The college rivalry between Langwith and Derwent surpasses any other, and this week the two colleges are competing with one another in a week of sporting events, starting yesterday with the final events being held on Friday.
Since Langwith are moving to Heslington East next year, leaving their nearest neighbours, this year’s contest has been dubbed “The Final Showdown”. Both colleges have shown great enthusiasm in the first two days, and the contests have been fought out in a competetive yet friendly atmosphere.
Yesterday’s event was a mile run, with numerous contestants from both sides, resulting in a fairly even spread of results and no college gaining a major advantage. Today, though, the battle has reached new heights, as there have been five separate sports taking place.
First up was the mixed hockey, where Derwent excelled sealing a 7-1 victory largely thanks to an exceptional display by James Mann who bagged five goals, to seal the 20 points for Derwent, despite a valiant effort by Langwith.
This was then followed by darts and pool, where Langwith bounced back admirably recording victories in both. The pool finished 8-6 to Langwith, whilst the darts went down to the wire, as Langwith secured another 20 points courtesy of winning the final leg.
After the morning’s excitement, it was time for basketball in the tent, where Derwent held a major advantage due to their increased participation levels. Whilst Derwent managed to field three teams, Langwith could only muster one, which eventually finished in third place, leaving Derwent to claim first, second and fourth, and in the process 40 points in comparison to Langwith’s ten.
So the final event of the day saw both colleges put out three teams a piece for indoor 5 a-side football. Langwith dominated the group stages, finishing first and second, but Derwent also managed to get two teams through to the semi finals.
Fifth and sixth place was decided by a penalty shootout, as Derwent 3rds paraded their way to victory over Langwith 3rds. Meanwhile the semi-finals saw comfortable victories for both Langwith 1sts and Derwent 1sts, leaving the two second teams to fight it out for third place.
In a hard fought encounter Langwith 2nds secured thrid place with a 4-3 victory over Derwent 2nds. However the main attraction was the final, which was full of contrvoersy and action. Langwith dominated for large parts, but were frequently denied by the Derwent defence, and their outstanding (if ineligible keeper, even though this rule infringement was later waved away) ‘keeper.
Langwith’s team was made up of largely university and college footballers, whilst Derwent were reliant on Ollie Harrison and Alex D’Albertanson, who scored two excellent goals. Going into the dying seconds the scoreline was level at 3-3, and as the final whistle went, Langwith slid home a winner, for what they thought was victory.
Yet the whistle had gone, and the goal did not stand, leaving Langwith incensed and the game to go to penalties, which Derwent eventually won 2-1, to seal the title. The outcome of the event resulted in Derwent recording 55 points in comparison to Langwith’s 50.
The contest is well poised after two days, and with plenty of events left over the coming days, worth plenty of points, it promises to be an exciting contest which is well worth watching if you’re interested.
Current Scores:
Derwent: 158 points
Langwith: 137 points