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Photos: Jack Western
In one of the closest, most tense but yet still most entertaining college hockey matches of the season, a resilient Alcuin side recorded a superb 1-0 victory over much fancied Derwent. The contest truly was a fantastic advertisement for college hockey, with the standard of play on display from both sides of the highest quality. It took a penalty goal after the ball was stopped by a Derwent foot on the line, to separate the two sides, but in truth the contest could have gone either way.
Derwent have forged a reputation as one of the top sides this year, progressing hugely from last year. Yet where as the opening months had been profitable for Derwent, they had been highly turbulent for an Alcuin side, which have at times struggled to raise a team and have lost every game, the nadir being a 10-1 thumping by Vanbrugh. On paper Derwent were the clear favourites, but with Alcuin finally able to wield a full strength side containing numerous university players they proved more than a match for Derwent.
Both sides started positively moving the ball around neatly, but it was Derwent who carved out the early chances. Twice opportunities were missed as after good play, the final shot whistled wide of the post. Phil Hammick and Jack Bradshaw were being particularly influential in instigating these moves, but the Alcuin backline marshalled by the experienced Robin Willows, and reinforced by the presence of Nick Yates and Phil Hughes, resisted the onslaught of blue shirts.
At the other end Alcuin were struggling to truly threaten the Derwent goal which was being patrolled by Simon Varley, but the duo of Catherine O’Mahony and Ruth Mason were constantly worrying the Derwent defenders with some clever play down the right flank.
The first half ended, as it started 0-0, but it had been an excellent affair, with Derwent coming the closest to opening the scoring as one shot trickled agonisingly off target. Two short corners also promised much for Derwent, but once more they were thwarted by Willows and the rest of the Alcuin defensive contingent.
The second period continued in similar fashion, with both teams appearing very evenly matched in what was turning into an enthralling encounter. A fascinating battle was developing in the midfield between the Derwent duo of Hammick and Callum Chaundy, and Alcuin’s central pairing of Captain Dave Washington and Katie Penrose. The excellent Hammick was appearing particularly threatening whilst Chaundy was making a series of strong tackles; but the skilful runs of Penrose and precision passing of Washington were causing Derwent problems at the other end.
Rachel Brooke was also posing Alcuin difficulty down the right wing, as the Derwent captain linked up well with her forwards to create chances, which Derwent were unable to capitalise on. Eventually they were punished, as Alcuin who had had very few chances, seized on their first real opportunity to take the vital lead.
Washington picked the ball up midway inside the Derwent half, before driving forward and firing a dangerous delivery into the box. Alcuin forward Lucinda Cowling deflected this goalbound from six yards out, and on the line the ball struck a Derwent foot, denying a clear goal, and thus a penalty goal was awarded. It was a cruel way for Derwent to fall behind, but they still had over five minutes to find an equaliser.
Derwent’s cause was hindered further by a yellow card which was handed to Bradshaw, whose frustration boiled over leading him to engaging in a senseless altercation with referee Dong oh Shin. To be fair to the officials, the match was controlled well, and apart from the odd moment was played in excellent spirit.
The final minutes saw Derwent push for an equaliser, with Hammick once more leading the charge, but Alcuin continued to hold firm; Washington and Willows making crucial challenges to avert danger. Indeed as Derwent pushed more players forward, greater spaces opened up for Alcuin to exploit, and they threatened to add a second goal which would seal the contest. They couldn’t, but they continued to battle hard and deservedly preserved their clean sheet to secure their first victory of the season.
After the game an ecstatic Alcuin captain Washington commented: “It truly was a superb game, the best college match I’ve been involved in during my time at York. It’s been a difficult term for us but I’m so proud of everyone today. I actually feel sorry for Derwent who were brilliant opponents, as any other week they would have beaten us, thankfully though not today.”
Derwent captain Brooke added: “I thought everyone played well and we were really unlucky not to get a goal. I was dissappointed with the ill dicipline and I think we got riled towards the end which affected our peformance. Nevertheless, it just shows that the passion for college hockey is growing and the improvement from last year’s winter season is huge.”
The defeat dents Derwent’s hopes of challenging James for the college title, whilst for Alcuin it was only the first step towards clawing their way back up the table. The real winner today was college sport; the contest was one of the best college clashes ever witnessed on the JLD, with everyone agreeing that the standard was as high as can be remembered.
Vision MOTM: Phil Hammick
I thought first team hockey players werent allowed to play? If so i will play