Roses 2011: Review

The action started on Thursday, with the equestrian fixtures and the cricket seconds match, Lancaster ended the day 6-2 up after winning the equestrian firsts and cricket seconds.

Friday saw the first proper day of action including York Sport President Sam Asfahani taking on his opposite number from Lancaster in the American football. Unfortunately the red rose managed to steal four points by winning 18-6. York also lost ground in a 15-0 whitewash in the outdoor ultimate Frisbee, which was worth another four points. York managed to pull back a couple of points in the indoor hockey. However the tide was about to turn for York, batting second in the cricket firsts match, Andy Kirkwood managed an unbeaten century to help York to win the match by five wickets.

Despite Lancaster still being in the lead the momentum had swung to York as both universities headed to Huntingdon Stadium to watch the men’s rugby firsts match. The fans were greeted by performances by York’s cheerleading squad, the York hornets, and York’s brass band to set the atmosphere for a great night’s worth of rugby. York opened the scoring with a penalty kicked by flyhalf James Mortimer before Lancaster responded with a penalty of their own. An unconverted try each saw the teams end the first half 8-8. York came out fighting in the second half and managed three penalties, two conversions and a penalty without response. Leaving the final score at 30-8 and adding another four points to York’s tally.

Despite Friday’s late rally York still started Saturday behind Lancaster, although with the momentum from Friday that was soon to change as York won the running, mixed lacrosse and rounders to take four points from each sport. York managed an overall victory in the rowing where Lancaster’s 8 points were overshadowed by York’s 12. Hockey was a big point gainer for York, where York won all but one of the games to gain 12 points to Lancaster’s one. Some of the many sports that won four points for York were men’s water polo, women’s squash, men’s tennis, women’s volleyball, skiing and snowboarding.

All these points meant it was possible for York to win the Carter-James trophy on Saturday night, so all eyes went to D-Bar to watch the men’s darts contest. With many of York’s payers celebrating earlier victories and a bar nearby the atmosphere was intense, and when the announcer tried to stop the abuse being given to the players during the 8th match of the best of 9 fixture it all kicked off as a pint was thrown at the announcer, missing him and hitting some electrical equipment. Doorsafe then moved in to remove the spectators resulting in the darts being finished behind closed doors. Ultimately Lancaster won 5-4, leaving York just 3.5 points short of winning roses 2011.

It didn’t take long on Sunday for York’s victory to be confirmed, it was just after 11am when the women’s basketball firsts game finished, giving York the points they needed. Despite this Lancaster kept fighting, winning the men’s thirds football, men’s basketball and cycling to keep the overall margin of victory down. Lancaster also managed to win the netball firsts by the slimmest of margins, 39-38, which is a highly commendable effort from York considering Lancaster are two leagues above them in BUCS competition. Tim Ngwena, Brian Cantor and Greg Dyke managed to beat their Lancastrian counterparts in the croquet competition, this was despite tactics from the red rose that included removing hoops and hitting balls into water. The final match of the day was the men’s football firsts, where York managed to win 1-0 in a game where both sides missed a penalty. These four points ensured that the final score was 176.5-104.5 to the white rose.

With all the competitions finished the formalities of the closing ceremony took over in central hall. Attendees were treated to a demonstration from York’s capoeira society and a few dances from dance soc, including the famous Mario dance from this year’s fusion. Andy Kirkwood picked up the player of the tournament award for his century which catalysed York’s comeback in the competition, before Sam Asfahani lifted the Carter-James trophy in front of the crowd.

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