be one of the key players for Halifax, although there have been doubts raised about his availability for Sunday’s clash.
University players Danny Williams and Sally Dolton have also been in tremendous form for Halifax, with Williams displaying the clever touches and vision to open up teams, whilst Dolton has been a constant thorn for opposition sides with her strong defending. In terms of goalscoring Francis, has been ably supported by Hannah Boyne and captain Matt Pheasant, both of whom have been clinical when handed any opportunities.
Last week’s defeat against Derwent 1sts was Halifax’s only loss to date, and they impressed in the opening weeks with strong performances against James 2nds, Goodricke 2nds and Langwith 1sts. The defeat against Derwent though showed that they were not unbeatable, and will give hope to their opponents Alcuin 1sts on Sunday.
Whilst Alcuin’s second team have been struggling at the foot of Group 2, Alcuin 1sts have shone in the weaker Group 1, recording six wins out of six to become the only team to maintain their 100% record. Availability though has been the greatest challenge though for Washington’s side this year, and they almost came unstuck against Derwent 2nds when they were missing several key players.
In that game they were fortunate to prevail 4-3, whilst they also recorded a crucial 4-3 victory over James 1sts in the opening round of fixtures. Their other four fixtures have seen them secure comfortable victories, the most impressive being a 9-0 demolition of Goodricke 1sts. The side is based around a core of University players, with Washington accompanied by fellow third team players Robin Willows and Phil Hughes.
To date Willows has been the most impressive of the trio, and Alcuin will be looking for another strong performance from him on Sunday. Katie Penrose has dictated play superbly from the centre of midfield, whilst Ruth Mason and Alex Wilson have demonstrated energy down the flanks, providing a potent balance to the side.
A close encounter looks to be in store, as two well matched teams battle it out for the honour of reaching the cup final. Last year Halifax 1sts were runners-up, and will be looking to go one step further, but first they have to defeat an Alcuin side, who will prove a significant challenge.
Stat: These two teams have the best defences, each only having conceded 15 goals to date.
Key Player:
Halifax, Alex Francis: Francis’ marauding runs and powerful strikes of the ball have proved too much for many teams, coping with his threat will be a key task for Alcuin.
Alcuin, Robin Willows: If Halifax are to reach successive finals they will have to deal with Willows, who has to date been one of the standout players in the tournament.
Vision’s Prediction: N/a. Since I captain Alcuin 1sts I can’t really comment, all I’ll say is that it will be close.
Derwent 1sts v James 1sts
Derwent 1sts have arguably been the most impressive team to date, but only just scraped through to the cup semi-finals, relying on a narrow and controversial 4-3 win over Halifax 1sts to cement their place at the top of Group 2. James 1sts meanwhile recovered from an opening day loss to Alcuin 1sts, to win five straight games and finish second in Group 1.
In terms of goalscoring ability there are few sides who can rival Derwent 1sts, who have notched up 80 goals in six games. They slotted 27 past Alcuin 2nds on the opening day, followed by a further 19 the following week against Vanbrugh 1sts as they made an early impression upon the tournament.
Their chances though were almost derailed when they suffered a 9-5 defeat against James 2nds, in a game in which they were missing a number of key individuals. They bounced back though over the following two weeks, securing a vital victory over Halifax to top the group.
Both Captain Phil Hammick and Chris Daniel have been integral in the success of the side, orchestrating play and linking up cleverly to cause havoc for opposition teams. As well as these two James Ramm has been in superb goalscoring form, capitalising on any opportunity and helping his side to dispatch weaker opposition, whilst Rachel Brooke and Jack Bradshaw have put their experience to good use.
James 1sts meanwhile enjoyed a somewhat smoother path through to the semi-finals, but still probably start as underdogs in the clash against the side, who are in many people’s opinion favourites for the tournament. James have enjoyed a brilliant year, progressing through the first two terms undefeated, before being humbled by Alcuin 1sts in the cup. Since then though they have gone from strength-to-strength, cruising past their other opponents to secure their progression to the final four.
Group 1 though was by far the weaker of the two groups, and it could be argued that in fact James 2nds are superior to a side rather reliant on Chris Butterworth and Declan Hall. That duo will have to be on top form if James are to overcome Derwent, whilst the likes of Poppy Bullard and Rohit Rana will also need to impress.
Up front Millie Greenwood and Joss Winter have both been frequent scorers, but James may find it harder to break down this Derwent team, especially if they are at full strength. Both teams have scored plenty of goals, so an exciting and action packed encounter looks to be in store at 12pm on Sunday, which you wouldn’t want to miss.
Stat: These two teams were the highest scorers in their respective groups, so expect plenty of goals.
Key Player:
Derwent, Chris Daniel: The powerhouse in midfield, Daniel has dictated play calmly throughout the tournament, and is likely to pose a potent threat again on Sunday.
James, Chris Butterworth: James’ star man Butterworth always leads by example, combining hard work with no little skill, and he will have to be at his very best for James to progress.
Vision’s Prediction: I’m sorry James, but I’ve got to go for a Derwent win, as I just think they’ll have too much attacking potency for James to cope with, if they have a full side out. Derwent 7-4 James.
