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
In 2004, York University’s women’s rugby team polished off a spate of successful seasons to win their BUSA league, Varsity and all of their Roses matches. Although eligible for promotion, a re-shuffle left them in North 2b, which was lucky as the graduation of most of the 1st team and the departure of their coaches left the club devastated. The following two seasons saw the team lose every BUSA game and suffer two embarrassing white-washes at Roses. However, it looks like the women’s rugby club have pulled themselves together for this season and are ready to be champions again after Wednesday’s 111-0 victory at home against Newcastle.
This was something of a grudge match, after York lost 49-7 at Newcastle last year and came away with a number of severe injuries. By the second minute of the match, however, it was evident that the tables had turned. The first try by Chrissie Leahy, converted by Ruth Laybourn, opened the floodgates to a further fifteen tries, while the Newcastle team could only struggle to keep up with the pace of the York backs. The Newcastle defence was devastated by the outstanding performance from forward of the match Ice Asare, and opposition choice player of the match Anne Dokubo, whose powerful hits were no match for the weak tackling skills of the away team. As such, most tries were scored from the half-way line. There was an impressive performance from newcomer Emma Cooper, who was playing her first game of rugby and still managed to put two tries on the board. Other tries were scored by Jo Greetham, Kath Stokes (captain), Jenny Harvey, Anne Dokubo and Ruth Laybourn. Fifteen out of the sixteen tries were converted by Ruth Laybourn.
The upturn in fortunes for the University team echoes the position of women’s rugby in the country. At a local level, the York RI RUFC ladies team, who the majority of the university team also play for, has had phenomenal success. The four years since the team’s establishment in 2003 has seen them fly up the ranks of the RFUW leagues from North 3b to Championship North 2, the 3rd tier of women’s rugby in the country. Equally, the England women’s team have been going from success to success, reaching the final of the World Cup in Canada in 2006. Women’s rugby is the fastest growing sport for women in the country and certainly looks set to make its way into the mainstream. To get in on the action, come down to the sports centre for training on Tuesday at 6pm, Friday at 4.15pm or Sunday at 12pm, or alternatively contact kms501@york.ac.uk for more information.
Team: 1 Kirsty Wheeler, 2 Chelsey Sprong, 3 Beth Robertson, 4 Ice Asare, 5 Karen Barber, 6 Rachel Clarke 7 Kerry McQuigg, 8 Katie Croft, 9 Emma Hodgson, 10 Chrissie Leahy, 11 Jo Greetham, 12 Ann Dokubo, 13 Ruth Laybourn, 14 Jenny Harvey, 15 Kath Stokes. Substiutions: Val Middleton, Emma Cooper.
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