Goodricke's hands raised in triumph

The Sports Centre played host to the handball tournament.

Finishing level on points with a spirited Vanbrugh side, goal difference decided the affair, with Goodricke - by a margin of three goals - securing the eight points on offer, and narrowing in on Halifax’s lead at the top of College standings.

Despite the sport’s limited popularity in this country, all colleges were well represented, with only Wentworth struggling to field the requisite two-girls-turnout demonstrative of College sport’s popularity. And whilst the phrase ‘hand-ball’ is usually reserved for football referees, it took on a whole new meaning at the Sports Centre last Sunday.

Notwithstanding early confusion over certain rules, participants gradually settled into competition. Each match comprised two seven minute halves; players were allowed three steps before dribbling and could not enter the goalkeeper’s ‘D', making it a unique mix between football and basketball. The format was round-robin, meaning that no ‘final’ would decide the victor, rather the most consistent team would triumph.

The early stages saw Goodricke, James and Vanbrugh assert themselves. Vanbrugh saw off a competent Langwith side 5-2, rushing into an early lead thanks to astute attacking from Rich Croker. Facing a 4-0 deficit, Langwith rallied, but the match highlighted how vital the start of each match would be.

Elsewhere, James showed their credentials by putting double figures past Langwith in their opening fixture, winning 10-5. Mostly represented by their impressive college basketball team, James had players with handball experience, a factor that helped them finish as the tournaments top scorers, with a staggering 54 goals from seven games.

After a winning start, Goodricke faced a tough test from Wentworth in their next match. The graduate college appeared the most technical side, with Seb Groth pushing his side into an early lead. Their downfall, however, was their lack of female representation, meaning that, at times, they only had four players on court. Goodricke exploited this space; goals form Ronan Joyce and Laura Longworth helping them to a 7-4 victory.

The first ‘crunch’ game of the tournament saw hotly tipped Vanbrugh and James square off. In a tightly contested affair, Vanbrugh managed to restrain James’ scoring prowess, edging it 5-4.

James weren’t done yet, though, and knew that victory over Goodricke would put them right back in it. A skilful, yet physical game ensued, with Goodricke powerhouse Steve Grant taking control early on. A first half hattrick from the basketballer saw Goodricke up 3-1 at the interval, and whilst the second half was tight, the damage had been done, Goodricke running out 5-2 winners. Grant’s efforts, however, came at a price, a defensive play resulting in a black eye, threatening his further participation. Luckily for Goodricke, and ominously for the rest, Grant was to return.

Vanbrugh and Goodricke thus emerged in a two-horse-race for the title, and the when the latter had held off Alcuin 6-3, and Vanbrugh had scraped past Halifax 3-2, the battle of the unbeaten sides was upon us. The match started nervously, but Vanbrugh gained their composure first, catching their opponents cold and taking a 1-0 lead. Goodricke pushed for an equaliser as the half closed, but resolute man-marking by Vanbrugh eliminated space, assuring the lead was preserved at half-time.

The second half saw the uglier side of handball, with high tackles escaping the referee’s attention, and tempers flaring. A powerful burst from Joyce, however, managed to secure an equaliser, firing past the keeper from close range after nice Goodricke interplay. Almost instantly, Goodricke took the lead- after big defence and quick transition movement, Joyce leaped from just outside the area for his second. Vanbrugh speedily pressed back, and would have surely scored had it not been for the inspired goalkeeping of Jack Kennedy, denying Vanbrugh’s big hitters on several occasions. Eventually, however, Goodricke succumbed, Croker on hand to equalise with seconds to go. A draw seemed inevitable, but one last Goodricke attack gave Joyce a brilliant opportunity, his shot agonisingly hitting the crossbar, and 2-2 it finished.

Sharing the points meant goal difference came into play, and, with one game each for Vanbrugh and Goodricke, scoring was on the agenda. Goodricke went first, playing a stubborn Halifax side, who held their opponents 1-1 at half-time. A bizarre Halifax own-goal, however, gave fresh impetus to Goodricke, who went on a scoring spree. Goals from Joyce, Adam Lewis and Katie-Cowper Johnson helped ease them to an 8-2 win.

Vanbrugh, consequently, knew they must beat Wentworth by a margin of five to ensure victory. A promising start suggested the title could well be theirs, but the class of the experienced Wentworth side dug in. Ultimately, a flurry of late goals meant Vanbrugh won, but only by six goals to five. It had been a most dramatic of afternoons, but Goodricke, watching on from the sidelines, were delighted to hold on, Vanbrugh surrendering victory by a mere, but decisive, three goals.

When the celebrations had concluded, Goodricke talisman Steve Grant thoughtfully reflected on the day’s play: ‘My eye hurts.’ A man of few words he may be, but, in willingness to play on through injury, he reflected the competitiveness of a one-day-event that had interest, drama and a fantastic finish- at least, for the victorious Goodricke.

Goodricke: Nick Waite (c), Ronan Joyce, Steve Grant, Adam Lewis, Laura Longworth, Katie Cowper-Johnson, Mark Nicholls.

1st: Goodricke, 2nd: Vanbrugh, 3rd: James, 4th: Halifax, 5th: Derwent, 6th: Langwith, 7th: Wentworth, 8th: Alcuin

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