Cambridge men’s 2s hockey team, the Wanderers, twice came from behind to secure an impressive 4-2 home victory over Loughborough men’s 4s in their BUCS Midlands Conference Cup quarter-final match on Wednesday (8/2).

Loughborough showed their intent and made a quick start by taking a 1-0 lead after just five minutes. Skilful play from Cambridge resulted in two short corners but unfortunately, they were unable to capitalise. However, it was third time lucky and 15 minutes in, Cambridge equalised from a short corner. A Cambridge injury and substitution put the home side on the back foot and despite a spectacular save from the Cambridge goalkeeper, the defence could not keep the opposition out. Loughborough struck again to put them 2-1 in front.

Cambridge now had a real battle on their hands. Undeterred, they remained calm and fought back by continuously working the ball into dangerous positions to create opportunities up front. Their efforts were rewarded, as they levelled the score with another fantastic set up from a short corner. A few minutes later the home side slotted in another goal. As the half time whistle blew, they had turned things around and were leading 3-2.  

In the second half, Loughborough pressed harder but could not break through the strong Cambridge defence. Cambridge maintained their focus throughout the second half, not letting anything get past them, making swift interceptions and chasing down every ball. With precise passes they kept possession and extended their lead, once again from a short corner.  The final score was a well-earned 4-2 Cambridge victory, and a place in the semi-final where they will face East Anglia men’s 1s.

Post-match, men’s captain Sam Pritchard (Gonville and Caius), said: “We had momentum coming into this game,” and “it was really nice for us to score four goals because we haven’t done that in a while, so we are really happy to get this win.” According to Pritchard the key to Cambridge’s success was their “brilliant short corners”. They will hope to maintain this form in their upcoming league match against Ipswich and in the Varsity match against Oxford.