Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
Standings at the end of Autumn term are:
"I do enjoy doing the job, it can be both rewarding and fun, and being part of AU Exec, who help me a lot with the job, is really good. The best parts of the job are organising a successful one day tournament which people enjoy.
Sports reps have a big responsibility when they are elected, and I have to say all the ones I have dealt with so far have been really helpful.
"I think college sport is in good shape at the moment. Obviously I would like to see it become more of a priority for both JCRs and the university itself, especially in terms of funding, but with the re-emergence of college rugby, and the fact that Wentworth are becoming an ever more competitive college, I think the programme has a bright future.
"Sports reps have a big responsibility when they are elected, and I have to say all the ones I have dealt with so far have been really helpful. They have all lived up to what I expected from them."
Jack went on to rubbish claims that there are too many sports reps for the job.
"The most important thing is that they work as a team, no matter how many there are of them. Having lots of sports reps can be no bad thing, as long as they all play their part."
Given that last year only two fixtures in the football 2nds league could take place, Kennedy is quick to boast about how close they got to completing the Football and Netball leagues this term.
"I am proud of the fact that we had three one-day tournaments without a hitch, and that nearly all football and netball fixtures were played, even though the weather was often against us!"
This brought with it a slight compromise however, because both sports missed an intriguing final round of matches to finish the campaign.
Looking forward though, Kennedy said: "I am really interested in ensuring that new sports get a look-in when it comes to one-day tournaments. Lacrosse, being one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, is one I'm especially interested in ensuring occurs, although funding is an issue. Other newer sports, such as futsal, may also get the opportunity to become a college one-day tournament."
Regarding the more difficult aspects of his term so far, he said: "Referees have been the main problem this term, as there will always be complaints, especially in football, about the quality of refs. [But] we've now managed to maintain a central core of refs who are willing to do the task week in, week-out.
"Other problems I've had have been the the moving of netball indoors due to the resurfacing of the outdoor netball courts. Although this did cause several disruptions last term, it is in a way a blessing in disguise, as it has meant we've been able to move the sport indoors. This has not only improved the standard of play, but also means no games can be called off due to the weather."
Looking towards 2008 the vice president said: "I definitely think this year's title will go to the wire again. The quality of all colleges is definitely improving, and I think within a few months we may have three colleges vying to be called champions. I hope so anyway!
"Sports day is always a big factor in deciding who wins the championship. Although it was not an indicator of the overall winner last year [when Goodricke beat Halifax into second], it can definitely be a huge helping hand towards your final total, especially as it is worth double points.
"But if you are to win the title, then you have to be consistent all year round. One good tournament does not make up for many poor performances in the termly leagues. Colleges must do well week in, week out if they are to succeed.
"Halifax have truly begun to fulfill their potential - they have always been one of the largest colleges, and this year they have had some great sports reps who have helped ensure that they use the manpower they have. Goodricke are impressive for their consistency. Alcuin and James have improved considerably, and really are beginning to fight for a top 3 place, something which they didn't look like doing last year.
"I must mention Vanbrugh, who were setback considerably at the beginning of this year as they lost many of their students to other colleges, but are doing a fantastic job in all sports. They will be in the mixer come June."
But who would Kennedy pick out as this year's college sport champions?
"I would like to say Goodricke! But I'm not biased, and I really think it's going to be very close this year. Depending on how things shape up this term, there could be up to 5 teams vying for that top spot. Ultimately, however, Halifax, Goodricke and Vanburgh are looking the strongest possibilities."
The man turns sitting on the fence into an art form.
I hope that Jack backs up his comment, and makes a futsal one-day tourny count for points. Forget what the hacks in vision have said, JK knows the score!!!
i know it's only a small part of this article but i'd just like to make a small comment on the refereeing situation...
at times i have been possibly one of the biggest critcs of some of the referees that have officiated some of the college football matches but over the term the situation has improved, and i would like to thank the referees (and the football club who seem to provide most of them) for taking the time to referee these matches. and it's only fair that when there's criticism there's praise, and myles (above) has done really well this term (don't mean that to sound patronising if it does...)
jack
not jack kennedy, jack green (if you care lol)
Thanks Jack, I appreciate that. I think I represent all of the other college 2nds ref when i say that its not an easy job at all, but co-operation from captains is the first step to making sure that the right decisions are made, and refs arent put under unnecessary pressure.
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