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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 build up for this night started early in the term, as nominations for colours and various sporting achievements opened long ago in week 3, and the shortlists for club of the year etc. were published a few weeks ago (York Sport Award Nominations). Anticipations were high with everyone having their own opinion of who deserved to win (most probably their own clubs or teams.)
The night started with a drinks reception which enabled individuals from cheerleading, to fencing and sailing to mingle in the summer evening, with George Lowther on hand, going round taking photos of different groups. The Roger Kirk centre was arranged inside into various sporting tables for each club, and the 200 or so guests were greeted by a speech from outgoing York Sport President, Emily Scott, summing up the year – a year seemingly of re-arranging BUCS features, flooded pitches, Varsity and Roses, among everything else.
In-between food, and varying amounts of wine, the awards were given out. Many individuals achieved the awards for half and full colours – an award which recognises the commitment, dedication and performance of individuals in any given sport. This year also brought in the college colours award, which shows the same commitment of athletes, but to their college rather than the university or club.
With these awarded (and congratulations to everyone who achieved them) the other awards, complete with cups, were presented. College awards, also a new feature this year, were first to be awarded. Wentworth did the best out of the colleges, with Beth O’Leary picking up College Sportswoman of the Year, Samik Datta as College Sportsman and the Wentworth Volleyball team achieving College Sport Team of the Year. The last of the trophies was the Justin Taylor Memorial Award that went to the first-year who had contributed most towards college sport; this went to Halifax’s Frankie Hall.
Next up were the individual awards. YUsnow’s race captain Marlies Neuner beat the fencers, and the hockey, netball and rugby players to be given the Sportswoman of the year award for her success on the slopes this year. Michael Walsh after having a very good year (A Good Year for Pool and Snooker) including Captaining the English pool team to a BUCS home nations win, deservedly won the Sportsman of the Year. The final individual award, Service to Sport, goes to a third-year who has given their all to sport through the course of their degree. This was awarded to Nouse’s Adam Shergold to add to his YUMA award gained last week for best sports contributor.
Finally the hotly contested team and club awards were up for contention. Roses Team of the Year went to the Volleyball Mixed team for their narrow win against Lancaster. The Cricket Men’s 1sts were awarded Most Improved Team of the Year after their performances in both their league and the Northern Conference Cup after their regulation last year. The Team of the Year went to the Pool 1sts for the staggering amount of BUCS points achieved this season – despite both Nouse and Vision’s predictions that the Fencing Women’s 1sts would gain this cup for their promotion to the premier league.
The final award of the night was the Club of the Year, this year awarded to the Rugby club after promotion for the 2nds team, a near promotion for the 1sts and a clean set of Roses points all round.
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