Having dispatched close rivals Old Leysians 9-2 last week, St. Catharine’s came into this game with the swagger of expectant champions.  Dressed top to toe in maroon and black, it was clear that they didn’t expect much resistance from newly promoted John’s.  John’s meanwhile, after an opening win against Emma, seemed confident that they could unsettle complacent Catz.

In the early moments it seemed like John’s might be in the right.  John’s fresher Giles Kilbourne was imperious in the middle, while rangy veteran Paul Denver seemed comfortable pulling strings.  Instead of a walkover, Catz found themselves in a scrap, with neither side taking control of the game.  Catz goalie Dan Balding was forced to make a save at one end; at the other end Joe Bond was tackled by a charging John’s keeper, and at the half, the 0-0 scoreline reflected what had been a very close contest.

After the break, John’s found a run of form, and the Catz back four found themselves under some pressure.  John’s failed to convert a couple of short corners and goalmouth scrambles and, marshaled by their man of the match Ben Davies, Catz weathered the storm.

St. Catharine’s then took hold of the game, as their notorious attack began to find its feet.  John’s remained resolute however, with Kilbourne’s pick an impenetrable blockade.  It seemed more and more like John’s might force an upset, even as their tiredness began to show.  However with minutes to go, Sam Hart produced a reverse stick strike of top quality to give St. Catharine’s a 1-0 lead that would stand until the final minutes.

While Catz took the three points, they will have been relieved to do so after an upstart John’s team put up more of a fight than any team in the last two years.  Looking forward, St. Catharine’s will now look to focus on Cuppers having beaten off their closest league rivals, while St. John’s must continue their form to cement their place in the top flight.