Victory in the final contest of this year’s James-Collingwood cup, hockey, saw James college claim the bragging rights for York over their Durham counterparts Collingwood college. Collingwood’s competitiors had made the journey south to York, and the fate of the encounter hinged on the outcome of the hockey.
In the match set to decide the outcome of the JC cup, James’ hockey team received a strong turnout, with a squad of around 20 players, for their hotly anticipated encounter with Collingwood.
James started off by fielding the regular college side despite the presence on the bench of several university 1st team players, although they were left to rue this decision after they went behind within 5 minutes, despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Cesca Cooke.
A team reshuffle followed, with key players such as Jimmy Johnson and Laurie Torrington joining the fray, and soon James began to assert their authority. The defence, centred around Alex Bond and Emily Arter, repelled Collingwood’s attacks, whilst the midfield duo of Torrington and captain Chris Butterworth supplied the forwards with plenty of passes.
However, it was not until the stroke of half time that, after some swift inter-play between the James midfield, Declan Hall levelled the game with a sweet reverse hit shot.
This kept the momentum with James, and with plenty of subs organised by the phenomenal Poppy Bullard, the James forwards were able to gain an advantage over their tiring opponents, aided by the tireless work rate of Millie Greenwood and Butterworth.
This advantage finally proved too much for the stubborn Collingwood defence when Hall, combining nicely with Katharine Bramwell, swept in another James goal.
Collingwood inevitably counter attacked as the game drew to an end, but James’ discipline and team work enabled them to see the game out, and to ensure that James College took home the cup.
Vision MOTM: Emily Arter
I’m sad the penguin onesies didn’t get a mention. Me and Poppy almost died in those things!