Vanbrugh beat Goodricke to claim top spot

Vanbrugh overcame Goodricke 3-2 in the hockey Varsity qualifier final to give them the status of York’s first seeds in Durham. A brilliant double from Seb Harwood and another from James Swash led Vanbrugh to victory.

In a game that wasn’t played with as much vigour as the semis, Vanbrugh managed to pull away after Goodricke had equalised through Alex McDonald.

The first half was a dull affair, with neither team pushing hard for the breakthrough. Goodricke somehow didn’t score after a scramble in the box, while Callum Lennox came close for Vanbrugh, being denied only by a great save from Alex Jeffs in the Goodricke goal.

The second half began brightly, and Vanbrugh were able to open the scoring after Alex Watters smashed the ball towards goal, with James Swash managing to get the decisive flick.

Goodricke then equalised through Alex McDonald, who swept home hard after a short corner wasn’t cleared.

Vanbrugh re-established their lead soon afterwards with a beautiful goal, as Seb Harwood drove home a skilful reverse.

Harwood doubled his tally and his team’s lead minutes later, striking a sweet shot past a helpless Jeffs.

Goodricke reduced the deficit through McDonald’s second as he snuck in behind the defence to poke home after a hopeful ball through the middle. It was too little too late for Goodricke and they will head to Durham next month as York’s second team.