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
The Yorker: Are you looking forward to this year's campaign?
Ronan Joyce: Yes, definitely. We have an exciting year ahead of us with plenty of games to win. More than anything the guys are looking forward to just playing matches again. It's been too long!
The Yorker: How do you rate your chances in the league this year?
RJ: Well, it'll be a competitive BUCS division, with an improved York St John team and a strong Leeds Met. 2nd side. But I reckon there are a number of very winnable fixtures, especially at home. As for the Leeds League, it gets stronger every year but I expect we have the experience to deal with it - although our first game is against a prison team. Bound to toughen us up for the season!
The Yorker: After last year's relegation, can you bounce back straight away or will you be looking to consolidate?
RJ:Yes, we were relegated in BUCS and getting back to where we feel we should be is a priority. But in BUCS you don't know what you're up against until you get going - teams can be different each year. So, firstly we'll be looking to consolidate our position, see where we are and then look to push on.
The Yorker: Have you been hit by third year departures?
RJ: Not so much third years, as departing PhD and Masters students. We'll definitely miss those guys, but this just means there is more gaps to be filled at trials.
The Yorker: The club is putting out a second team this year, how do you see that going?
RJ: I see it as a good opportunity to extend the club size. It all depends on demand at trials but this could give an opportunity to a number of good basketballers in the university to play regularly and improve their games. It could add another social dimension to the club as well, making for bigger and better nights out. Most importantly, it could feed the first team for future years.
The Yorker: Throughout history, it has been perceived that white men can't jump. What do you say to these critics?
RJ: Come on, you know that Woody Harrellson proved them all wrong! Dunking is all in the mind, you know that...
The Yorker: What do you make of Alex Lacy?
RJ: Alex is doing a good job so far. He is enthusiastic and his training day was something new and positive. He seems to have a real passion for sport at York and this bodes well.
The Yorker: Wedenesday night - Ziggys or Salvation?
RJ: The argument for Salvation is too good to ignore. I think it now has the support of most sports clubs, who'd have thought it this time last year?
Basketball trials are this week in the tent-
Wednesday 21st October: 6 - 7:30
Thursday 22nd October: 7 - 9
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