James once more sealed the college hockey title for the winter term, as they secured a point against Langwith to further extend their remarkable unbeaten run, which leaves them as arguably the most formidable college team at York.
However, yesterday a depleted James side was restricted to a 1-1 draw against a determined Langwith side, who stole the day by securing a spot in next term’s College Varsity qualifiers at the expense of Derwent.
James started in fine fashion, as a crisp and flowing move saw them open the scoring with no more than 60 seconds on the clock. Langwith however displayed the resilience and determination to bounce back from their woeful start, and in the tenth minute forward Matt Guy seized on a loose ball to level the score.
Both teams appeared well matched, but James, who were missing a number of important players, proved reliant on the fitness and skill of Chris Butterworth, who made a series of crucial interventions to preserve James’ unbeaten run. For Langwith a point was an excellent result, however they are likely to feel that it was a game they could and perhaps should have won.
Derwent started the day poised for a top four finish, but as they slipped to a 4-2 defeat against a strong Halifax team, their fate was taken out of their own hands. The victory secured Halifax a place in the top four, whilst the final spot depended on the result of the last match of term, Alcuin against Langwith.
A struggling Alcuin side have won only once this season, and have suffered a series of heavy defeats, however yesterday they produced their strongest performance of the season, and were bitterly unfortunate to suffer a 1-0 reverse.
Reinforced by the presence of Robin Willows, Katie Penrose and Alice Young, Alcuin dominated vast periods of the contest against a resilient Langwith team, who posed their greatest threat on the counter.
Alcuin however were unable to break down a resolute Langwith defence marshalled by Andy Lister, and the team from Heslington East stole the contest when Matt Guy intercepted on the halfway line and drove forwards to slot into an empty net.
The victory propels Langwith through to the College Varsity qualifiers, along with James, Goodricke and Halifax, at the expense of Derwent, whilst Alcuin and Vanbrugh prop up the table.