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 team find themselves in third place behind Durham and Leeds, but only a point behind Leeds with a game in hand. The primary aim is still qualification for the knockout phases, which requires a top four finish. But if York were to beat Durham at home on the 23rd January, then the league title and promotion would become very much a possibility.
York should find themselves further strengthened from the end of last term with the return of last year's star player Jack Wakeling and first team regular Nick Mason. Club captain Paul Goodall said: “The improvements we are witnessing this year are in part due to the implementation of a game plan that was started last year by the new coach Alec Porter and first year players slotting straight into problem areas.” Amongst the freshers in particular, Ben Innes at prop has given York more aggression up front, James Bennett has filled the problem position of number 8 with dynamic ball carrying and Tim Walker has been impressive in distributing the quick ball that the backs have thrived on.
Meanwhile the 2nd team find themselves top of the table having played four and won four. Having only conceded 18 points and scored 327, the 2nd team find themselves in a comfortable position with three games to play. For them it is a case of making sure they do not get complacent and key players stay fit and committed for the entire term. Having already shown great character against promotion rivals Hull to come back from a 15-0 half time deficit to win 22-15, and provided that character continues throughout the second half of the season, their chances of promotion will stay in their own hands.
Further afield, York will be favourites for Varsity, with the 2nd team having already beaten York St John 109-0 and the first team overcoming a vastly improved YSJ 26-8 for two good BUSA wins. Roses will provide a greater test, but with Lancaster 1sts struggling in the league above York and York themselves flying high, it could provide a chance of a first victory in five years, even taking into account home advantage. Lancaster 2nds are performing well in their own league, similarly the one above York, but with York destroying all BUSA opposition it might be a case of ensuring that the 2nds play a higher level of opposition so they are better prepared for what Lancaster will undoubtedly throw at them.
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