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
York “1sts” lost by 30 runs to York St John 1sts
York “Freshers” won by 18 runs against York St John Freshers
The squad Nick Vanner took to the indoor centre was comparable to an Arsene Wenger Carling Cup team: plenty of youth and potential with one or two old heads. This fixture may have just been a warm up for York St John’s BUCS campaign but it gave a chance for newcomers to stake their claims for the upcoming season. The original plan of one freshers game and one 1st team game fell through owing to a lack of senior players, so York played two mixed teams instead.
With Vanner and Martin the only 1st team players available, the first match was always going to be tough, especially after Vanner only realised late on that in mixing the teams he had given the “1sts” few batting options. York fielded first and bowled erratically in parts, with James Oldham taking 2-21 from his three overs. York’s fielding was sharp with some handy run-outs to restrict St John to 91 off their twelve overs.
York’s response with the bat was never convincing after Martin fell for nought to a dubious LBW decision. Vanner batted well for 22 before falling to a fantastic reaction catch. The run rate plumetted, and despite a spirited 13 from Richard Cox York fell way short of their target.
Second time around York chose to bat first, partly so they could put a score on the board but mainly so Vanner could have another bat. The skipper maintained his form with an emphatic 30, well supported by a handy 28 from fresher Memon. Even Jerome Kirby managed a sneaky 10, lifting York to 93 off their allotted overs.
Kirby followed his form with the bat with a great spell of bowling 3-0-12-1 to put St John behind the rate. York’s fielding was impressive as St John paid the penalty for misjudged runs on no less than five occasions, leaving them 18 short of their target and York with a satisfying victory.
Although a friendly fixture between weakened sides, the indoor meeting with rivals York St John served to highlight the club's good crop of freshers this year, which should bolster their BUCS campaign in the summer. With the graduation of two of last year's first team and several seconds, there looks to be fierce competition arriving from the newcomers.
Squad: N.Vanner(c), S. Martin, R. Cox, J. Kirby, C. Memon, J. Oldham, E. Wilson, T. Blades, R. Hoggart, A. Iszat.
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