Pussy Catz
Wadham's quest to retain their Cuppers crown was still intact at the end of this hard-fought game between two of the big boys of college football.
On a bitterly cold day the repeat of last year's final saw each team fielding two University first team players, and promised for a high standard game which this stage of the competition deserves. The impressive Nick Light for Catz was matched throughout by Wadham's indefatigable Roger Milburn, but the spotlight fell on the remarkably quick Jamie Gruffydd-Jones, whose goal in the 50th minute decided the fate of the tie.
Catz started the game in a more sprightly mood with Owen Price forcing a top notch save from the ever-reliable Paul McMahon before Ben Isaacs hit the post from ten yards, all in the first ten minutes. With the clever Matt Elliott ghosting down the left wing in the opening stages it looked like Wadham might find winning and holding on to the ball difficult.
However, Dorothy's men woke up after 20 minutes and with the help of the hill and their long ball game they started to create chances, with Jones sprinting behind the defence on a number of occasions and man-of-the-match Bob Davies hitting the crossbar from the touch line. Matt Jubb's mighty goal kicks and Matt Wilson's solid frame at the back meant Wadham went into half-time with more to be happy about.
Catz were again the team first to the ball when the match resumed, but their efforts lacked quality in the penalty area and they were punished when Wadham went up the other end and earned a free kick on the right wing, as this led to the goal: Jones headed in powerfully Davies's tantalising cross.
The goal brought the match to life and both teams became more attacking. The central midfielders began to have more time on the ball, which Catz made better use of, and shots from Andy Wright and Steve Hughes both went close from distance. There was, however, really nothing too dangerous to trouble the Wadham goal until injury time, when McMahon had to push over a good late effort.
So Wadham go to Iffley Road once again, this time as favourites, and it is hard to see how they will be beaten in what has come to be viewed as their competition.
3rd Apr 2004