College Cup Predictions

Adam Lewis

In the cup, I can potentially see some upsets.

First off, Goodricke 1sts are apparently playing a very weakened team. Despite this, I can still see that defence still holding strong and I think a scrambled Joyce goal from a corner will give them a 1-0 win in the dying minutes. This game certainly won't be pretty, but it sure will be entertaining.

Derwent 2nds can potentially cause some trouble for James 1sts. Although James qualified fairly easily in the end, I can't see this being a complete walkover with Liam Griffin's throw being the most dangerous weapon in this tournament. James to just scrape it 2-1

Derwent 1sts should eventually come out winners, but I wouldn't like to write off Gibby's boys; especially with the force of Udy up front and the 'new Ed Murrils' - Stopforth behind him. Unfortuntaely for Alcuin, Chris Barnett's free role could prove just too much for them with a 2-0 victory predicted.

The Alcuin and Halifax game has the potential to provide some wonderful drama. It all depends on what Halifax team turns up, their best team playing their maximum has the makings of the best college cup side - unfortunately that's proved to be elusive so far. Alcuin to win 3-1 or Halifax to win 2-1 depending on the choice available to Harrison.

The plate provides some brilliant fixtures in the quarter finals. Goodricke 2nds will find it tough against a battling Langwith side who will want to prove something after their 2nds were deducted a point. A thriller certainly - 4-3 to Goodricke.

Unfortunately for Halifax 3rds and Wentworth 2nds, the crossover rule could certainly screw them over. 4-0 to Halifax 2s and 4-0 to Wentworth 1s.

James 2nds and Vanbrugh 2nds would have been my two choices for the plate at the start of the tournament. Vanbrugh impressed in their first fixture but have dipped in form since then. Nevertheless, Schultz's men should just clinch it 2-1.

Myles Preston

Goodricke 1sts v Vanbrugh 1sts

Vanbrugh 1sts are doing what strong teams do and winning when they're playing badly, but will they have enough to trouble Goodricke? Prince is apparently the form player of the whole tournament, and I fancy him to bag yet again, or Adlou to score another o.g., but I feel Goodricke will have a tad too much for Vanbrugh. 2-1.

Derwent 1sts v Alcuin 2nds

This has the makings of an upset, Dom Henney is going to have an Onwudike-shaped sweat patch over his shirt for the entire game, and Gibby keeps getting the job done on the pitch. Will they hold firm at the back though? And will Matt Bowyer get sent off? He's an angry man, so if he does get sent off, expect Derwent players to follow him off the field on stretchers. 2-3 to Alcuin with a late Pickard winner, and Derwent to leave the field with only their goalkeeper and Chris 'Carbonator' Barnett having had the testicular fortitude to withstand the fists of Matt 'Boris Johnson' Bowyer. 2-3

Derwent 2nds v James 1sts

James Grey is in a bad mood. Ronaldo is leaving Utd, and Dreamz has got more ridiculous football 'shoes' than him. This will result in GOALS for Mr Grey and Mr Lacaille, and with Slot and Miller kicking lumps out of the cultured James midfield, expect an upset. 1-0

Alcuin 1sts v Halifax 1sts

Alcuin played well against James, but they have a lot more to offer. I echo Adlou's sentiments when it comes to the enigma that is Halifax - what team will they put out? Then again, I remember Halifax putting out a full-strength side twice against Alcuin in the cup last year, and losing 3-0 both times. I'm backing history to repeat itself, with Alcuin finally kicking into gear, and Murrills and Cox bagging the goals. 3-0

College Plate

Goodricke 2nds v Langwith 1sts

Langwith will fancy their chances in the plate, and I fancy them to oust Sneddon's Goodricke 2nds side with a late goal. One day, Langwith will recover from the retirement of campus legend and former university golden boot winner Shaun Lloyd-Griffiths, and although this resurgence won't happen in my lifetime, I fancy them to win this game. 0-1

Halifax 2nds v Halifax 3rds

I have to agree with Adlou on this one - the crossover rule renders this game competitive, but ultimately fruitless for Halifax 3rds. After a bright start by the 3rds, look for the 2nds to take control. 3-1

Wentworth 2nds v Wentworth 1sts

Wentworth 1s should win this game comfortably, and could be a force to be reckoned with, as the strongest 2nds sides are both in the main draw. Good luck to them, they deserve some silverware. 0-2

James 2nds v Vanbrugh 2nds

Chris Schultz is my hero. A nice lad, whose excellent performances for the university 4th team in his first year are often forgotten about. Nevermind, he's gone on to become a Vanbrugh legend, and his leadership will take Vanbrugh 2nds through. Another side who can definitely win the plate competition. 0-2

Shaun Evans

College Cup

Goodricke 1sts 2-1 Vanbrugh 1sts

Derwent 1sts 3-0 Alcuin 2nds

Derwent 2nds 0-1 James 1sts

Alcuin 1sts 2-3 Halifax 1sts

College Plate

Goodricke 2nds 2-1 Langwith 1sts

Halifax 2nds 1-0 Halifax 3rds

Wentworth 2nds 0-3 Wentworth 1sts

James 2nds 1-3 Vanbrugh 2nds

After last week’s much needed victory against Derwent, Vanburgh will feel as though they can beat anybody in the competition. Vanburgh – Goodricke will be close one but I’d fancy Goodricke to edge this one. Derwent 1sts will want to put last week’s defeat behind them and if they are focused they should, on paper have no problem overcoming Alcuin 2nds. A strong Derwent 2nds side will cause problems for James 1sts but I would be surprised if they managed to cause an upset. As for Alcuin and Halifax – if Halifax wants to progress any further in this competition they will have to put the last couple of performances behind them and turn up with a greater focus and desire to win. Jo Harrison has understandably been disappointed with recent (team and individual) performances; however, faced with their first ‘big game’ of the tournament, Halifax might just come up with something special. Alcuin, with players such as Laurie Swan, Jack Crane, Ed Murills and Dan Cox are probably favourites for this one but I’m hoping that Halifax will finally click and come up with the massive performance they are capable of.

As for the plate, Wentworth 1sts were extremely unlucky to only come away with a draw from last week’s game against Halifax. If such performances are mirrored over the next few weeks they have a real chance of success. I’d expect Halifax and Vanburgh 2nds to go far in the plate.

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