The University’s most pressing problem is that it is currently attempting to be all things to all people. Rumours are that Cantor is advocating a raise of the budget cap that aims to retain a level of exclusivity in higher education, while at the same time doubling the size of campus for the benefit of subjects like ‘Film and Television’. It’s a well known fact that if you try to do too much, you’re likely to fall flat on your face. This University needs to focus on enhancing already established subjects for the current crop of students instead of diverting resources toward vocational subjects.

Up until now, York has been seen along with Durham and Warwick as the first stop for those who have had their Oxbridge applications swatted away. With the arrival of Heslington East and its vocational clusterfuck, we are in grave danger of wandering into the territory of being compared with Oxford Brookes, Southampton and Brighton. Lovely places, as long as they don’t live on your CV.

Predictably, Oxford and Cambridge are at the top of this year’s list, but the back end of the top ten this year is comprised of Exeter and Bristol. Now, I know that Yorkshire is primarily known for cricket and real ale but I refuse to be beaten by a pair of cider swilling South-Westerners in an academic standoff. How we’re supposed to have pride in our University when it can’t hold off the challenge of two competitors too close to Wales to be considered civilised is beyond me.

So, what do we expect from York in the future? Well, with the imminent expansion of the student populous combined with a frankly unprepared staff contingent, we can only expect a slippery slope to Vocationville. The powers that be made the executive decision that a bigger campus will somehow produce better results, but they forgot one thing: If you put enough monkeys in a room with a typewriter, one will write you Shakespeare. Not all of them.

Several photographs and videos on the internet show Westrop socialising at party events with major UKIP figures, including Nigel Farage, founding member and current leader of UKIP. One photograph shows Westrop at the 2008 UKIP conference, a trip that he was sponsored to attend.

Speaking to Nouse, Westrop said: “I only agree with their decision to pull out of the EU. I firmly condemn their policies on immigration.”

When asked about Westrop’s involvement with the party, the UKIP Press Office told Nouse: “We’re not sure if he’s a member of the party, but he is a party sympathiser. He keeps in close contact with a lot of party members.”

The UK Independence Party advocates very strict regulations on legal immigration, going as far as to call for a “five year moratorium” on immigration in their latest manifesto. Previous manifesto documents have claimed that “The first responsibility of a British Government is to its own population, not to those who would like to settle here”, and that human rights laws must be different for people entering the country.

Westrop is the current chair of the York Freedom Society, which invited UKIP MEP Geoffrey Bloom to speak at their event on May 12. A statement on the Freedom Society website claims that the talk, on the need to withdraw from the European Union, was “warmly received”.

When asked about Westrop’s suitability for the role, YUSU Academic and Welfare Officer Charlie Leyland said: “I hope that all candidates have been upfront about their political views in order for the student population to make an informed vote. We ask all candidates for this reason to declare any affiliations to any political party.”

At the pre campaign hustings meeting on Wednesday, Westrop stated that if elected to the role of Racial Equalities Officer, he would serve to “eliminate all forms of positive discrimination” from campus.

Photo used under Creative Commons agreement by The Freedom Association.

In a statement published on the University’s York Extra service, Peter Lawrence apologised for the searches which took place in student accommodation both on and off campus on April 3 but maintained that they were a “necessary” part of the investigation.

The searches came under fire from YUSU representatives after it was learned that the police had acquired neither an official warrant nor express consent from students to enter their accommodation while they were away.

In the statement, Mr Lawrence said: “I am sure that most of you will realise that it had to be ascertained that Claudia was not there. Please accept our apologies for any intrusion you may have felt by [the searches].”

The head of the inquiry into Claudia’s disappearance, Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway, has suggested that the University would continue to play a significant role in the investigation.

Claudia Lawrence has not been in contact with friends or family since Wednesday, March 18.

Mr Lawrence is appealing for any students who may have noticed anything unusual at around 2pm on March 18 around the Goodricke area to inform North Yorkshire Police (0845 6060247) or Crimestoppers (0800 555111).

Additional reporting by Raf Sanchez

Lacy claims that the Sports Centre and the University had agreed a deal in return for lower fitness suite fees. He said: “I understood the deal between the AU and the university to be that we incorporate the sports centre membership into the membership of the AU, and they would return by meeting us in the middle with fitness suite fees. I feel that the sports centre have made a mistake with their annual membership costs.”

Formerly, Sports Centre membership has been optional for York Sport members with the understanding that some sports clubs will not need to use their facilities. Under the new rules, those looking to join a York Sport club will have to pay a combined membership fee of £40 before they can participate.

The current cost of fitness suite membership is set at £180 for 12 months, compared with an average of £120 per year for other universities across the country, many of which having superior facilities.
Lacy said the price should be brought in line with the £120 average gym membership figure, especially as many of the facilities, including the running track and outdoor courts are still “entirely unacceptable.”
Director of Commercial Services Jon Greenwood admitted that there is much left to be
done: “Last year, a lot of people weren’t using [the sports centre] because it was a state. We desperately need new netball courts and need to invest in the track as soon as possible.”
Greenwood also said that he had to “scrounge” for money every year to update sub standard facilities: “I think I’ve done really well to get the money that I have for sports over the past three years. If I wasn’t here, it would have just plodded along and the university would have left it to fall apart.”
According to documents given to York Sport, acting Sports and Recreation Manager Rena Quarton had compiled a set of tariffs much lower than the current prices, but had the proposals rejected by Jon Greenwood. When asked about the figures, Quarton said “I had put through some lower estimates that I thought were competitive, but at the end of the day I have to agree with my line manager”.
In a meeting about the raises, Greenwood told Nouse: “We’ve had to tweak the prices so that we wouldn’t lose a shed load of money again… The fitness suite is the only place we can make any real money from, and that subsidises the timetable that the AU have been given for club use. I think what we have there now justifies the money we’re charging for it.”
Concerns are also being raised about the new sports development on Heslington East. Due to a £2,000,000 investment in the project by the local council, Greenwood suggests that student access to the facility will be limited, with more focus being put on supporting local residents: “For students, the centre of sport will still be [on campus], but I think that the new development will be aimed at the public.”
The Heslington East sports facility is expected to include a swimming complex and a state of the art fitness suite.

The plan, implemented for the shorter 16 week college sport programme this year, timetables sessions in the sports centre every week for a variety of college teams. However, some sessions have been deemed impractical by college captains who cannot use the time productively due to a lack of adequate equipment.

One of the worst affected sports is hockey, who have their training sessions scheduled indoors, despite only having access to outdoor equipment. 

Vanbrugh Chair Matt Oliver has defended the programme, but admits that it is still in the early stages of development and that there are adjustments that need to be made. He said: “I worked with the sports centre once the AU timetable had gone through and tried to find the best slots that we possibly could. Unfortunately, we were unable to make bookings at peak times because the combination of the AU timetable and casual bookings means that the centre is completely booked out.” 

The timetable is funded by a £10,000 grant from the Vice Chancellor’s discretionary fund.

Despite the £10,000 injection, the sports centre is anticipating a loss of revenue from the programme, according to Director of Commercial Services Jon Greenwood. 

Speaking to Nouse, he said that the timetable has “completely locked out external bookings” and could potentially lose the centre up to £20,000 during the financial year. 

In response to the financial worries, Oliver said: “The money we’ve been given is guaranteed money for the sports centre that wouldn’t have otherwise been there. It is a work in progress because we’ve never tried anything like this on such a large scale for college sport before, and there are going to be some colleges that don’t have the same need for sessions that others do, but on the whole the feedback has been positive.” 

Oliver also believes that the system is more beneficial for students. He said: “This money has come from the VC’s discretionary fund and is new money in the system, so it’s not being taken away from anything else. Obviously private bookings make a lot of money but the primary focus must be about benefitting  students and that’s what I believe we’ve done with the timetable so that everyone can get involved.”

Also part of the college sport programme this year is a five pound annual administration fee for any student wanting to compete. In a meeting with Greenwood, Lacy put forward a proposal for colleges to pick up the bill for administration fees instead of individual students themselves, but was dismissed on grounds of its impracticality and that it would result in further lost revenue.

Salvation owners hope to establish the same fondness for its venue that current Wednesday night haunt Ziggy’s currently enjoys, while York Sport aims to inject some of the revenue gained in ticket sales back into individual clubs.

The format of the evening has been created solely to cater for Sports teams, with exclusive deals being agreed in Derwent bar for players looking to check up on the day’s results. Derwent, the designated starting point for the weekly Wednesday night socials has been chosen as it has the most space available for activities like Wii Sports and is in closest proximity to the FTR bus stop – the most reliable route into town.

From there, sports teams will be directed into Salvation instead of the traditional Wednesday night club Ziggy’s, and will have to buy advanced tickets at a cost of £3 in return for discounted drinks deals, which include a free crate of beer for clubs arriving early.

The main basis of appeal for Salvation though, comes down to the vastly improved floor space compared to previous venue Ziggy’s, which should theoretically cut queueing times significantly.

To further entice students into partaking in the Salvation nights, fifty pence of every advance ticket sold will be put back into the individual’s sports team to aid with the purchasing of new equipment throughout the year.

Despite this, several sports team members and Presidents have had sceptical views of the plan, along with Alex Lacy’s decision not to have a campus bar crawl in the belief that it “splits up clubs too early in the night.”

The current level of resistance is limited to a heavily populated facebook group entitled “Boycott Salvation Sports Wednesday; Keep the Ziggy’s tradition”.

Whether or not the group is an accurate microcosm of the sporting population will be seen during the first event in week 2, but a current scan of opinion suggests that Ziggy’s will remain the club of choice for sports teams.

Boat Club President Hugh Pryce says of the change: “In theory this is a good idea, why not try and get a better deal for students? However, this will essentially split Wednesday nights. York’s student population is not big enough to pack out two clubs on one night. I’m happy to give Salvation a go, but I remain a sceptic.”

In the project’s defence, AU President Alex Lacy says: “Club Salvation is probably the most controversial part of the night amongst the student populace- but it shouldn’t be. The drinks are cheaper, activities like beer pong and vodka roulette will be great for clubs that way inclined, and entertainment such as rodeo bulls means there is something for everyone.

“At the end of the day, we’re just providing the clubs with the choice to take part in this great set up” adds Lacy.

“Personally I think Club Salvation and Cool It Events have been a pleasure to work ­­­with, and deserve the thanks and support of York Sport clubs.”

Director of Commercial Services Jon Greenwood says of the project: “It’s about time that we invested in sport at York, it’s been a long time since we’ve spent money on the area so it’s well overdue. “I’ve had full support from the AU in the project, and everyone has been working together to make the sports centre the best it can be”.

In the sports centre itself, a brand new reception area has been constructed with turnstiles, an extended staff area and a floor designed to emulate that of a running track. The changing rooms have been overhauled to allow for more space with updated shower facilities and the temperature regulation problems experienced on the second floor of the fitness suite have been overcome with added air conditioning units. Also, several portraits of York students playing sport are displayed across the centre in walkways and reception areas.

However, despite the improvements, several parts of the centre have been left untouched – including the running track and the outdoor netball courts, which last year were deemed too dangerous to play on by team captains.

Sports Centre staff have confirmed that there are no current plans to develop the areas, although acting Sports and Recreation manager Rena Quarton is not ruling out development in the near future: “We’re currently at the start of the financial year and although nothing has been decided yet, there’s every possibility that we’ll further update the facilities. The current investment has been focused on the highest priority areas for students at the University.”

Current annual membership charges are set at £180 a year, although an off peak membership has been introduced which allows students to use the facilities between 7.30am and 3pm, saving them £48 a year.

Sports Centre membership has been combined with YorkSport (formerly Athletic Union) membership, resulting in a £40 initial payment for any student wishing to join a sports team or use the Sports Centre facilities.

The increased costs of fitness centre membership have come under fire from AU President Alex Lacy: “I feel that they have made a mistake with the price of their gym memberships, it simply isn’t competitive with other gyms in the area and I fear the possible loss in revenue may damage the chances of further investment in sport.”

For the fourth year running, first year students are being shipped around town and bundled into shared rooms together instead of having their own room on campus, as promised.
Now, I’m sure that having a whole house to wreck instead of a single room and kitchen in your first year is a welcome challenge for some, but it is also sure to take away from the hilarious social awkwardness experienced by most freshers when they meet people in an adjacent room in their hall.

These students will not only have to travel half way across town to get to “unmissable” campus events, but they’ll also have to negotiate their way back under a thick veil of Tesco value vodka and Carlsberg. In the dimly-lit labyrinth of dark alleys and thief lanes that is York, this proves to be no easy task.

Students in houses around town are being cast as outsiders before they even start, leaving them no better off than those poor souls given the misfortune of living in Halifax, wherever that is.
For those of you who are sharing rooms with somebody else this year, I apologise in advance on behalf of your roommate. When you’re stumbling around Vanbrugh at the end of Access All Areas, looking desperately for something more interesting to do, and you meet that pretty girl/guy you saw go past you on the M1 on the way up here on Sunday, don’t expect to take them back to your place to see how their father is. When the two of you stumble into your room and find that your new friend is playing his beloved Nintendo, it’s going to kill the moment faster than a rabbit on speed.

“How could this have happened,” I hear you cry. Well, there’s a strong possibility that the University just cannot count. Surely it isn’t going to be that difficult to look at how many rooms you have on campus, how many offers you have given prospective students and then work out whether the numbers match. Perhaps I’m being a little over-optimistic.

Has the University come to the point where it has so little faith in its own appeal that it assumes masses of people who get offered an unconditional place will turn it down? Or perhaps some joker in administration counted the ever-distant rooms on Heslington East in the total. Who knows.

The truth of the matter is that there just weren’t enough people working in the accommodation office last week to cope with the amount of application letters that were coming in. Even college chairs were being drafted in to help sort envelopes and lighten the load, which doesn’t help all that much because there aren’t that many of them left.

These factors combined with general ignorance meant that some confirmation letters still hadn’t been sent out as late as October 5th. In their defence though, sending out a letter saying “Welcome to the University of York. Your accommodation will be in… York. Somewhere. We hope” isn’t a job that anybody wants.

To put it simply, the University is an overzealousbus driver who has let too many people on and has had to tie a few to the roof. Everyone’s still going to degree town, but those up on top are going to have to stick it out for a while until a few people inside get off early.

After all, the next bus doesn’t come for another year – and that one’s not going to be big enough either.

The new organisation, named British University and College Sport (BUCS) will take control of organising the 4,500 sports teams within the 151 member Universities across the country as well as controlling funding and sponsorship.

BUCS will be led by Chief Executive Karen Rothery, former Commercial Director of England Netball and Board Chair Ed Smith, current Chairman of WWF-UK and former senior partner at PriceWaterhouse Coopers.

Speaking about the primary focus of the group, Smith told Nouse: “In terms of my intentions, it is early days and of course we will develop plans in consultation with a range of stakeholders. That said I think the UK model of intramural sport is a good one and we have a fine foundation and tradition on which we should build. We will however, have three main areas of focus. We aim to clearly drive the elite sport in universities to a higher level as we move toward the 2012 Olympics, create a greater engagement of sport between universities and leverage the facilities available in universities to engage the wider communities in which universities are located”.

As part of the merger, all University teams competing in BUCS Leagues next year will have Nike available as their official kit supplier after a sponsorship deal was reached on May 20.

When asked about the merger, AU President Jo Carter was positive: “I think it can only be a good thing. It will give a level of unity throughout the national system and could bring better funding for sport at York in the future”. She added: “ The current system is seen to spend too much money at the lower level with national travel and fixtures. In the new system, there will be more focus on regional championships.” BUCS will officially be launched on October 20 at the House of Lords.

In the immediate aftermath of the last edition of Nouse, a third year music student proved to be representative of the apathy that greeted the cocaine story. “Cocaine on campus? That’s not news, that’s obvious”. Furthermore, the subsequent web story was met with frankly narrow-minded criticisms of the possibilities of false positives and misguided ethical criticism of control samples.

Now, I think a serious step back needs to be taken with regard to some of the reactions to this story. I find it difficult to believe that York’s campus population was so unsurprised with the results that they either didn’t stop to consider the findings, or instead diverted their attention to attempts at picking holes in the story with claims of Cetirizine hydrochloride, which is used in some antihistamines, providing false positives.

If we take logic as prevalent instead of unfounded accusation, it stands to reason that very few people take their hay fever medicine via the use of a toilet cistern. If, on the off chance they do take their allergy relief “on the sly”, I very much doubt that these mentalists will have done so across 24 different locations on campus.

Furthermore, the nature of the swabs is that they don’t just show whether a location is positive or not – they give some clue about the frequency of cocaine usage in that location. For example, the strongest sample found in the investigation was discovered in the toilets of the Music Department – home to our (now understandably) unimpressed third year student.

More significantly, the swab taken in Heslington Hall showed two distinct lines. This is certainly not standard fare for hay fever medicine, unless the aforementioned sufferers feel the need to crush up their tablets and snort them.

So, with all unfounded claims of false positives aside – it is essential to realise the severity of the situation uncovered by the Nouse investigation. I refuse to believe that the culture of nonchalance toward drug use in our society has come so far that when positive tests for cocaine are found in the University of York’s administrative buildings, people barely bat an eyelid. The cocaine investigation at the University was considered significant enough by the York Press to warrant their front page, and rightly so. It’s a big deal.

All things considered, I sincerely hope that the currently ongoing “police investigation” regarding the findings is a serious one and not just a kneejerk reaction from a press office, intended to give the impression that North Yorkshire Police are paying attention to the situation.

Information following a meeting between the police and Anne-Marie Canning, YUSU President, suggests that law enforcement are already on their way to the Nouse office to question our source for the verified cocaine test. When the police arrive, I’ll happily redirect them to Heslington Hall.

The decision by Director of Facilities Managment Keith Lilley, which looks set to delay work on the Union bar project until October, has prompted Langwith JCRC Chair Zach Pepper to call for YUSU to pressure Heslington Hall in an attempt to overturn the decision.

Work to remove asbestos present in the bar’s structure was expected to begin at the end of this term, enabling the five week renovation project to be completed before the end of September. It was hoped that the opening of the venue would coincide with the upcoming Freshers’ week.

However, in an email sent to YUSU Services and Finance Officer Matt Burton, University Registrar and Secretary Sally Neocosmos revealed that due to the large amount of “high-priority projects” being undertaken during the summer break, the asbestos removal, which has been agreed will be undertaken by the University, will not have the manpower to be completed.

“This is to confirm that January 2009 remains the date on which the outstanding project planning is being based. We were all aware that your preferred start date was October but we agreed that we could only commit ourselves with confidence to a January 2009 start,” wrote Neocosmos.

Burton, who has seen the project through from conception, expressed his disappointment at the new decision. “We thought we’d found a window of opportunity in the summer when the Langwith walkway project is being done, and the whole area will have to be shut down with regards to asbestos in the walkway,” he said.

Burton has also highlighted that a delayed opening, which will not allow the bar to capitalise on the lucrative first-term market, may seriously hamper the financial viability of the bar.

Pepper echoed Burton’s displeasure at the new decision, and confessed himself sceptical as to the University’s claims of fitting in all the development works over the autumn term.

“They’re saying they haven’t got time to do it in the summer, but they have in the autumn term. But that just doesn’t seem to fit,” he said. “The space is there in the summer, the time is there; they’ve closed the college off because of the walkway, they have no conferences in, there is nothing there all summer, and they’re saying they can’t do it. I think it’s a bit double-standard to be honest,” he added.

In response to the new development, Pepper submitted an emergency motion to last week’s UGM. The motion, if passed, mandates all Union Officers to “actively campaign and lobby the University and Vice-Chancellor” to prioritise the bar project. Lilley has stated that the decision to reverse this change lies only with Vice-Chancellor Brian Cantor.

Both Burton and Pepper have emphasised the need for students to work together to show University officials the importance of the project.

“We’re very strong advocates of working through diplomacy and democracy… but now it’s come down to us having to get the Vice-Chancellor’s ear to present our case as to why this is so important to us,” said Burton, who has also proposed a student-led protest to further to campaign. If the motion is passed, it is thought the protest will be given the official go-ahead.

The recent announcements come amidst news that Langwith is to be the second college to move to Heslington East, following the relocation of Goodricke planned for 2009/10.

In a statement from the University, the reasons for Langwith’s move were given as “purely down to there being not enough space for the college to develop in its current location” and not influenced by University concerns over falling revenue in the area over recent years.

When asked about how the relocation plans may effect the future of the Union bar, Burton stated: “Our business model is based around a three year plan, so the decision won’t affect the bar in that time.”

There have been concerns that the Langwith venture may be overshadowed by the central venue planned for Heslington East. “We’ll be running the Students’ Union venue [on Heslin­gton East], but have always been committed to maintaining a presence on both sides of campus so that we’re working as one unit as there are still going to be a lot of people on Heslington West,” he explained, keen to dispel fears.

There are no confirmed plans for the area after Langwith relocates, though it is thought Derwent may expand into it.

Wednesday June 11th 2008

Whilst enjoying the three or four days of summer that York brings us every year, students at our university reluctantly turn their attention to college sport for the ever treacherous College Sports Day. An event drenched in grandeur it certainly is not – the standard turnout consists of the people who are either waiting for their turn to battle in the tug of war contest or have sprained their ankle warming up on the spectacle that is the “athletics track”. However, don’t write it off completely just yet.

When many of us were at school, the highlight of the day wasn’t the 100m sprint or the long jump. It was one of the more jovial events, like the Parents Race, or for some of the more exclusive schools – the Chauffeurs Race. We flocked around these events because nobody had any idea what was going to happen.

This is exactly why people should go to College Sports Day, because it’s always a step into the unknown. The athletics club as far as I can tell generally has somewhere between three and five people who go for a run every couple of days for most of the year. From what I’ve gathered, and I might be wrong – they don’t have the strongest sports club on campus. However, for the casual members of the athletic club and the people you always see on the running track at stupid o clock in the morning, this is their time to shine. This is their Wimbledon.

The average Joe plays tennis for two weeks while the action is playing out on centre court then forgets about it for the rest of the year. It’s exactly the same with College Sports Day – we get interested in athletics briefly while the sun is out in week nine then forget it again. Perhaps our lack of enthusiasm about athletics is why the track and surrounding playing surfaces are in such a state of disrepair, although judging by the farce that is the new gym – a complete revamp will do more harm than good.

In essence, what I’m saying is… take a wander down to College Sports Day – it’s effectively the University of York’s egg and spoon race.

On a side note, it was nice to see that the Germans still aren’t doing themselves any favours. After their match against Poland last week (which went without any hint of invasion… of the pitch) several hundred Germans were arrested for shouting Nazi slogans and being general idiots. Congratulations, you won a football match. You still lost the war.

Previous blog entries:

Why do the vast majority of the student population hate the Derwent Rugby team?
Men’s Committee? Probably not a good idea.
IAAF run from amputee crisis

The conditions in Motherwell’s Strathclyde Country Park looked tough from the outset as strong winds ensured that the lake would be choppy at best, putting all of the crews at a disadvantage and making steering through the 2,000m course difficult.

The women’s Novice four B crew found this out to their cost when they were beached on their way to the start line after their boat had to be held up when one of the women’s oars was caught out of position. Not only was the crew not able to race, but due to the boat taking on water, Cox Deborah Burgess was feared to be ill – suffering from hypothermia symptoms in the hours following the incident.

Elsewhere, York’s Novice women’s A crew performed above expectations in their fours race and finished second to Edinburgh, fighting off competition from Leeds and Dundee, who finished third and fourth respectively.

This result was especially impressive as the crew were almost forced to not enter due to problems with the order in the boat. Coach Sam Bacon said after the race: “We’re really pleased with getting a result here; our aim was just to not come last so they’ve outdone themselves today.”

In the men’s races, York lost out to Edinburgh in both the fours and eights pieces but appeared to be pleased with their progress in an eight after underperforming in recent Regattas. The four lost by seven or eight lengths, but the eight looked strong after a poor start and was able to stay within two lengths of Edinburgh’s boat.
According to Coach Bacon, “the trouble with the four was that they weren’t able to convert their effort into boat speed. The guys are taking steps to fix this; they’re getting better with every race.”

Novice men’s Captain Simon Reed said of the result: “In terms of our technique it was a pretty good race, we were able to stay with them through the first kilometre. We simply need to get more accustomed to 2,000m pieces.”

Despite not achieving victory in the all York boats, some members of York’s crew were on the winning side when other squads required extra members. Women’s stroke Charlotte Macdonald was drafted in to stroke Edinburgh’s women’s eight and subsequently led them to a comfortable victory in a race that embodied the hosts dominance in all categories on the day.

After lunch, the 500m sprint races began with York entering members of both the men’s and women’s crews into boats consisting of a mixture of several crews. Although the races were intended to be a light hearted affair, the competitive spirit was still rife throughout the rowers. This competitive nature nearly cost York as the two boats containing their rowers collided after just 50 metres, forcing a restart.

On the second attempt, it was the boat coxed by Novice women’s Captain Rebecca Jayne Dobinson that just edged out Leeds to win by a canvas. The Novices will now turn to Peterborough where they face a much wider range of opposition on June 7-8.

16:50

To conclude this year’s Roses coverage, we thank everyone for joining us throughout the weekend – right through to the end. We’d like to thank Joe Beech and SCAN for letting us take over their office. Your team this year for Roses have been Criss Noice, Henry Foy, Raf Sanchez, Nicky Woolf, Sian Turner, Adam Shergold, Matthew Jeynes, George Lowther, Venetia Rainey, Robyn Duncan and Anjli Raval. Thanks also to Diggles, who provided the sustenance that got us through the long days. It was a pleasure. Thank you for reading.

16:22 Lancaster 122 – 124 York

York have lost the football, but we’re told that this was mainly due to the fact that they were aware of the overall win. Lancaster slotted in several goals toward the end but the scoreline is irrelevant – York are Roses Champions for two years running.

16:20

Richard De Boltz is the man who scored the pivotal goal in this year’s Roses competition. When asked about the performance, he told Nouse: “I’m completely overwhelmed, just wanted to get a good result for the boys”. If you see him, buy him a drink.

16:17

Reports are coming in from the Hockey pitch, Jo Carter ran all the way from the croquet exhibition to leap onto the Hockey team in celebration. Matt Knight, AU Tournament Secretary has told us “That’s how Roses should be, my heart is going a thousand beats a minute”.

16:14

In the final minutes of the football match, York has conceded another goal to see them 2-1 with seconds to play.

16:09

For a round up of the competition as a whole, including the closest finish in years – check out this report.

16:06

While we wait for the football result, I’d just like to congratulate Jo Carter on her leadership of the White Rose here in Lancaster. This win gives York a 22-21 lead in the competitions’ history, with York leading for the first time in 30 years.

16:05 Lancaster 118 – 124 York

Table tennis results are in, Lancaster have one the 1sts contest 9-7 but the victory is a hollow one as Lancaster cannot win overall, even if they win in football – the one remaining fixture.

16:00 Lancaster 114 – 124 York

Final score in the Hockey, 3-3. YORK HAVE WON THE 2008 ROSES COMPETITION.

15:59

As it stands, Lancaster look likely to claim points in the table tennis and hockey but the current stalemate in the football will be enough to give York the two points they need to win overall. It looks like everything will come down to the last 15 minutes of the Men’s Football 1sts.

15:54

Still 3-2 in the Hockey, five minutes to play.

15:53

If York lose this, there’s going to be some serious hubris on the Nouse website.

15:51

Just to clarify, York need two points from the remaining three fixtures to claim the Carter-James trophy.

15:50

Tense in the final minutes of the Football. Dom O Shea is rallying the troops, hopefully York can hold on to claim the vital two points that secure victory.

15:45

Hockey News: Lancaster are 3-2 up, a draw for York will give them the win overall but a loss will take it to the wire.

15:42

Table tennis news. It’s currently 8-6 to Lancaster, they only need one more point to win the first seed games and gain four points for the home side.

15:40

It’s gone to 2-2 in the Men’s Hockey, and in other news everyone has crowded around the first seed games in the table tennis, which could decide the competition.

15:35 Lancaster 112 – 122 York

Archery news, it’s going to go down to the wire. Lancaster have taken the majority of the victories out there and have picked up nine points as opposed to York’s one.

15:32 Lancaster 103 – 121 York

York have emerged victorious in the Lacrosse, Lancaster came back near the end but couldn’t make it over the line. Only three points needed for York now to confirm the win.

15:30 Lancaster 103 – 117 York

At the close of the Men’s Basketball, it’s Lancaster who came out on top. York were unable to turn around the home side’s early lead. Final Score 61-45. Lancaster gain four points .

15:28

More drama at the football, York have had a goal disallowed keeping the score at 1-1 but York look to be in the ascendancy despite being a man down.

15:27

A series of fouls in the basketball has resulted in two players being sent off. One Lancaster fan notes that “we will probably run out of players before the end at this rate”.

15:25

Half time at the Men’s Hockey, York have gone into the lead. 2-1.

15:21

Dramatic news on the football pitch. York goalkeeper Andrew Emmerson has been sent off – leaving the away side with a second team keeper and a tough match ahead of them. Still 1-1 for now.

15:20

A great three pointer from Lancaster’s number 15 makes the score 53-38 in the basketball. This one looks like it’s over.

15:19 Lancaster 99 – 117 York

York have racked up another two points in the table tennis as the seconds have sealed victory in their matches. York now only need seven points to secure victory.

15:17

Early reports are coming in that York are victorious in the table tennis. Reporter in the field Sian Turner is sifting through the masses of people to find out the final results.

15:16

Lancaster play maker number 11 sent off for a fifth professional foul. 50-36 now in the Basketball with four minutes to play.

15:15

There’s an eerie lull in the office as what has to be the closest Roses contest in recent memory is about to be decided. York have fought hard and won several important matches that they were expected to lose to bring the scores this close. Can York get over the finishing line, or will Lancaster take another home win? Stay tuned.

15:11

A late string of points from York leaves the match at 47-34 with seven minutes left to play in the basketball.

15:10

47-29 now to Lancaster in the Men’s Basketball as Lancaster begin to turn on the style.

15:08

In the Lacrosse, York are still leading. 7-4 the score in the third quarter.

15:05

Lancaster have just equalised in the Men’s Hockey from a penalty corner, bringing the scores to 1-1. Remember, if York draw their remaining matches they still win overall.

15:03

Men’s football news. York have equalised from a penalty through Mark Gouland, making the score 1-1. York are turning up the heat.

15:02

We’re all waiting here with baited breath in the office for the results of the Archery which could give York the Carter-James trophy.

15:00

It’s 40-27 to Lancaster in the basketball, so this one looks like it could be over already. Stranger things have happened though, there’s still time to play.

14:58

Finally, a table tennis update. It’s going right to the wire, the first seeds are at 5-5 and the second seeds are at 6-6. First to nine wins that one.

14:55

Big news from the Men’s Hockey, York have scored the opening goal with a penalty corner from Billy Walsh. 1-0 York. Jo Carter tells us that “we really need this one”. So profound, that’s why she’s AU president.

14:52

Trade off of points in the basketball, Lancaster lead 36-21. Chants of “Defence” seem to be working.

14:50

Fear not Yorkshire friends, we’re not losing everything. It’s 5-3 to York so far in the Lacrosse and the away side are dominating after looking a little hung over in the first quarter.

14:47 Lancaster 99 – 115 York

Women’s football has finished 3-1 to Lancaster, clawing them back another four points in the overall standings. Could Lancaster snatch victory from the jaws of defeat?

14:45

34-17 to Lancaster at the moment in the Basketball after a tightly contested but low-scoring opening to the 3rd quarter. Yorks’ team talk must have galvanized them somewhat.

14:43

I’d just like to make an official apology to the Scan office, we’ve absolutely dominated it. The air is thick and the mess is plentiful.

14:41

If biscuits and Red Bull could kill a man, this blog would turn into an obituary pretty damned fast.

14:40

Lacrosse news. York are 4-3 up at the start of the second quarter after a rapid fire opening from both teams.

14:37

Serious jostling in the basketball as cries of “double team” ring out from the crowd due to a Lancaster player being taken out. Lancaster haven’t scored heavily for a good few minutes now, could the tide be turning? 33-17 to Lancaster at half time.

14:36

Lancaster’s big number 13 has been sin binned in the basketball, but this one still looks like a foregone conclusion as York have neither Lebron James or Michael Jordan on the bench.

14:35 Lancaster 95 – 115 York

A goal in the last few minutes has given Lancaster the win in the Women’s Hockey – that’s another four points for the home side, making the score ever closer.

14:32

Frustration is taking its’ toll on York’s basketballers, who are giving Lancaster free shot after free shot due to frequent off the ball pushing. The referees are losing their patience with York at the moment, 30-10 to Lancaster.

14:28

Absolute destruction of York by Lancaster on the basketball court, the score is now 28-9. York appear to have no idea what’s going on.

14:22

York have pulled a goal back in the Women’s Football – it’s now 3-1. All eyes have to be on the Archery at the moment though, which awards a pivotal 10 points to the victors.

14:18

There has been an equaliser in the Women’s Hockey, it’s now 1-1 late in the second half. A win for York in this match will give them four out of the nine points required for certain victory

14:16

Lancaster look too strong in attack for York, the score is now 21-8 at the end of the first quarter. The away side need to pick up their game if they want to be competitive in this one.

14:14

Chaos down at the Women’s football, it’s now 3-0 to Lancaster from a corner. Lancaster’s blond bombshell rugby players have been making a nuisance of themselves by invading the pitch. Fear not though, York have just arrived and one of them is wearing only a pair of speedos and a drawn on moustache. Real scary, but for all the wrong reasons.

14:10

Congratulations to RosesLive for keeping up with us today, it only took you three days but you got there in the end.

14:07

Now 10-6 in front through a slam dunk, Lancaster are in command down on the basketball court

14:03

Lancaster look the stronger outfit in the basketball, now 5-2 ahead. This one is worth four points, so could be crucial in the final standings.

14:01

It’s now 2-0 to Lancaster in the Women’s football 1sts. Apparently James Marenghi has been doing some vocal jousting, saying that Lancaster are winning everything at the moment. I think someone should tell him the overall score.

14:00

Master Foy is down at the Men’s Basketball as we speak, along with what is said to be a sizeable crowd. Lancaster have drawn first blood in this one, 2-0 in the early going.

13:55

As we speak, technology is threatening to throw a digital spanner in the works of Nouse. Sian’s phone is dying an honourable death and if we don’t get either a phone or a man with a very loud voice out there soon, we may be in the dark about the Men’s Hockey. Find me a town cryer!

13:50 Lancaster 91 – 115 York

Lancaster have beaten York 2-0 in the Men’s 2nds football, which gives them another two points . In the women’s 1sts, it’s 1-0 to Lancaster at half time, which is a possible 4 points. York still only need 9 points to claim an away victory though.

13:47

News just in from Sian, it’s still 1-0 to Lancaster at half time. The half time show consisted of the Rugby players creating a human pyramid three levels high, which shortly collapsed.

13:44

Noice here, back in the chair after a tense game down in the still pungent sports centre. Word is that the team have fixed my car window with an eclectic combination of plastic and cardboard. Eat your heart out Blue Peter.

13:40

I’m off to go cover the Mens Basketball and pikey a few free Red Bulls. Captain Noice of the window-missing brigade will take over from here. It has been a pleasure.

13:35

Still goalless in the Womens 1sts Football, while Lancaster are now 2 up in the Mens 2nds. Twenty minutes still to play, but it’s looking bleak for York in this one.

13:34

Lancaster take a 1-0 lead in the Womens 1sts Hockey. Maybe Carter’s little dream might not come true.

13:32

Table Tennis is finely balanced at 4-4 in both the Mens 1sts and 2nds. Apparently, Lancaster’s ping-pongers are a bit of alright, in the sense that they did really well in BUSA this year, not that Matt Jeynes thinks that they are hot. Actually – I can’t technically confirm that.

13:29 – Lancaster 89 – 115 York

Forget the IF, York have won the Women’s Basketball 41-32! Four more points to the York total. Nine more needed. I hope the proverbial fat lady is nice and warmed up.

13:27

If we hang on in the Basketball, and win both the table tennis events, that will be 10 more points, taking York to 121, needing only 3 more for victory. Technically, those things being true, a Jo Carter penalty deep in extra time could win the Roses for York. I’m dizzy with excitement.

13:25

It seems that both sets of Rugby players are as bad as each other. Some of York’s lads are in their swimming trunks cheering on the Womens 1sts Hockey team, which includes our wonderful President Jo Carter and her majestic midfield skills. Could she Roses right here, on that Hockey pitch? Could you even script that?

13:23

Jolly japes from the Lancaster Rugby boys down at the Football. Lots of drinking games, and the linesman is taking quite a lot of stick from these intelligent young men, one of whom is wearing a pink tutu.

13:21

Three minutes left in the Womens Basketball, and York have a solid 40-32 lead. Looking like 4 more points for the mighty York. Can Lancaster forfeit? Is that in the rules?

13:19

Tears at the start of the final quarter in the Womens basketball as one of York’s players has been injured. This hasn’t stopped York scoring though. It’s York 34 – 32 Lancaster and the home team have just called a time out with 5:46 left on the clock. Things are tense, especially as Criss Noice’s battery is running low.

13:17

It’s all gone spookily quiet here in the office. Adam Shergold might have fallen asleep at the football, the Womens 2nd Hockey is yet to start, and the Archery scores won’t be available until it’s all over. So hold tight.

13:10

End of the third quarter at the basketball. York and Lancaster are tied 30-30. Looks like this one is going to go down to the final few seconds if neither team can make a breakthrough soon.

13:05

The match is starting to break down at the basketball. Both teams are becoming scrappy and fighting on the floor for the ball. It’s not pretty – Lancaster lead 29-28.

13:04

York may be in the ascendancy, but Lancaster have won the grudge match between the Principals and V-Cs, taking the coveted Crown Green Bowling title. I’m not going to lie, it’s not much of a disaster.

13:00

Start of the second half at the Women’s basketball. York are making effective use of screening and have taken the first points, giving them back the lead. 26-25 to York, and this is a close one.

12:59 – Lancaster 89 – 111 York

York can breath easy – a penalty at the death in the Hockey, scored by that man Bravo means it all ends up 7-4 to York. Captain Ian “Blindy” Sheridan says: “I am incredibly proud. We played a great match.” Two more points for York, thirteen to go…

12:56

Five minutes left in the Mens 2nd Hockey, and Lancaster have got another. 6-4 there to York, and it’s all getting a little edgy.

12:55

The deadlock is broken at the Mens 2nds Football. Some terrible York defending has lead to a goal for Lancaster. Nearly half time, it’s 1-0.

12:50

Over at the Basketball – and the shot clock works again. The collective minds of Lancaster’s finest have come together to fix this infinitely complex piece of machinery. Management school was a good idea after all.

12:49

Lancaster aren’t giving up though on the Hockey pitch. A short corner is awarded and Lancaster score from it, taking the score to 6-3. Not a load of time left.

12:47

Tom Clemence has grabbed a goal for the Mens 2nd Hockey team, stretching York’s lead to 6-2. Only 2 points on offer for this game, but another 10 for the Womens 1st and 2nds and the Mens 1sts. If the rest of the York players can perform like these boys, York will be within touching distance of taking the trophy back on the buses.

12:45

End of the second quarter – that’s half time for those of you who aren’t so hot with fractions – Lancaster lead by a single point, it’s 25-24 and the officials have resorted to the age old tactic of unplugging the shot clock. Stay tuned to see if it works.

12:42

Both our Mens 1st and 2nd teams are 3 games to 2 down, but Rick Chen, 1st seed in the 2nd team, has just thrashed a bare-footed Lancaster opponent.

12:41

Off-the-pitch drama down at the Mens 2nd Football as a (male) streaker runs across the pitch. Apparently, his genitalia is the most exciting thing going on at the moment, though, as the action seems to have got a bit boring.

12:39

Hurrah! Not to be bitchy, but fantastic news as Lancaster’s roseslive.com finally catches up with our score after 72 hours. Nice going guys.

12:38

Getting tense down at the Basketball. We’re at 19-18 to Lancaster, and York have just missed two shots from the foul line. Both sides are still looking inventive, but are being stifled by great defence.

12:35

Camel vs God. Place your bets now.

12:33

… only for Lancaster to score a penalty to reduce the lead to 5-2.

12:32

John “Bravo” Huntingdon, who scored the penalty, grabs another in the Men’s Hockey to make it 5-1 to York.

12:32

Timeout called by York in the Women’s Basketball, who are losing the ball freely in the centre of the court. It’s 18-15 as Lancaster mount a comeback, and York need to keep their shape if they want to keep their lead.

12:30

Penalty to York in the Hockey, which is duly dispatched to make it 4-1 to York. The question can’t be will York win, but which sport will do it?

12:28

End of the first quarter in the Women’s Basketball, York are 14-8 up. Chants of ‘DEFENCE’ seem to be working for York, who are shutting out Lancaster around the key. Fast paced match so far, should be close. As the technology around the match slowly falls to pieces, instead of the traditional buzzer, the officials have resorted to hand signals. Much less dramatic. According to Noice, both teams are using zone marking, and York are all over Lancaster like a cheap suit – otherwise known as the “Raf Sanchez” play.

12:26

Second half underway in the Mens 2nds Hockey, with York’s number 33 scoring a spectacular lob to make the score 3-1. I’ve just been informed that it wasn’t Women Rugby players dressed as nurses, etc… but actually Men. And now they have been joined by two others dressed entirely in tin foil.

12:23

Six minutes left in the first quarter of the Womens Basketball, York lead 10-6. Criss Noice reports that York are missing from long range but are strong in possession and defence. Disaster, however as the digital clock has stopped. Officials on the sideline have resorted to a stopwatch instead.

12:22

In the Men’s 2nds Football, its goalless, but York have hit the crossbar, and Lancaster almost scored from a goalkeeping error. Shergold reckons this one is going to be a cracker.

12:19

Table Tennis now then. The Mens 1sts are level at 2 games each, and Lancaster hold a slim 2-1 lead in the Mens 2nds. 16 games for both, so first to 9 wins takes the points.

12:15

Five minutes into the women’s basketball – York are up 5-4. Lancaster have just called a time-out to regroup

12:10

For the Sian Turner lovers out there – and I know that there must be loads of you from the number of mentions Jeynes gave her – she isn’t watching the archery anymore. She’s giving us the Hockey updates. Which is no wetter, nor drier than the archery. Shame.

12:09

Half-time at the Mens 2nd Hockey. It’s still 2-1 to the away team after some fine saves from the York goalie.

12:07

Thanks for the heads-up Camel. “That’s not his real name,” pipes up Albi. Surely not!

12:04

The lovely Jo Carter must be feeling pretty good, wherever she is. Facing a big old dunking at the start of Friday’s competition, she must now be rather confident of watching her opposite number go through the humiliation. I spoke to him yesterday down at the tennis when the York lead was only a few points, and was a little edgy then. “What are they going to use for the gunge,” I asked. “I don’t know, but I hope it’s warm,” he sheepishly offered, “I’m getting a tad nervous.” Must be a tad more now, LOSER BOY! Yes, those chickens are certainly being counted.

12:01

A plea for help here. We’re currently debating the last time that York won the rugby away in Lancaster – and getting conflicting reports. Any rugby old boys out there who would like to enlighten us?

11:58

Down but not out, Lancaster have rallied to score their first goal in the Mens 2nd Hockey to leave the score at 2-1. The York Womens Rugby squad have turned up to cheer on our boys, dressed as Nurses, Cavewomen and Policewomen. Keep your eyes on the ball, boys.

11:56

Mens 1st and 2nds Table Tennis has just got underway. In the 1sts, we have 1st seed Jan Natolski, 2nd seed Greg Price, 3rd seed Tom Coleman and 4th seed Jack Weavis. They are playing for 4 points. The 2nd team, of Rick Chen, Matt Fuller, David Butler and Richard Hains (in that seeding order) are ping ponging for 2 points.

11:50

Dad – I think we’ve found it. Is it the one with Boris’ face on it?

11:48

Fighting talk from Adam “3 nights on a floor” Shergold. Discussing the prospect of the Mens 1st Football match at 2.30, Shergold confidently states “I think we’ll have it wrapped up by then.” That’s pretty bold from a man whose back is probably so bruised he’ll need some serious surgery.

11:44

I swear, half a can of flat, 2 day old Diet Coke and the omnipresent smell of human beings isn’t getting me half as excited as the thought of a York victory this afternoon.

11:43

Two-nil in the Mens Hockey 2nds. Are these two points ours as well?

11:42

Lots of chatter about the Christian Worship here in the office. “Who’s going to cover the Christians?” someone asks. “Nobody. Just nobody,” comes the direct reply. We’ll try to get some photographs. Maybe.

11:40

Short corner in the Hockey is converted by York to open the scoring. Is there any stopping the White Army?

11:39

Men’s Hockey 2nds – no score down at the Astroturf, with York having slightly more of the possession. Scrap what I said about home and dry. We will, in fact, still be in Lancaster, and absolutely soaked.

11:36

My glamorous assistant Robyn has informed me that there are only 48 points left today to win. So, if we win 15 points, the lead will be 35, with only 33 available! Come on boys and girls – if your sporting prowess is as good as my maths, we’ll be home and dry in no time.

11:33 – Lancaster 89 – 109 York

Four more points on the highway to victory for the White invaders – York have won the 3rd set of the Mixed Volleyball match 25-21. The march to victory continues as the score rushes on to Lancaster 89 – 109 York

11:32

Camel – your name means nothing to me, but the very mention of your nickname ushered up a knowing smirk from Albi. He’s bashing out the report now.

11:27

So then, are we going to win? The safe bets are on York, but you can’t write off a Lancaster comeback. Still, that’s a big old mountain to climb. By my reckoning, we only need 18 more points to win this thing, and Lancaster will need to take almost all the points on offer today.

11:24 – Lancaster 89 – 105 York

Full time at the Women’s Hockey, and it finishes 4-1. To be quite honest, I’m sure the girls will be overjoyed to get out of this shit weather and back in some warm clothes. And hey, it’s not like we need the points. Still, two more points for the Lanc.

11:21

For comedy value, and to fill some time, I’ll tell you of my morning. So we were flatly told that there would be no chance of us hard-working, selfless journalists getting a media invite to the Roses Ball shebang last night. There was also only the floor of the office to sleep on. So 4 of us jumped in Noice’s car and headed back to “Yorkie,” as it’s affectionately being called during this competition. This morning at 9, Criss scooped me up and we were back on the motorway. Unfortunately, some dirty York chavs – St Johnners no doubt – smashed his driver’s side window a few weeks back, and so a sheet of perspex had to suffice. Unfortunately, speeding down the M1, the perspex decided it was preferable to be in tiny shards all over the road, rather than nice and sturdy in the window frame. If the howling wind through the car wasn’t bad enough, the northern rains (which have been threatening to literally piss on our little parade this weekend) showed up. So, please, with every word you read of this blog – appreciate the mental and physical pain that we have been through just to be here. Cheers.

11:13

Just my luck. I write them off, and they bang one in. It’s 4-1 down at the hockey. Game on.

11:13

York are putting the pressure on the Lancaster defence in the Women’s Hockey 2nds, but it seems that they’re just too strong for our attacks. Still 4-0 down at the astroturf.

11:11

Never fear, Foy is here. Fresh from a jolly jaunt over the Pennines and back, just to get a good night’s sleep, I’ve managed to rescue Matt “Oh fuck it’s a computer” Jeynes from his own HTML nightmare. Dan – it’s ok now, you can take off that oxygen mask.

11:04

Rugby legend Albi ‘better than sex’ Furlan has just pointed out how Krieger looks like Krueger (as in Freddy Krueger). Coincidence? I think not.

10:59

Bad news from the astroturf, where Lancaster have stormed to a 4-0 lead in the Women’s 2nds. I’m guessing Ilka Krieger is back, tormenting us again like some sort of vengeful demon.

10:51

It’s what you’ve all been waiting for – a Volleyball update. York have taken the first set 25-17 and look set to stroll to victory. It is a mixed game, incidentally, with Lancaster unable to actually field a full Men’s team. According to the phoneless Mr Shergold, Lancaster are battling hard, but their inexperience is plain. I don’t like counting my chickens before they’ve hatched, but I feel pretty safe saying there are 4 chickens right there.

10:41

More news from our Archery guru Sian Turner. It appears that the archers have 90 arrows to shoot, and they are only on their fourth. On top of this, the scores won’t even be announced until 3pm. Really, do these people not know we are trying to do live commentary here?? It’s just plain rude

10:37

No updates yet from the Volleyball. Brother Shergold is there with my phone, as the muppet didn’t bring his. I can only assume that he doesn’t know how to use it.

10:28

Speak of the devil, and it doth appear. Miss Turner deigns to call in to inform us that York are vastly outnumbered in the Archery, with 8 archers to Lancaster’s 18. Now that hardly seems fair to me. Let’s hope its a case of quality overcoming quantity.

10:25

Ok, so maybe ‘torrent’ was over-egging it a bit. At worst, you would say it is drizzly. C’mon Turner, get your hair wet and get us some Archery updates.

10:22

I need to see this ‘torrent’ for myself. I’m just popping outside, as I haven’t seen daylight since last night.

10:18

Still no score in the Women’s 2nds hockey. Lancaster are 1 point ahead in the overall hockey rankings after the indoor events yesterday, but the big points (12 of them) are up for grabs today, and York are fairly “quietly confident”. That never reassures me – I always assume that if you are quietly confident, you are actually a little bit nervous and unsure but trying to hide it. Oh well, let’s hope i’m wrong. The big games will be the Women’s 1sts at 1pm and the Men’s 1sts after that at 2:30.

10:10

And it looks like my predictions were correct. Archery whizz-kid Sian Turner has been forced to retire to the media tent to protect herself from the torrent pouring from the heavens. Apparently, the archers are slugging it out through the rain, though I can’t see them hitting much in this weather. Expect a low-scoring match (or whatever archery contests are called).

10:06

With York only needing a handful of points today, they will be looking to wrap it up early on, hoping to avoid a dramatic finale involving the Hockey or the Football. So with an incredible 10 points available for Archery, a solid performance by York there could see victory assured. Incidentally, the Archery is taking place on the same pitch where the three titanic Rugby matches were played yesterday, and reportedly it has been raining throughout the night. Mud-fest anyone?

09:57

Morning, folks! Sorry for the delay. I nearly messed the whole website up. Dan ‘Webmeister General’ Whitehead has fixed it from back in York and we are underway. Matt Jeynes here, ready to guide you through the final day of an absorbing Roses clash. Stay tuned for the day’s first events.

The standout game in the mixed matches came from York’s Jonty Hiley and Nicky Furr who came back from a first set loss to regain their composure and keep the pressure on to gain victory.

In the early going, Hiley and Furr struggled with Lancaster’s delicate style of play – resorting to desperate long shots to the back of the court which more than frequently fell outside the back line. Lancaster continued to play high percentage shots, making very little mistakes to clinch the first set 21-18.

York’s mixed pair came back strong in the second set with a new focus and more conservative style of play that began to pay off as York took an early lead. Lancaster appeared surprised by York’s form but held their own, taking the away side all the way to the end of the second before falling on a crucial point to bring the honours even.

As the third set wore on, York were able to retain their serve and began to take charge of the match against a newly frustrated Lancaster pair. This frustration proved key in dismantling Lancaster’s structure and York scored freely toward the end of the match to set the standard for the other mixed pairs, who also performed strongly to win the five matches out of nine that were needed to gain four points.

Lancaster’s main weakness in the competition proved to be a lack of focus which was personified by one vexed Lancastrian breaking his racquet in anger after losing a point. Despite cheers and encouragement from the home supporters, York’s composure paid off – giving them the overall victory in the mixed contest.

The history of the competition dictates that the home side usually emerges victorious, but after a convincing victory over St John in the Varsity contest earlier this season, York will be looking to go against the grain and win away from home for the first time in six years.

Lancaster have built an early lead so far, gaining a 16 – 4 advantage with a strong performance in the rowing events that took place last weekend. The senior men’s four triumphed in their race, but York’s other crews were beaten by a more experienced Lancaster squad with better knowledge of the lines of the river.

York’s strength historically lies in the indoor sports such as Badminton, Volleyball and Basketball and they may be left to regret Lancaster not fielding a men’s Volleyball team, depriving York of a likely four points.

However, strong seasons from the men’s and women’s Rugby 1st teams and the men’s football 1sts, all of whom reached their respective BUSA knockout competitions, means that hopes will be high in the sports that are generally considered to be Lancaster strengths.

When asked about York’s chances in the much anticipated Rugby confrontation, AU President Jo Carter told Nouse: “I am going to stick my neck out and say that we have a very good chance of winning the rugby this year, both the men’s and women’s.”

Elsewhere, Hockey will be a key battle due to the large number of points riding on it, and if either University gains a significant advantage on the Astroturf it could be pivotal for the overall outcome.

With the BUSA standings putting York significantly ahead of Lancaster 73 – 35, hopes are high in the away camp that a rare victory can be achieved and that York can bring back the Carter-James trophy and lead overall for the first time since 1973.

York believed that they had gained promotion from League 3B after a six game winning streak was capped off with a 4-0 win against Sterling, but were told that they were required to compete in a playoff after organisational errors meant that too many teams had been assigned to the league that York had been promoted to.

After an agonising 2-1 defeat in extra time to Central Lancashire in the BUSA Cup on February 27, York’s men had reason to be anxious – but captain Dominic O’Shea was optimistic in the lead up to the match: “The pitch looks good, we’ve got a strong side here and we’ve got to keep our minds on the positives”.

York seemed tentative at the kick off, allowing Newcastle to attack early – gaining a corner in the first few minutes. However, the away side had the first real chance of the game on the ten minute mark when O’Shea threaded a through ball behind the Newcastle centre backs to Ed Murrills who miscued his shot, leaving the ball to fall tamely into the keeper’s gloves.

As the first half continued, Newcastle were seen to be playing for the long ball instead of attempting to play the ball into feet. This was fruitless for the most part, with York’s defence staying alert to the danger.

The breakthrough came after half an hour, when a continued spell of pressure from York led to two successive corners. The accurate delivery of the second corner led Andy Rixon to utilise his height advantage to rise above everyone else, slotting a powerful header into the back of the net.
In the final minutes of the first half York looked to be composed, keeping the ball in midfield, focusing on possession and remaining wary of Newcastle’s frequent attempts to lift a cross over their defensive line.

During the half time break, York were advised by their captain to maintain their composure and not to sit back in the match and become complacent. As the second half began, it became clear that Newcastle had changed their tactics – playing more balls through to feet and attempting a more structured build- up play.

This differing style began to pay off as Newcastle created a succession of chances in the early going, the best of which coming when York’s central defenders were left momentarily flat footed, although the Newcastle striker could only manage to pull his shot across goal, narrowly missing the target.

Frustration began to set in for Newcastle, who began to admonish the officials for every decision that didn’t go their way. This frustration was also evident in Newcastle’s tackling, which became more aggressive and less controlled as the second half went on. The home side’s highly strung attitude led to the game opening up, with both sides finding space through the centre of the pitch. It was Newcastle however, who were able to convert – bundling the ball into the net after a scrappy exchange inside York’s six yard box.

Newcastle’s celebrations were short lived, as York regained their advantage within a minute of the restart – Ed Murrills capitalising on his opportunity in front of goal. In the final minutes, O’Shea changed the York formation from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 to successfully stifle Newcastle’s attempts down both wings and see the match out to the final whistle.

After the match, O’Shea said: “It’s great to pick up the win here. We kept our composure and were the better team on the day. We’ve had a much better season than they have and deserved to be promoted.”

York hope to continue their winning league form next season in League 2B.

In a society where paper, pigeons and postmen have become expendable commodities, data transfer via Her Majesty’s interweb has become the norm. Which of course means that the humble computer has to take the blame for anything that goes wrong. The person responsible for sending out the emails is not likely to face any form of reprimand for his or her actions, but I imagine the PC or Mac in their office is getting a damned good rollocking – and so it should.

It seems as though computers have been screwing things up for us for years now. Those people who play video games on a regular basis will insist vehemently that just when they are about to turn the game around and “hand out some serious ownage”, the controller stops working and they can’t play properly.

In all seriousness, the person responsible for this error should actually be held accountable. Action should definitely be taken to make sure that something like this doesn’t happen again.
The Counselling Service has lost the trust of many students and staff over this issue, who in their time of need may feel that they have to look elsewhere for support that won’t be made public by some bumbling idiot on a computer.

When commenting on the debacle, Student Support Services Manager, Steve Page, ironically refused to name the person responsible for informing 344 people of everyone who was receiving counselling. All is not lost however, as I imagine that if we keep a close eye on our inboxes, the guilty party will erroneously send out an email letting everyone know exactly who they are soon enough.