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 1st XV had a disappointing season. Even though they finished higher than the season before, inconsistency thwarted any realistic chance of a top three finish. The best performances were saved for those teams chasing promotion, while the XV struggled against teams below them, who should have been more easily put away.
The 2nd XV had a more successful season. They just missed out on promotion in their final match of the season against a very strong Sheffield 3rd XV, which was in all but name a promotion play-off.
Ultimately it was Roses that provided both the high and lowlights of last season. After easily dispatching York St John in the Varsity tournament, Roses was always going to be a much more difficult encounter. The 1st XV finally showed what their backline was capable of now it was fully fit and in full flow, with the forwards providing quick ball, but naivety and inability to finish off Lancaster proved costly. This inability to finish teams off had been a problem that had repeated itself throughout the season. The 2nd XV were ultimately let down by injuries and a lack of fluency from not having played enough for partnerships to form.
President Carrington said, “Although it was disappointing to lose both games by only one score, it showed real progress from the heavy defeat the 1st XV took away in 2006.” Captain Paul Goodall added, “It has to be considered that greater training attendance throughout the season could at least have turned one of these defeats into victory, and that will be key to any chances at Roses 2008.”
“A higher position for both teams is the first priority. For the 2nd XV this means topping their table, while it would be nice if the 1st XV had the chance of extending their season into the play-offs with a top three finish.” However, with the loss of some key players and long standing servants of UYRUFC – both on and off the pitch – members of last year’s 2nd XV and first years will need to step up and fill the gaps. Any first year looking for an example need look no further than Jack Wakeling, player of the season in his first year, making a big impact after coming into the side. Jack, along with Tom Benbow, a player in the mould of Freddie Michalek, who thrives on quick ball and impossible gaps, will be key to the 1st XV’s chances for the coming year. President Chris Carrington also highlighted Captain Paul Goodall, who will have an important job to do with a new pack. His quiet demeanour and leading by example will need to bring the best out of a relatively inexperienced side.
Chris and Paul were both keen to add, that socially, York rugby is both the most active and most recognised club on campus. With such a small university to attract players from, York is never going to compete with the biggest universities on the pitch, but that’s why our rugby is socially serious. From the infamous Ziggy’s ‘Champagne Room’ – christened ‘The Player’s Lounge’ for the probability of bumping into a rugby boy on a Wednesday night – to 1331 where the festivities start, suited and booted and carrying on the greatest traditions of rugby past, UYRUFC know fun.
Captain Paul Goodall pointed out that anyone interested in rugby, at whatever level (or even socially), should check out www.uyrufc.com for more information and head down to try-outs on the Sunday of Week 1.
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