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Photos: Philip Mourdjis
Alcuin 1sts came from behind to defeat last year’s finalists, Halifax 1sts, and book their place in the 2013 College Hockey Cup Final.
After Matt Pheasant gave the ‘Fax an early lead, Alcuin took control as Ruth Mason and Alex Wilson scored to give their college a 2-1 lead by half-time.
Katie Penrose then scored with the last flick of the game to round off an excellent day’s work for Dave Washington’s side.
The match-up was a fascinating one, as Alcuin 1sts remained unbeaten in their previous five games while Halifax 1sts were hoping to lift the trophy for the first time.
However, the ‘Fax were weakened by the absence of Danny Williams and Alex Francis, who have been key players in the campaign so far. And over the course of the 40 minute match, Alcuin took full advantage.
Alcuin started the match well, controlling possession and allowing Robin Willows to make some trademark dribbles into enemy territory.
Halifax were playing on the counter-attack and struck after five minutes when Chloe Quillan penetrated the Alcuin defence before pulling the ball back to captain Pheasant, who tapped in.
The lead lasted only two minutes, however, as a well-worked Alcuin move brought the scores level.
Wilson evaded two challenges on the half-way line before feeding Penrose, who played a first-time pass to Mason, and the forward made no mistake from two yards out.
The momentum was now with Alcuin, who defended comfortably with Washington executing some excellent tackles. After probing at the Halifax defence, the Reds secured a lead at the break when Washington delivered a searching cross from the right and Wilson smacked the ball home.
Alcuin were looking to double their lead immediately after the restart but Wilson’s fierce drive from the left of the D bounced off the far post.
The second period was largely scrappy, as neither side were able to find the killer pass and Mason was guilty of a foot foul in the D when the goal was at her mercy.
Halifax huffed and puffed in the latter stages, desperately trying to salvage an equaliser but Alcuin’s defence remained rock solid.
And in the last action of the game, Mason released Penrose who provided a simple finish to secure a 3-1 win.
A delighted Dave Washington spoke to Vision after the match: “I don’t think we were at our very best today, but we showed brilliant battling qualities in that game. I was really pleased with everyone and couldn’t ask for any more, it’s fantastic to reach the final. Special mention to Robin [Willows] who was half dead, but gave everything as per usual.”
Halifax counterpart, Pheasant, admitted: “It was a very tight game. Alcuin played well but we couldn’t break them down – they were very good defensively.”
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