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
Despite York Women's team playing two BUSA divisions below the Lancastrians, York gave the home team a hard time winning and came very close to snatching a set off Lancaster.
In the first set York Women's team sported a new formation, putting its two strongest hitters together with the hope of matching Lancaster's very strong attack. Unfortunately, the height and power of the three Lancastrian main hitters were enough to neutralize York's defense.
The second set was almost identical to the first. Despite York's strong service and well executed attack, Lancaster's tall block and good passing were enough to give them a bigger lead.
2-0 down, York did not give up and in the last set the Women's team displayed some of their best volleyball ever. Two spectacular saves from Wdee Thienphrapa, back-court hitting from York's captain, powerful services and steady attack brought the team back on track and very close to winning the third set. But at 27-27 Lancaster were able to score the next point and win the match.
Sunday saw the mixed teams play and York win a dramatic match 3-0.
Although both teams appeared fairly even in the warm-up, quick attacks and solid defense put York in an immediate lead. Lancaster tried attacking back but York's block deflected most of the hits and the tips were easily picked up by the other players. At set-point, Lancaster over-passed the serve and York were able to kill the ball, making the score 0-1.
The second set was similar to the first. York made a couple of substitutions that proved to be very effective. Few service errors and good setting from Jack Butcher gave York an even greater lead.
2-0 up, Lancaster put their best player on court and, for the first time in the match, York found itself in difficulty with the opposition leading the set by 5 points. But with new players in, York managed to even the score again and placed a strong block on the main hitter, successfully winning the final set and adding 4 points to the Roses score board.
York Women: Charmain Heah (C), Amanda DeCarl, Lisa Breitschuh, Wdee Thienphrapa, Sophie Lawton, Lin Kuek, Nicole Clabaugh, Lucy Porter.
York Mixed: Matt Bianco (C), Nick Stone, Joshua Chipman, Janis Koknevics, Jack Butcher, Charmain Heah, Amanda DeCarl, Sophie Lawton, Lisa Breitschuh.
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