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
UNIVERSITY OF HULL SHARKS 18 - 12 UNIVERSITY OF YORK CENTURIONS
York Centurions American Football team travelled to Hull to face the Sharks in a friendly fixture to warm up for the second half of the BUAFL league season. Hull Sharks ran the ball effectively and a powerful defensive line was enough to disrupt the Centurions offence for much of the game. But defeat by only three scores to two against a more experienced side was anything but a disappointment for the visiting team. Some great individual moments and a promising collective performance should see York putting more points on the board and being as competitive in the league as they were throughout Sunday’s fixture.
Hull began by running the ball at the York side, which was missing a few key players on defence, and, so, the Centurions have been susceptible to giving up big yards early on in games this season. However, the makeshift defensive line held firm, with Lloyd Gunton and Mikey Porter playing competently out of position. This, combined with indiscipline from the Sharks, kept the scores level after the first drive. But the early optimism on the Centurions touchline did not last long, as the offence fumbled with the ball and turned it over to Hull on their first play. The ensuing drive resulted in a touchdown for the home side, as they did just enough to get by the hard hitting Alex Nock and Nick Tomaszewski. First year Tomaszewski has been part of a strong linebacker corps this season, and racked up 8 tackles in this game.
After one score down, York struggled to move the ball throughout the first quarter, although quarterback Josh Holt did manage to connect with star player Tom Lee for a nine yard gain. The Sharks looked increasingly threatening, and after some missed tackles gained 30 yards. However, Tomaszewski made a huge play forcing a fumble which Jim Mckinlay had to frantically recover. On the resulting drive, the Centurions offence came together for a memorable touchdown. Holt scampered away from defenders and fired a 30 yard bomb to a wide open Toby Coleman in the end zone. Six all.
After halftime the deadlock could not be broken, despite Harris Shuaib and Arthur Pitt making some good plays from running back. At one point York was forced into an epic stand to keep out multiple Shark attempts from less than 10 yards out. Experience then began to tell as the Sharks ran the ball powerfully for a touchdown, intercepted Holt and then capitalised on missed tackles to score a third time, all in the space of 10 minutes. Some dropped catches prevented York from responding immediately.
But it was York who had the last word. There was superb blocking from the offensive line and fullback Nick Walter exposed the Hull defence, springing Lee for a 40 yard gain. Two plays later, Holt slid in a precision pass from 5 yards out to give Lee, and York, a deserved touchdown. Defensive Captain Chris Button has called it “a markedly improved performance by a far more confident looking team.” The mood was certainly one of optimism, and such improvements and confidence will have to be carried forward to the league resumption on February 7th; a Roses taster against Lancaster on 22 acres.
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