Roses 2009 Preview

The Yorker predicts a home win: what do you think?

Rugby

One of the biggest Roses matches comes on Saturday at 15:00 on 22 Acres, with the titanic clash of the Men’s 1sts Rugby Union teams. With Lancaster finishing 2nd in League 2A and York romping to promotion in 2B, the teams are on roughly equal footing on paper. But given York’s outstanding campaign of 12 wins out of 13 and their stonking points difference of 370, compared with Lancaster’s five defeats this season and over 200 points shipped, the home side’s unstoppable winning form should continue, though not without a fiery fight for the four points.

Before that, as well as Saturday’s Men’s 2nds (which could go either way) and Women’s 1sts (which York should take with ease), Friday lunchtime will see Rugby 7s grace the hallowed turf. This dynamic, free-flowing version of the sport should prove thoroughly entertaining, as more space means more trickery and tries for the team that’s got the most gas. With Women’s 1sts and 2nds matches and Men’s 1sts, 2nds and 3rds, this is sure to be a treat for spectators, and since neither university has regular sides, all bets are off as to how the seven points at stake will be divvied up.

Football

All three men’s football teams finished the regular BUCS and NUL campaigns strongly, the 1st XI battled through some tough late fixtures to ensure their survival with brilliant form in the Spring term. The 2nds finished 2nd in their league with an impressive run of late form and along with the 3rds have an NUL cup final to look forward to. With such strong results in the latter part the regular season all three teams will fancy their chances, with home advantage against Lancaster sides who all play in roughly equivalent leagues.

All three fixtures promise to be great games and all support will be very welcome and could prove vital to UYAFC success, so show your support at 22 acres: 3rds play at 15:00 on Saturday, the 2nds at 12:00 on Sunday and the 1st team at 14:00 on the same day.

Netball

Both Netball 1sts and 2nds have had good seasons this year in BUCS, and should carry that form onto Roses. Olsen's 1sts have won 8 out of 13 games this year as early season promotion form sadly petered out. The 2nds won seven out of 12 BUCS games this season and look in good shape to perform well. Expect maximum points from Netball this year.

Cricket

Men's cricket has not made the greatest of starts this term with both 2nds and 1sts being comfortably beaten in their first two BUCS games. The 1sts tied their fixture last year with Lancaster but were hampered by a poor pitch where luck played a big role. If the ever reliable Hudson performs, a fully fit 1XI should defeat a weak Lancaster side.

The second XI should have strike bowler Spink back from the firsts on Thursday but will miss the runs of Barratt who has been promoted the other way. Unless Cox stars with the ball and runs come from an unexpected source, the 2nds will struggle after their recent defeats.

Lacrosse

Men's Lacrosse have struggled this season losing four out of six in their BUCS campaign, and they will need a good performance to grab the points. Women's Lacrosse, however, have had a fantastic season so far, reaching a BUCS final and winning nine out of 13 games. A win should be in the bag for one of York's most impressive teams.

Hockey

2008/9 has been a bad season for York's hockey players with the whole club finding defeat more often than victory, especially the Men's 1sts who only managed it once. Roses has a strange way of stirring the spirits however, and let's hope the hockey teams can meet their potential, otherwise expect few points from these games.

Round up

Expect positive results from Squash, Table Tennis, Badminton, Tennis and Volleyball who will stand a great chance this year. Moreover, York's dominance of the lesser known sports has been integral to our success in recent times so look out for wins in the likes of Ballroom Dancing to remedy the controversial loss of Canoeing on Saturday.

Overall after last year's tantalizingly tight finish, The Yorker predicts a wider margin this year with York coming home comfortable victors on home soil.

Roses Score Predictor

New this year will be The Yorker's inaugural Roses Score Predictor competition, challenging you the readers to try your luck at predicting this year's score. Prizes and rules to be announced later on in the week - so stay tuned to The Yorker!

Check out the Yorker Facebook fan page to get the latest updates and photos in this year's Roses.

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