It was an historic weekend for college football, as the first ever 6th team played their first game at the Archbishop Holgate pitches on Saturday morning. Derwent AFC managed to not only field a 6th team, but also thump Vanbrugh 4ths 4-0, with Alex Pusey, Ben Jones (scoring two) and Derwent AFC’s president Felix Aylett getting themselves on the scoresheet.
Derwent 6ths creation comes after changes made to Revolution Division Three at the start of this term. As reported in last week’s issue of Vision: “College Sport have opted to split Div. Three into two parallel conferences of seeded sides.” This action was taken due to the size of the league meaning that some teams had comparatively easier fixture lists, and therefore an unfair advantage in seeking promotion. The addition of Derwent 6ths was preceeded by the re-establishment of Alcuin 4ths, both taking advantage of space in the now smaller parallel leagues. The split is as follows:
Revolution Division 3A: Alcuin 3rds, Alcuin 4ths, Constantine 2nds, Derwent 5ths, James 5ths, Langwith 4ths.
Revolution Division 3B: Derwent 6ths, Goodricke 3rds, James 4ths, Vanbrugh 4ths, Vanbrugh 5ths, York Medics 2nds.
Vision approached Derwent AFC president Felix Aylett for comment:
“Derwent AFC has a very loyal and dedicated group of players. Last term we fielded 90 different players across the club and this term we have had new boys showing up with an interest to play. There was a space to fill in the Revs 3rd Division and we are confident we can field a strong side each week. We have started with a fantastic victory and I am confident that our 6ths will be competitive in the league this season.”
After their fantastic debut victory, Derwent 6ths captain Charles Wain had this to say: “A brilliant performance from the whole team, and a great start to the campaign. It’s great to see the progress the club is making both from effort on and off the pitch, being the first college to have 6 teams is a testament to the on the pitch success and the off the field social side of the club. Great turnout from the fans too, I’m hearing rumours about a stand at Archbishop Holgate from the powers that be.”
Not only does this story shine a light on the health of college football within Derwent College, but upon college football overall. In my opinion this is due to the addition of promotion and relegation to the structure of the leagues giving teams throughout all divisions something to play for every week. The promotional playoff scenario will make Revolution Division Three an even more tantalising prospect, a spectacle to rival fixtures further up the league structure.