Catz II KO Emma in Hockey Shocker

Catz II produced a polished team performance this weekend, thumping Emma 6-1 to reach the final of Hockey Cuppers.

Catz began the game with a two-man numerical advantage, since Emma had opened up proceedings with only 9 players on the field. However, it wasn’t until Emma’s XI had been made up that Catz opened the scoring – Cadywould finishing nicely from the top of the D to put the underdogs 1-0 up.

Though Catz had been making all the running in the early stages, Emma were never out of it and soon equalized with a brisk snapshot that caught the Catz keeper by surprise.

With the scores level at 1-1 Emma enjoyed a good spell of possession and territory that never amounted to anything, despite the best efforts of their star man – known only as no. 34. However, the threat he posed was negated by a sterling defensive effort from Catz’ Kerr, who performed at the highest level throughout the game.

Catz’ solidity at the back was remarkable all game; only to concede 3 penalty corners in 70 minutes of hockey is some achievement against a top division side. Yates and Causley in particular showed initiative, beginning counter-attacks seemingly at will, although credit must also be given to Davies and King in the Catz defence.

After half-time, some beautiful link-up play led to Catz once again taking the lead through the simplest of goals from Cadywould. Soon after, Cadywould was himself the provider – setting up a gilt-edged opening for O’Malley, whose tame effort drew groans from the Catz team, the Catz fans and even a few Emma players. O’Malley made amends soon enough though, bundling home Catz’ 3rd goal to give them a 2-goal cushion.

As Catz continued to surge forward, Emma looked to be struggling to cope with the potential ignominy of being outclassed by a second XI. As the pressure on them to perform mounted, O’Malley added a second goal, while Parkes and Hickmore also got themselves onto the scoresheet to leave the final score at  6-1.

The result is testament to a fine all-round team performance from Catz II who, despite narrowly missing out on promotion, nonetheless find themselves in Friday’s Hockey Cuppers final where they will face either Jesus or Catz I.

In the women’s competition New Hall have already booked their place in the final after a convincing 3-0 victory over Selwyn in the semis. They are set to face the winners of the encounter between John’s and Catz.

New Hall vice captain Honor Cowen is confident of victory, telling The Tab: “Of course we’re going to win. We’re so prolific on and off the pitch; we just can’t stop scoring.”