BUSA Wednesday

A massive day for York rugby

After last week's draining journey to Strathclyde, York rugby 1sts will be glad to be at 22 Acres tomorrow. They welcome a Lincoln side who ply their trade in Midlands 2A division, the equivalent league to York.

The Yorker talked to first team power house Mike Callis about his sides chances of progression, "we have a settled squad who have all played in big games for the club this season so there should be no complacency."

After last weeks hard fought victory, Callius pin-pointed some areas where York could win this weeks knockout match up, "the back line is full of exciting runners. Michael James has been doing the hard yards up the middle and James Wilson has shown outstanding footwork to elude defences all season. Danny Stacey has been making lots of midfield hits and will have to keep his tremendous defensive form up in the centre if we are to keep Lincoln behind the gainline.

"Paul 'mr consistency' goodall will want to be everywhere as usual, in what will be one of his final competitive matches for the uni.

"Scrums have been exceptionally solid all season and Alex Corp's lineout throwing has been spot on all term so there's a lot of confidence in the camp that we can secure enough clean ball to allow our outside backs to create some good scores."

The rugby 2nd team have also progressed in knockout competition, they will travel to Northumbria 3rds tomorrow in the BUSA Vase.

The third team left in BUSA knockout is table-tennis who progressed via a walkover last week. This week they face a Bournemouth side from the West Midlands 1A division. Bournemouth are a good side but surely their mammoth journey will play a part and hopefully York can progress to the final.

Football firsts have to bounce back after defeat at UCLAN

Elsewhere the football 1st team travel north to Newcastle for a promotion play-off. Win and York, the runaway champions of Northern Conference 3B, will be promoted to 2B. A loss, however, will see Newcastle 1sts maintain their status as a 2B side and York will be faced with another season as the big fish in a small pond. I.e. Another season in 3B, a tough league but one York have already shown they are better than.

The Yorker heard from midfield maestro Tom Wilson about the massive game: “Obviously it’s a massive game and doesn’t need any hyping up but I think the whole team are confident”

Personally I've massively enjoyed this season and will be striving to ensure that the feeling continues by winning on Wednesday
Tom Wilson, Football 1sts

As for the team selection Wilson didn’t like to predict captain O’Shea’s possible line-ups but did say: “It’s nice to have such a strong squad, with everyone back from injury”. As for his focus on a win and promotion to 2B he spoke of ‘greens’ (the symbol for victory on the BUSA website) being a way of life and that “everyone should strive for the green”

To sum up he added that: “Personally I've massively enjoyed this season and will be striving to ensure that the feeling continues by winning on Wednesday”

Celebrations will surely be massive if the team return with promotion and Wilson confidently tipped the team to be in Rumours for mass sinking of ‘Chasing the Greens’: “It’s drink of choice for any UYAFC fan/associate. A gorgeous concoction of triple vodka, VK apple and a shot of apple sours, topped with lemonade”

Wilson’s arrogance and confidence in being able to celebrate may not be so overtly visible throughout the squad but despite Newcastle having played in the league above, York have to be favourites thanks to their incredible season. The Yorker will report back with results as soon as they’re in.

Fingers crossed for the football team, table-tennis team, and both rugby teams in their respective fixtures tomorrow!

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