In the final college hockey matches of term, Alcuin succumbed to defeats against both Langwith and Goodricke, 6-4 and 7-3 respectively. However, the main game of the day was James vs. Derwent, as the Black Swans, who had already sealed the league title, looked to end their campaign on a high.
The tight encounter, between two of the strongest colleges this year, ended 0-0, as Derwent resolutely held off the numerous James forays forward, partly due to several crucial goal-line clearances by Simon Varley.
The draw was only the second time that James have failed to win this year, as despite the best efforts of their host of University players, they were unable to breakdown their resilient opponents.
James moved the ball around crisply, using the full width of the pitch as Jambo Talbot and Alex Bond dictated play in the first half from the back. Derwent played some promising hockey as well, with Phil Hammick and Chris Daniel impressing in midfield. However their rare forays into James territory were quickly ended, as their opponents rapidly quelled any danger.
Indeed it was James who were creating the majority of the chances, Chris Butterworth and Ollie McGaw both making threatening runs and passes, to create opportunities for forwards such as Joss Winter and Ashley Collinson.
Derwent, however, demonstrated remarkable determination, as they defended superbly and withstood the James onslaught, which only increased in the second half. James were unable to turn their territorial dominance into goals however, as Varley cleared their best chance off the line with a brilliant stretch to his right to divert the ball to safety, meaning that both teams had to settle for a 0-0 draw.
Langwith meanwhile continued their impressive recent run of form with a dramatic win against a strong Alcuin side. Alcuin set up a strong position with a good team goal in the opening few minutes, but in a 10-goal game, this proved to be a slender advantage. Langwith responded with some equally impressive attacking play to take a 2-1 lead, but going into the break they found themselves 3-2 down, having allowed a few sloppy mistakes in defence to prove costly.
The second half was a different story. Langwith dominated thanks to their attacking style of play, and a willingness to spread the ball wide to exploit the weaker spots in the Alcuin defence. Four second half goals from four different goalscorers earned Langwith a well-deserved win and helped to illustrate the depth of their squad ahead of the college cup next term.
A depleted Alcuin side then later faced a fresh Goodricke team, who proved too strong for their opponents, exploiting the numerical advantage to secure a comfortable 7-3 win, ending their season on a high.
Two first half goals put Goodricke in control, before Tara Annison bagged four second half goals, whilst a sublime touch got Alex McDonald on the scoresheet. Alcuin battled hard to the end, and pulled back three late goals, but in truth the result was never in doubt.