Nouse.co.uk » College Notebook: James vs Collingwood

College Notebook: James vs Collingwood

November 10, 2009
Adam Shergold

Huw Harrow heads goalwards during the hard-fought football encounter, which Collingwood won 3-1. Photograph: Justyn Hardcastle

The gulf between the haves and have-nots of university sport was neatly illustrated by Saturday’s inaugural sports day between James College and Collingwood.

Facing opposition from the University of Durham who enjoy almost endless financial input and, in their matching red and black tracksuits, looked infinitely more professional, James’ pluckiness against stacked odds only took them so far.

Following excellent, fighting performances in the netball and squash events, the day went quickly downhill for James, as defeats were suffered in the hockey and football.

The anticipated showpiece of the day, a rugby match, was cancelled at short notice, with no clear explanation emerging as to why Collingwood failed to send a team.

The morning’s netball clash was nip and tuck throughout, with James matching their visitors point-for-point in a 20-20 draw. In front of a boistrous crowd, including a nine-foot high, dehydrated Collingwood stag mascot and Neil Lunt, the James Provost, the hosts salvaged a tie in the dying seconds having earlier led 18-16.

In the squash, played simultaneously, all depended on Gemma Lambert with the overall score finely-balanced at 2-2. With the minimum of fuss, she won in straight sets 9-2, 10-8, 9-1 to deliver James’ first win of the day.

However, their good fortune didn’t extend to the football, where Collingwood were good value for their 3-1 win in a drab encounter. James, forced to field a team comprising of second and third teamers because of UYAFC commitments, took the lead through Ben Cooke’s volley.

However, Collingwood quickly responded and equalised courtesy of an own goal, before adding further, decisive strikes from Jamie Butler and Chris Wright in the second-half.

So, with one win apiece, everything hinged on the evening’s hockey. In a massive anti-climax, James were outclassed, losing 11-0. The home side fronted up well during the first-half, going in only 3-0 down at the interval, but the gap in quality showed afterwards, a point picked up by Karen Coulton, the former Captain, afterwards.

“The money put towards them [Collingwood] is helping them to achieve more,” she said. “We don’t get pitch time or equipment. Last year, I had to pay out of my own money for pitch hire.

“We have good players and they showed lots of commitment. The James College Sports Reps are really supportive this year.”

Tim Green, James College Sports Rep, revealed that the competition will become a bi-annual event, including a summer version.

“It went fantastically. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was very competitive. We hope to make this a regular thing, especially with a summer tournament, where sports such as cricket and tennis can be included,” he said.