Images: Philippa Grafton

A superb comeback from Leeds Metropolitan seconds earned them the points on 22 Acres today and ended York’s unbeaten start to the season. A great start had seen the White Rose go 17-0 up but the visitors stormed back into the match and a late penalty from fly-half Ross McIntosh sealed a 20-17 victory.

York were first to strike with stand-in scrum half Will Peters going over the try line. Peters, deputising for the injured Will Ward, went over from close range to make it 5-0. Fly Half Tomasz Chadwick added the extras to put the hosts 7-0 up.

It was soon 12-0 and and it was captain James Faktor with the points. An up-and-under bounced favourably for York and second-row Sam Lord did extremely well to pick up, his pass was measured to perfection, finding Faktor who did the rest.

York were playing some superb rugby and coach Kerry Wood was impressed with what he was seeing. Every aspect of their play was impressive and the visitors appeared rattled. One area of particular domination was the pack and the big men did their stuff to earn York another score, a catch and drive lineout seeing Campbell Paton rumble over the whitewash.

At 17-0 York were well in control but just before half-time the away side began to get back into the contest. A spell of exerted pressure meant Faktor’s side were on the back-foot and scrum-half Ollie Simcox went over to make it 17-7 at the break and slightly change both side’s team talks.

The second half started as the first finished with Leeds Met on top. York’s superb start had hit the buffers and it was the visitors who were growing in confidence. 17-7 became 17-12 as Matt Marskell demonstrated some strong running to go over in the corner and not long after things were all square.

This time it was Matt Keen who went over and on this occasion York were the authors of their own demise. A kick over the top fell to winger Ben Turner but his pass inside was intercepted by Keen and he just had enough pace to touch down. The subsequent conversion was missed leaving the game brilliantly poised at 17-17.

York went on the offensive looking for the win but Leeds Met threatened as well. It was the away side who edged in front, McIntosh knocking over to make it 20-17. The last ten minutes were all about York trying to get ahead but, barring a penalty that was kicked to the corner, there were few clear-cut opportunities to make the match theirs.

The game ended with Leeds Met still ahead and with it went York’s 100% record this season. The home side had started so well but they couldn’t maintain their dominance and Leeds Met displayed why they are one of the best sporting universities in the country.

Captain James Faktor was unsurprisingly disappointed to lose but couldn’t blame his players for their effort: “We came in at half-time and Woody (Coach Kerry Wood) and I were saying we had been pretty much faultless. After that we couldn’t pick anything else up, it was perhaps a touch of complacency on our part. We took our foot off the gas but they were quality outside as well, we tend to deal very well with big sides who hit us hard up-front but they were impressive in the backs.”

With hindsight the late penalty could have been used as an avenue to kick at goal, level the scores and go again but Faktor explained the thinking behind kicking for touch: “Two of our tries had come from drives, we were confident we could do it again but they stood firm. The kick was no gimme either, and the last one hadn’t gone so well. I spoke to Tomasz and he said ‘let’s go for the corner’. It was always going to be a risky call.

“Credit to them though, their defence really held up. We’ll get back on the training pitch, keep working and hopefully we’ll come back stronger.”

George Wissen, Gregor Morris, Fraser Kirkly, Jordan Huey-Abbott, Sam Lord, Adam Gaskill, Sam Morrison, James Faktor, Will Peters, Tomasz Chadwick, Gabriel Adebiyi, Matt Pollen, Will Sharp, Ben Turner, Richard Bremner.

Subs: Greg Walsh, Campbell Paton, James Arnold, Tim Ross, Hugo Watson, Matt Durrah.

A scrappy yet competitive first half saw a Joe Cooper try eventually break the deadlock for Alcuin, outside centre James Evans then added another five points on the half hour mark with a weaving run through the Vanbrugh defensive line, with Marinus Marin putting over the conversion. Vanbrugh still had reason for optimism at half-time, the score line still at 12-0.

However with injuries hitting hard and Alcuin going up a gear, Vanbrugh began to struggle. Marin made a clever line break before releasing Andy Thompson to swan dive under the posts. The game started to be played almost exclusively inside Vanbrugh’s half, the Vanbrugh men doing well on one occasion to prevent a mighty Alcuin maul from crashing over the try line.

It actually took a gift from the Vanbrugh backs for Alcuin to score again; when Vanbrugh tried to run the ball out from their own five metre line, they calamitously knocked on; allowing Muzzy Foley to pounce on the loose ball and dive over.

The game now looked firmly won at 26-0, but credit must go to Vanbrugh for soldiering on. They did look to be building a period of pressure in the Alcuin 22 midway through the second half, only for fantastic work by Alex Wilson to produce a turnover which quickly turned into a counter attack as Marin once again ran at the Vanbrugh defence.

Sam Asfahani reeled off from the subsequent scrum and offloaded to Aidan Woodcock who dived into the corner. Further tries from Foley and Asfahani completed the route.

Alcuin can be pleased with a dominant performance and an impressive score line, meanwhile a Vanbrugh team attempting to deal with incorporating a great deal of new players is clearly left with a lot to work on, but they can take heart from their first-half competitiveness. Foley, the Alcuin captain, stated simply “we’re very pleased with the win”.

Another captain who would have been impressed with his side’s performance is Derwent’s stand-in skipper Freddy Harris. With regular leader Tolga Necar sidelined due to illness Harris saw his side to a 51-0 win over Goodricke.

A hat-trick from Will Hardwick, braces apiece for Josh Clewes and Daniel Corne, and tries from Charlie Clark and Seb Cowell de Gruchy were more than enough for the side in blue as they eased to a comfortable victory.

Hardwick was the first to cross the whitewash, following a good break from Charlie Clark and soon after Clewes and Corne had added tries of their own.

Second row Cowell de Gruchy then showed a turn of pace, allied with a display of strength, to add five more points and before the whistle was blown for the end of the first half there was time for Corne’s second try, going over in the corner after more good hands by the Derwent backline.

Goodricke had enjoyed very little of possession or territory in the first period and as soon as play resumed it was clear the pattern wasn’t going to change. Hardwick went over for his second and his side’s sixth before winger Charlie Clark got his name on the scoresheet.

Will Hardwick’s hat-trick made it 44-0 to Derwent before Clewes bundled his way over for the ninth try of the match, following some strong work from prop Rob Johnson.

Captain Freddy Harris was very impressed with his side’s performance: “I’m really happy. Technically, it was one of the best performances I’ve seen from any College Rugby side. The freshers we have were absolutely outstanding; I was blown away by the quality on show. We’ve got James in a few weeks and that’s going to be an absolutely huge game.”

Images: Philippa Grafton

The last time the rugby teams of York and Lancaster went up against each other they did so in front of a crowd of 3,000 people as part of a thrilling Friday night of Roses. When they kicked off yesterday, watched by approximately thirty people, the game had a very different feel to it – a point underlined by the fact that running the line was Will Sharp’s dad, persuaded to help out just as the whistle was being blown.

Nevertheless the result was the same with York putting in a fine second-half display to overpower their opponents and win comfortably 29-13.

It was the visitors, no longer sporting their let’s-all-look-ridiculous-together bleached blonde hair, who started the strongest, enjoying much of the possession and the territory with York struggling to grab a foothold in the game. Their cause was not helped by the referee who failed to endear himself to the York faithful throughout the match, often blowing up for penalties that the White Rose was less than impressed about.

Lancaster went ahead via the boot of Luke Flanagan, converting his second attempt at a penalty. The referee then risked the wrath of the home side even further, sin-binning centre Matt Pollen and reducing the hosts to 14 men. Flanagan doubled his side’s lead soon after, dropping a goal to make it 6-0.

Captain James Faktor’s side stood firm despite being a man down and after a Lancaster player joined Pollen in the bin for hands in the ruck the hosts struck back with a superb score. Gabriel Adebiyi received the ball near his own try line, put on a demonstration of his lightning pace before releasing flanker Adam Gaskell who impressed with gas of his own to touch down and reduce the away side’s lead to just one point.

Another drop goal, this time from York’s Will Peters, put the hosts ahead but Lancaster came back strong and went into the lead ahead through prop and captain Wilf Whittle. The big man showed an impressive turn of pace, allied with some more evident strength, to barrel over from just inside the 22 and when the extras were added Lancaster were up 13-8 at half-time.

The first forty minutes had been Lancaster’s, in truth, but after the interval it was all about York. Their first of three tries in the second period did come thanks to a slice of luck but once it had been scored York looked resolute and offered no avenue back for the away side.

A high kick bounced fortuitously for York and, after some great work by Matt Pollen, winger Ben Turner went over for the try. Fresher Tomasz Chadwick, who looks an impressive addition to the side, added an impressive conversion from the touchline. The next ten minutes were all York, but Lancaster defended bravely and stood firm, keeping the score at 15-13 to the White Rose.

The game then took a twist and once again it was at the behest of the referee, sin-binning York’s captain James Faktor. A player down and with just a two-point lead the pressure was on York but they were hard-working and professional and didn’t look like conceding in the ten minutes that they played with 14.

The game was wrapped up in the last ten minutes in impressive fashion. Firstly a great break by the powerful Greg Walsh set up scrum-half Will Ward who went over for five more points before some more impressive work by Pollen saw full-back Richard Bremner cross the whitewash to seal the game.

New captain James Faktor was pleased with his side’s performance, their second victory in two games: “I’m pleased with the second win on the bounce. I told the players to forget about Roses, this game was all about getting points on the board for our promotion push.

“The Freshers did well, we haven’t clicked yet but we’re always improving. It’s a pattern we often see, teams hitting us hard early on before our fitness, tactics and hands see us fight back in the second half. We have a great chance of going up, the quality of Freshers is very high, some third years said the trial was the best they’ve ever seen.”

York’s starting XV
1. Rishi Naidoo
2. Gregor Morris
3. Fraser Campbell
4. Jordan Huey Abbott
5. Sam Lord
6. Adam Gaskell
7. Sam Morrison
8. James Faktor (c)
9. Will Ward
10. Will Peters
11. Gabriel Adebiyi
12. Matt Pollen
13. Will Sharp
14. Ben Turner
15. Richard Bremner

With important players leaving for both sides the matches were an opportunity for players to stake a claim for a place in the side, and they gave the new captains a chance to run the rule over their squads for the upcoming season.

The men’s side were up first, playing against a St John side that returned to University two weeks before and the visitors’ extra sharpness was evident, starting much the stronger of the two sides and keeping goalkeeper Sam Harriman busy.

The hosts were guilty of playing themselves into trouble on a few occasions in the first half, and as the away side pushed forward, another attack was thwarted only by a great tackle by Harry Bercis.

The main man for York in the first half was Harriman, who made a number of fine saves to keep the scores locked at 0-0.

York did begin to get into the match more but their rustiness was evident throughout and it was no surprise when Ben Bull put St John ahead; some good work from Rob Chamberlain earned him some room and his attempt was deflected in by the well-placed Bull. Chamberlain himself then doubled his side’s lead, tapping in after another Harriman save.

New captain Henry Meller, who found himself in the role of Umpire in the first half, was instrumental in York’s reply. Taking the ball on the left he found a superb pass, the ball finding its way to James Wilson who reduced arrears. It wasn’t to be York’s day however as St John scored a third in the closing minutes, Dom Firth making it 3-1 at the final whistle.

Captain Meller wasn’t too down, despite the scoreline: “It was what I expected. It’s the first competitive game we’ve had, we’ve come back quite late and only just started training. There were only three of four first teamers on display, their superior fitness told and, credit to them, they deserved the win.”

There was much better news for the women’s firsts, however, as they cruised to a 4-0 win. Obviously the better side right from the off, they made their dominance pay and the win would have put them in good stead for the season ahead.

Hannah Gage, who with Sally Warrington, takes over from Charlie Bartlett as the team’s captain opened the scoring to make it 1-0. With the experienced Imy Eldergill-Storm and Emily Lucas still pulling the strings it looks like it could be a very promising season for York’s women, and it was Eldergill-Storm who threatened next, hitting the bar from the edge of the D. Jill Mercer made it 2-0 before half-time and Eldergill-Storm added a third. With time running out Mercer doubled her tally to leave the final score 4-0.

Gage was suitably impressed with her side’s performance: “I’m very happy with the result. It’s a really positive start but we’ve still got lots to work on for the season.”

The collegiate system means anybody can have a go if they want, read our guide to College Sport here.

If however that isn’t your thing you might fancy your chances of representing the Black and Gold. York has fifteen sports that compete in BUCS leagues, short for British Universities and College Sport. Throughout the year they do battle against other Northern universities, predominantly on Wednesdays.

Those sports that compete in BUCS are badminton, basketball, cricket, fencing, football, golf, hockey, lacrosse, netball, rugby union, squash, table tennis, volleyball and water polo.

There are countless other sports that also compete with other universities, with the pool & snooker club being one of the University’s most profitable in terms of points. Head to the Union’s website to see the whole list.

As well as BUCS action there are two big sporting events throughout the year. The first is Varsity, traditionally this has seen York go up against city rivals York St. John but last year the opposition was provided by Hull.

The second big event of the year is Roses. This taps into the history between Lancaster and Yorkshire with the universities of York and Lancaster battling it out over three days. It’s a bit like Varsity, only the weather is nicer, it’s a lot more exciting, more people take part and it matters more. You can see our coverage of last year’s Roses here to get an idea about what it’s all about.

Teams at York enjoyed some success last year. The major high points were resounding victories in both Varsity and Roses but there were triumphs too for individual teams. The men’s lacrosse firsts won the BUCS Northern Conference Cup final, while the men’s table tennis did the same. The team of the year though were the women’s basketball firsts. They won promotion from BUCS Northern Conference 3B, winning all their games on their way, and they sealed Roses glory for the University.

There’s an overall BUCS league, don’t you know, in which York are 48th out of 145 – above Anglia Ruskin, if you were wondering.

If you feel you could improve York’s ranking, or just want to have a good time on the pitch/astro/court/insert arena of sport, then trials will be held in Freshers’ Week. Get involved!

There’s not much more to say, so we’ll leave you with a few quotes from some of York’s sportspeople about what sport at the Uni means to them.

“You always feel part of the team, whether its during a tense competition or during a night out, and I feel that this is what makes sport at York truly special. It’s up to you as the individual to decide how serious you take it, and no matter what, being involved in sport will definitely make your university experience more memorable.” – Liam Woodcock, University of York Waterpolo and Swimming Club.

“York sport has been a thoroughly enriching experience; a wonderful mesh of competitiveness, comradeship, fitness and socialising. I would have never met my best friends had I not joined York sport.” – Liz Chan, University of York Women’s Lacrosse Club.

We’ve also made a few predictions for the opening weekend’s fixtures so we can be openly mocked sooner rather than later. Get involved, have your own say and make a few outrageous claims of your own. Danny Shittu to be top scorer? Arsenal to finish in the lower half of the table? Kieron Dyer to play two games in a row? It could all happen…

Jake Farrell

Champions – Manchester United. Fergie’s team were imperious last season and this year the gum chewing, heart-attack-waiting-to-happen Glaswegian has strengthened his squad more intelligently than any transfer window in recent memory. Ashley Young is an especially impressive capture, and the £15 million paid for the Villa man in comparison with the higher sums paid for lesser players such as Stewert Downing may prove to be one of the steals of the season.

Phil Jones is also a bargain at £19 million and looks to have the talent that could see him captain club and country in the future. His understanding with the similarly exceptional Chris Smalling could be important, especially as Rio Ferdinand’s injury problems persist. These factors coupled with the the emergence of homegrown talent like Tom Cleverly mean United are far more future orientated, with many valued servants but lesser players heading towards the exit in exchange for healthy sums. If Rooney stays fit and Hernazdez continues his rapid growth into one of the best out and out strikers in World football United could prove nigh on unstoppable.

The top four – Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal. Andre Villas Boas is a progressive appointment in the manager’s position at Chelsea but a lack of investment beyond the Belgian wunderkind Romelu Lukaku will stymie the Blue’s title ambtions. The Luka Modric deal seems to have run out of steam and without a bustling, creative presence at the heart of their midfield Chelsea will continue to be robust but impotent.

City, meanwhile, are not short on investment but are short on cohesion and spirit. Sergio Aguero is a superb investment and is a less selfish presence in the dressing room than his pugnacious compatriot Carlos Tevez, whilst also simply being a better player. A less than settled midfield around the little magician David Silva is also not conducive to a title push. Expect them to floruish in fits and starts whilst constantly being buffeted by the high winds of Mario Ballotelli’s intense stupidity.

Arsenal may well thrive with their want-away captain finally away but not many teams, let alone the North Londoners, can easiliy replace such a talent. They may be more comfortable without the saga surrounding them and Gervinho looks a good player but this is not the year that they get their hands back on the title. It may be the year that, stepping into Cesc’s shoes, Jack Wilshere confirms himself as the best young player in Europe or that, if Scott Dann puts pen to paper, certain defensive frailties are solved but Champions League football is really the best the Gunners can hope for.

Relegated – Swansea, Blackburn, Norwich. For all the Romance of Swansea’s ascent to the Premier League it would be some acheivement if they stayed up. They have little quality in their squad and will struggle even give the managerial powers of Brenden Rogers. Blackburn could find themselves in a difficult situation as well having little money to add to their squad and a poor manager who commands neither the respect of their players or fans. Norwich have invested in risky hopes such as Steve Morison who may find the chasm between Championship and Premier League a little too far to leap. Last year a large proportion of their fire power came from Grant Holt, a man simply not good enough at the highest level. If a big to middling club sacks their manager early then they could also lose their prize asset, manager Paul Lambert, as the Scotsman is an outstanding manager.

Surprise Package - Tottenham – Harry’s boys could have a surprising season- and not in a good way. They failed to qualify for the Champions League and while their rivals have strengthened, notably Liverpool, they have stood still. Add into the mix that their stand out player Luka Modric is unsettled and wants to leave and things begin to look tough. European football of any description would be an acheivment as even teams like Aston Villa and Everton will hope to have better seasons, along with the last season’s top four and Liverpool. If they are faltering come January expect a raft of Gareth Bale transfer stories and Harry Redknapp’s status as heir to Capello’s throne to look more and more fragile.

Golden Boot – Javier Hernandez. The Little Pea will get more game time this year and will undoubtedly improve on his already impressive return from last season. An instinctive finisher who boasts frigteningly good movement he will take some beating if Manchester United go on a run and he is greedily accepting the deliveries of Young, Valencia, Nani and Rooney.

Henry Cowen

Champions – All the smart money is on Manchester United but, predominantly for the sake of having something to argue about with Jake, I’m going for Chelsea. In many ways we don’t know what Chelsea will produce, and the chances are that Sir Alex Ferguson’s regime will crush Villas Boas like it has Avram Grant and Carlo Ancelotti, but the word is that the former Porto boss is something special. He’s already broken several records and let’s not forget he does have quite a team at his disposal. Maybe, just maybe, it could be there year.

Top Four – Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool. The top four is practically a trophy in itself these days – something that has doubtless kept the Arsenal fans extremely happy throughout the last few seasons. Man Utd will push Chelsea all the way, that is of course if they don’t walk the title themselves. Fergie has bought superbly over the summer and Ashley Young might turn out to be a star of the season.

Roberto Mancini, whose neck is permanently hidden behind a scarf, led his side to FA Cup final victory last year and his brief this year is to fight for the title. I don’t think the side he has created are quite good enough to do that yet but a top four spot is well within their grasp.

Liverpool have spent big and Luis Suarez looks like a quality player. Owner John W. Henry has made it clear he wants Champions League and I reckon King Kenny will deliver.

Relegated – Wigan, QPR, Blackburn. I tipped Wigan for relegation last year and they survived and, to be honest, they’ll probably stay up again. That being said it wouldn’t be a Premier League season if Wigan weren’t tipped to be relegated. The loss of Charles N’Zogbia could be massive.

QPR have kept Adel Taarabt which will help them in their fight to avoid the drop but their defence looks weak and I doubt they’ll do much away from Loftus Road, especially given the fact that Neil Warnock’s job already appears to be under pressure.

Blackburn are a tricky one, they struggled under Steve Kean last year and I think it will be much of the same this year – especially if they lose Chris Samba. It will be interesting to see whether David Goodwillie will score any goals.

Surprise Package – Norwich. As much as it pains to me to say it as an ardent Ipswich fan, Paul Lambert is a very good manager. He has put together a very decent squad that will remain competitive all season. At home they will be a very tough proposition and Lambert has bought young, keen players whose careers are on the way up. I want them to come down with a record low points total but I think they’ll finish somewhere between mid-table and 17th.

Golden Boot – Once again I will go for Fernando Torres. He has a lot to prove and he isn’t even assured of a place in the starting XI – not necessarily the makings of a great season. The Torres of last season bears no resemblance to the Torres of a few years ago; if he can recapture his old form he’ll be somewhere near the top of the scoring charts.

Opening Weekend Predictions

Blackburn 1-1 Wolves
Fulham 2-1 Aston Villa
Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland
QPR 0-2 Bolton
Wigan 1-1 Norwich
Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
Stoke 0-1 Chelsea
WBA 0-3 Man Utd
Man City 4-0 Swansea

Images: Peter Iveson, Philippa Grafton & The Nouse Sport Team

The men’s cricket firsts’ cup run came to an end today as they went down by five wickets to Liverpool John Moores university.

Having won the toss captain James Oldham opted to bat first on a swelteringly hot day but his side were soon in a spot of bother as both openers, Fraser Crawford and Alex McDonald, found themselves back in the hutch with the score on only 16.

Joel Hughes, the hero in the semi-final, set about building a platform for his side with Roses centurion Andy Kirkwood but when he drove straight to mid-on York were reeling at 39-3.

The onus was then on Kirkwood and new batsman Nick Townson but Kirkwood edged behind and departed for 8 leaving the re-building to Townson and captain Oldham.

The two did their best to revive the White Rose’s innings but the introduction of spin into the attack suffocated the side and the innings collapsed from 92-4 to 147 all out. The first to go was Oldham, bowled for 32.

Townson clipped straight to mid-wicket to exit the arena for 21 before Memon and new batsman Ben Cooke had a mix-up that saw the former run out. At 115-7 it was desperate for York, especially having opted to bat first.

The tail refused to go down without a fight, with the last four wickets adding 49 runs, but nobody was able to make the big score the situation warranted. Cooke and Felgate both perished in the search for runs before an entertaining Charlie Alsop cameo, belying his number 11 status, saw a lovely six struck over the bowler’s head. Alsop was dismissed for 12 however and York’s total of 147 seemed on the light side.

This proved to be true as the Liverpool John Moores batsmen made light work of the target set for them, knocking the runs off with overs to spare, despite the best efforts of the York attack.

The vistitors’ openers Tom Smithson and Robbie Lambert proceeded serenely before two wickets from Oldham reminded them there was a game on. Lambert went first, trapped in front, before Smithson edged to Alsop in the gully.

Unlike their own innings however the York bowlers were able only to take wickets in pairs and not clusters, meaning Liverpool were always able to recover from the loss of a batsman whereas York never seemed to have a batsman set at the crease for long enough to make a difference.

That difference was exemplified by the innings of Liverpool’s Paul Farrar, coming in with the score at 34-2 he did nothing flashy but left with a nicely constructed 54 and his side much nearer to victory. His dismissal prompted brief excitement, especially with Arif Asif having his stumps dismantled for 3 so soon after, but Chris Kirkby and Hamish Dunlop saw their side over the line to secure the trophy.

York captain James Oldham stressed that on another day it could have been them tasting victory but today things just didn’t quite go their way: “I thought we had the side to win it but we just didn’t get enough runs. We put up a good fight at the end but, maybe if a few decisions had gone our way we could have got a few more wickets, put them under a bit more pressure, but we just didn’t have enough runs.”

Oldham’s side have nevertheless enjoyed a fine season, with today’s loss being their only defeat of the season in a campaign which has seen them top the league and fall narrowly short of cup success.

Images: Peter Iveson

Halifax vindicated their favourites tag by beating Derwent 2-0 today to win the College Cup.

A tight game seemed to be heading for penalties before a controversial penalty decision againt Derwent keeper Seb Treasure saw Conor Brennan step up to make it 1-0. With time running out Alex Tringham curled home a lovely free-kick to make it 2-0 and end the game as a contest.

As is the pattern for most games in the knock-out stages of the College Cup it was a nervous affair with chances few and far between. The first half especially was cagey with neither side wanting to give anything away.

A poor kick from Treasure nearly gifted Halifax an opening in the game’s first half-chance while at the other end Jon Garness teed up Dan Atherton whose strike travelled wide of the post.

Matt Hallam then broke down the left for the side in blue and black but he couldn’t find the pass. Tringham shot wide for Halifax and an Atherton free-kick, his first of three in the match, cleared the woodwork.

Halifax then began to dictate terms slightly, enjoying three chances before the half-time interval. Captain Tom Ragan, who endured a constant battle against centre-back Josh Baines, had the first, his shot going straight at Treasure. The Derwent stopper was at it again moments later as Tringham broke into the box near the by-line but his shot across goal was palmed away by keeper.

With the half-time whistle looming, and the scores still deadlocked at 0-0, Halifax nearly took the lead. Midfielder Jacob Tapper was dispossessed on the edge of his own area and Brennan’s shot was parried out by Treasure, with a tap-in on the cards Joe Boughtflower did superbly well to nip in and steal the ball, keeping the game level.

After the break it was much of the same with Halifax pushing forward and Derwent threatening on the break. Another Atherton free-kick was sent over the bar and left-back Matt Worsfold, Derwent’s man of the match, nearly scored a very unlikely opener with a cross-come-shot that almost deceived Jonny Sim between the Halifax posts.

Tom Day then curled an attempt wide for the Fax as they endeavoured to find the opener. Their next attempt was as near as they would come until their first goal as Ash Daly hit a free-kick from well outside the area that cannoned back off the bar.

With little over ten minutes left the game got its first goal, and with it its first major talking point. A Day attempt was pushed out by Treasure who then left his line in an attempt to deny Jack Beadle. He got the ball but in doing so upended Beadle and the referee pointed to the spot, to trigger cries of contrasting emotion from the two sets of supporters. While Treasure was perhaps reckless in leaving his line and diving in the decision certainly looked unfair, nevertheless Brennan stepped up to fire home and make it 1-0.

Derwent were now a side who felt they had been unfairly treated and they streamed forward in search of an equaliser, a free-kick caused some confusion in the Halifax box but the defence, marshalled by the imperious Dan Turley and Dom Petschak, stood firm to maintain ‘Fax’s lead.

Halifax then got their second of the game, the goal that ended the tie as a contest, and this time there were no question marks about it. Left-back Alex Tringham, who enjoyed a fine game, curled home a lovely free-kick from the near touchline and sent the Halifax fans, still in last night’s ‘World Tour’ outfits, into delirium.

Derwent weren’t done yet and continued pushing for an unlikely avenue back into the match, Garness and Atherton both had half-chances but the fairytale ending – for them at least – wasn’t about to come true and the final whistle blew with Halifax victorious.

Boughtflower was understandably low following a final defeat but he praised his side for their work-ethic and for their highly successful season: “I think we matched them, we’re the first team to really stand up to them. We looked threatening, especially on the break, and then the penalty happened and it threw us off course. We lost to two set-pieces which is disappointing. We’ve had a great season though, only losing two games, and our effort has been superb”.

His counterpart Tom Ragan was similarly proud of his side but much happier with the outcome of the final: “I’m just really, really happy. We’ve had three years of being told we’re the best, and we’ve turned it around today. We’ve had two solid terms but we’ve brought it all together with the Uni boys this term. It was a good final, a really good final, it was a battle between the best two sides in the tournament, I don’t think you can argue with that. I’m just very happy.”

Derwent firsts: Seb Treasure, Joe Boughtflower, Josh Baines, Dom Henney, Matt Worsfold, Jake Farrell, Matt Hallam, Jacob Tapper, Steve Walwyn, Dan Atherton, Jon Garness. Unused substitute: Will de Silva.

Man of the Match: Matt Worsfold

Halifax firsts: Jonny Sim, Mark Lund (Tom Patrickson), Dan Turley, Dom Petschak, Alex Tringham, Ash Daly, Matt Mawdesley, Tom Day, Jack Beadle, Conor Brennan, Tom Ragan (Elliot Ragan)

Man of the Match: Tom Day

Images: Peter Iveson

A superb hat-trick from Dan Atherton earned Derwent a thumping 4-1 victory over Halifax seconds in today’s College Cup semi-final.

A fraught affair saw Luke Charles and Alex Bone of Halifax sent-off and Derwent awarded two penalties, both of which they converted.

The first half of the game gave no indication of the drama to follow as neither side were able to carve out any clear-cut opportunities. Derwent, missing Xander Brinkworth, David Kirk and Andy Jeffreys, lined up with tournament top goalscorer Jon Garness up top and last season’s captain Dom Henney alongside Josh Baines at the back, and it was Baines who had the first Derwent chance of the match, heading over a Matt Hallam free-kick at the far post.

Luke Charles had earlier curled a free-kick over the bar for his side and Halifax tested out Seb Treasure in the Derwent net again when Elliot Ragan pounced on a loose ball outside the box only to shoot straight at the keeper.

Soon after Halifax nearly took the lead following a corner via an acrobatic Mark Lund overhead kick but his attempt went wide of the post, much to the disappointment of the crowd.

Ragan and Atherton then exchanged chances of their own with the Halifax man speculatively firing high and wide and the Derwent striker going closer with his effort but still to no avail. With time running out in the first half the team in blue and black broke out from a corner but Garness was unable to find his strike-partner Atherton.

The game exploded into life after the interval with Derwent taking the lead from the penalty spot. Atherton broke down the right and put in a cross aimed for Garness, it was intercepted by defender Alex Simon but unfortunately for him and his side he had slid and referee Dan Horsfall had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Nav Jabarkhyl stepped up and cooly slotted home to make it 1-0 to the firsts side.

Halifax were soon back on level terms however following an uncharacteristic mistake from Seb Treasure; an effort lacking any power was hit straight at him but the keeper fumbled, allowing Hamish Denham to poke home and level arrears.

The end-to-end nature of the second half was demonstrated as minutes later Derwent found themselves 2-1 up again. Halifax keeper Dean Hanson attempted to deal with a long ball over the top but a deflection saw him handball it outside the area. Halifaxers on the touchline argued that their man could have done nothing to get his hands out of the way but nevertheless Atherton stepped up to curl in a lovely free-kick into the top corner of Hanson’s net.

Derwent’s confidence now clearly buoyed they nearly made it three. Another Hallam corner found Baines at the far post but his header was cleared off the line by the well-placed Ben Rea, Hallam followed up but his effort cleared the bar.

Luke Charles then fired over from long-distance before Halifax began to get themselves in trouble with the ref, with both Alex Simon and Sam Dempster finding themselves in the book.

With the ‘Fax pushing for an equaliser they introduced Andy Wallace and Fraser Moyle and the latter so nearly made an instant impact, heading over at the far post when he perhaps should have done better. The two then almost combined again but Moyle slid as he attempted to latch on to Wallace’s through ball.

With time running out Halifax were then reduced to ten men as Charles was dismissed for his second booking after felling Jacob Tapper. It was now desperate for Harry Pearson’s side and the final nail in their coffin was nailed in with Atherton’s second of the match. Keeper Dean Hanson had been sent up for a corner but, after the ball was cleared, Atherton was able to strike home an effort from the half-way line. The goal may have been vacant but Atherton’s ability to control his effort from such a long distance was impressive and it secured his side’s route to the final.

That wasn’t all though as in the last minute Halifax were reduced to nine men and Derwent added a fourth. The pacey Garness was found by a brilliant Seb Treasure throw and right back Alex Bone, in his attempts to get back, clipped the striker’s heels. Garness’ touch had been heavy and he most probably wouldn’t have scored but the damage was done and, after Bone had received his marching orders, Atherton stepped up to get his third of the day.

Halifax skipper Harry Pearson was deflated at the end of such a great cup run but was quick to praise his side: “I’m pretty devastated. Some of the decisions in the match make the defeat pretty hard to take, it’s not the way you want to lose and it makes the defeat a lot harder to take. I’m so proud of my team and it’s a shame it couldn’t be an all-Halifax final.”

His counterpart Joe Boughtflower was particularly impressed with his side’s showing: “I thought we came out and really lifted our intensity today. I think their game was to try and match us but we really lifted it. We worked really hard, we had a few injuries but our quality was still good. It was a battling performance but that’s what we do well.”

Boughtflower and his side will take on Tom Ragan’s Halifax firsts in the final, the date of which is yet to be decided.

Derwent firsts: Seb Treasure, Joe Boughtflower, Josh Baines, Dom Henney, Matt Worsfold, Nav Jabarkhyl, Jacob Tapper, Matt Hallam, Jake Farrell, Dan Atherton, Jon Garness. Unused substitute: Will de Silva.

Man of the Match: Dan Atherton

Halifax seconds: Dean Hanson, Alex Bone, Alex Simon, Tom Patrickson, Alex Dempster (Andy Wallace), Ben Rea, (Fraser Moyle), Mark Lund, Luke Charles, Alex Reid, Elliot Ragan, Hamish Denham. Unused substitute: Harry Pearson

Man of the Match: Luke Charles

While many teams have enjoyed successful campaigns there has been one team that as stood out with a record of near perfection amidst the sporting excellence provided by York Sport societies this year.

The women’s basketball team won BUCS Northern League 3B in style, playing and winning eight fixtures on the way to a perfect season and securing promotion in the process.

A Roses triumph was another welcome success for a team that were simply unstoppable and it was their points that pushed York over the threshold which regained them the Carter-James trophy, a fitting testament to their brilliance and commitment over the course of the season.

Whilst other teams have been mired in controversy off the field and some have under performed on it the women’s basketball team have shown how it’s done. Under the eye of captain Lydie Mariutto they have gone from strength to strength and turned in perhaps the most impressive campaign of any team at the University.

“A sublime first two quarters set the women’s basketball on their way to clinching the Carter-James Trophy for York and capped-off an already wonderful season for the recently promoted side“ >> DAVID AMBROZEJCZYK – YORK 45 – 39 LANCASTER

Commendations: Men’s cricket firsts, men’s table tennis firsts, women’s badminton firsts, men’s lacrosse firsts, women’s hockey firsts, men’s darts firsts

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Andy Kirkwood

You just can’t ignore a Roses centurion. With York up against it in Friday’s other sports Kirkwood strode out with his own side struggling at 63-4 and returned smiling with four points for the White Rose in the bag. His innings helped York to regain some crucial momentum and began to turn the tide in the home side’s favour as Friday ended and Saturday began.

Kirkwood has enjoyed a good season away from Roses as well, in which he won the Ernst and Young Trophy for performance of the weekend, helping his side to the BUCS Cup final and a first placed finish in the league. It could get even better for him and his teammates if they are able to overcome the hurdle of Liverpool John Moores University in the aforementioned cup final next week.

The occasional wicket-keeper gave an interview afterwards in which he stressed how important it was to deliver under pressure for his side, something he did superbly well to seal the win for his team.

“In the 45th over Kirkwood sealed both a century and victory for his side and gained a precious four points for York in what had been Lancaster’s day before his heroics.” >> Henry Cowen – York 238-5 BEAT LANCASTER 237-9

Commendations: Tom Weir, Nick Hall, Laura Pepper, Mike Walsh, Lydie Mariutto, Jenny Eyes

PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Men’s Rugby Firsts

Whilst there have undoubtedly been many superb performances from York’s sporting students this year few would have been able to match the drama and jubilation of the men’s rugby firsts’ 41-38 victory over the University of Leeds men’s seconds.

With just thirty minutes left on the clock York were facing the prospect of losing their long-held unbeaten record in the league on Fortress 22 Acres; 33-10 down and defending a constant stream of Leeds attacks there looked no way back but Tom Weir’s men fought back to seal an unlikely victory.

Tries from captain Weir, James Bennett, Gabriel Adebiyi and Pete Tarrega brought the hosts back to 38-38 and Fly-Half James Mortimer knocked over the decisive penalty to prompt the White Rose celebrations.

The celebrations at the end said it all, it meant an awful lot.

“It was absolutely awful rugby but the bottle and temperament we had was phenomenal…we played awfully for 70 minutes and then in two five minute patches we somehow managed to win the game“ >> TOM WEIR – York 41 – 38 LEEDS SECONDS

Commendations: Men’s darts UDUK win, men’s lacrosse cup win, men’s cricket firsts’ semi-final win, women’s basketball firsts’ Roses win, YUsnow Roses performance, Rowing Roses performance

Images: Peter Iveson and Philippa Grafton

A fine display with the bat and ball from Joel Hughes earned an understrength York a semi-final victory over the University of Bradford and a shot at BUCS Northern Conference Cup glory in next week’s final.

Hughes shone with the ball before proving to be the mainstay of his side’s innings with the bat, coming in with the score at 28-2 and marching off victorious with a half-century under his belt.

Bradford batted first and limped to a seemingly below-par total. 158 all out was certainly less impressive than the visitors’ showing in the previous two rounds, in which they racked up far more formidable totals of 352 and 324.

In truth it was more a case of Bradford losing their wickets than anything else. The first wicket to fall was as unlucky as you can get though, a Charlie Alsop delivery was driven back at him hard and low and he managed to deflect it on to the stumps, running out the non-striker.

From then on it was a parade of Bradford batsmen losing their wickets. Fahid slapped straight to cover off Alsop to leave the visitors two down and Hughes then got in on the act to bowl Khan and leave the away side on 74-3.

After a brief delay for rain the wickets continued to fall. Bradford’s number five Patel seemed unaware of his team’s plight and continued to waft outside his off-stump. His demise was somewhat predictable as he steered a catch to Oscar Wimshurst. The very next ball the situation worsened for Bradford as Hughes trapped Mohammad LBW first ball.

The score progressed to 106 before Bradford lost their next wicket as Akthar was caught by wicket-keeper Richard Hoggart off the bowling of George Richards. Six wickets down Bradford put up some resistance, thanks predominantly to Yugesh Golwalkor, but captain James Oldham returned to the attack to have Golwalkor caught behind and Bradford slumped to 138-7.

Three wickets later it was all over as Richards and spinner Alex McDonald combined to mop up the tail. Bradford’s total of 158 didn’t seem enough, certainly given the anger of their captain and their coach, audibly frustrated at their side’s tendency to give their wicket away.

After tea York’s innings got underway. Devoid of the presence of star man Fraser Crawford it was left to Alex ‘Grimmers’ McDonald and Oscar Wimshurst to open up for the hosts; they started comfortably but with the score on 15 Wimshurst sliced to gully and was well taken.

Soon after it was 28-2 as McDonald was caught and bowled. At this stage Hughes came to crease to join Nick Townson and the two went about rebuilding the White Rose’s innings. Townson in particular played some attractive shots but he scooped a leading edge to square leg to leave York at 59-3.

With the target for victory 100 runs away York still had work to do to secure their cup final berth and it got even harder as captain Oldham went for 1 moments later. Oldham was taking his time, as the situation warranted, but saw a block off a spinner deflect back on to his stumps, despite his best attempts to kick it away.

71-4 became 86-6 as messrs Bugge and Hoggart came and went without too much impact. All of a sudden it was the visitors who were on top, buzzing in the field as they sensed an opportunity to put York under real pressure.

Ben Cooke came to the crease and number 8 and did a brilliant job in keeping Hughes company, the score had progressed to 105 by the time he had been bowled meaning with three wickets left York needed 54 for victory.

With George Richards at the other end Hughes went about calmly finishing off the match. Once he had seen off Bradford’s two most dangerous paceman it was simply a case of picking up singles from the spinners and punishing the bad balls, of which there were plenty for York to prosper.

Bradford’s captain attempted to influence the game as much as possible, delaying on a number of occasions to alter his field meticulously, but it wasn’t to be as Hughes and Richards saw York over the line.

Skipper Oldham was chuffed with his side’s efforts, especially seeing as the line-up lacked a number of the first XI’s key names, including Roses centurion Andy Kirkwood: “I’m delighted to get through to the final of the cup. We finished with a lot of nerves there at the end but we were 105-7 at one point so that 50-run partnership at the end was brilliant. We missed quite a few players today but we still managed to beat a full-strength Bradford side so I’m really happy”.

York will play either Liverpool Hope University or Liverpool John Moores University in next Wednesday’s cup final. A win would cap off a great season that has seen Oldham’s side top their league with a 100% record.

Images: Philippa Grafton

A nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out ended 6-5 to Derwent firsts as Seb Treasure saved Paul Reiss’ decisive kick to send his side through to the semi-finals.

The game had ended 0-0 in normal time with few clear-cut chances in what was a tentative and nervy game. Derwent lined up with a 4-5-1 formation against Alcuin’s 5-3-2 and not conceding seemed to be top of the agenda for both sides, a philosophy that made for a tight 60 minutes.

The opening of the game was very different though as three minutes in Paul Reiss was adjudged to have fouled Derwent’s Xander Brinkworth in the box. Dan Atherton stepped up but his weak penalty was saved by David Ambrozejczyk low to his left.

Ambrozejczyk had returned between the posts with Chris Boyd moving to centre-half and it was a great way for the inimitable Welshman to kick-off his last College Cup match.

An early goal might just have changed the pattern of the game but as it was Alcuin stood toe-to-toe with Derwent and prevented them from carving out any chances. At the other end they enjoyed few chances, a Will Taylor snapshot that flew wide of the post as close as they came.

The same was true for Derwent though who for all their attractive football failed to really threaten Ambrozejczyk. The keeper did impress from Derwent corners and free-kicks where he commanded his area impressively and refused to let the likes of Josh Baines dominate his box.

The big centre-half did enjoy the last half of the chance but it wasn’t from a set piece, following a long throw the ball fell to him twenty yards out but his volley flew into the side-netting.

The second half was similarly tight but there were more chances, at both ends of the pitch. Derwent were the first to threaten as Matt Hallam played through Atherton, initially it appeared he was clean through but Paul Reiss recovered well to clear the danger. His brother Simon, converted to a striker, almost opened the scoring with a header at the other end but it remained goalless.

A sublime ball from Baines then found Jake Farrell, introduced in place of the injured Brinkworth, on the left but his effort went wide of the far post. A Hallam corner, dangerous as ever, fell to Atherton but with the ball coming out of the sky he hit it straight at Ambrozejczyk.

With a quarter of the game remaining Alcuin began to assert themselves more on the occasion and, in truth, perhaps should have won the game in the last minute. Firstly a Will Dodgson cross brought Treasure into action and he did well to punch away under pressure and then with time running out the ball fell to Simon Reiss in the box but his scuffed effort was clawed out by a despairing Treasure, who went on to save the follow-up effort as well. Aside from the penalty it was the clearest chance of the match.

With neither side able to break the deadlock it all came down to penalties. The pressure told as both sides missed their fair share. Out of twenty spot kicks only eleven were scored with most too close to the keeper. As it was it was the attempt of the unfortunate Paul Reiss that ended affairs, not a nice way for a side to exit the tournament.

Alcuin captain Phil Bowers was over the moon with the efforts of his players and warned that this year’s experience will serve to improve his side come next year: “I couldn’t have asked for any more from the team. We defended brilliantly. I knew it would come down to fine margins, at the end of the day it was penalties. I’m so proud of the lads, we were written off at the start of the tournament but we deserved a point against Halifax and would have got a point today. I’m devastated but hopefully today’s match will spur us on next year.”

The emotion was obviously a contrasting one for Joe Boughtflower, the first captain to navigate Derwent past Alcuin for three years: “Maybe we were a little too defensive. Our priority was not to concede. We didn’t play our best. Penalties is penalties, our keeper did really well. We go into the semi-final against Halifax seconds, they’ll be trying to put pressure on us, making us feel like we’re favourites but if we play our best I’m confident.”

Derwent firsts: Seb Treasure, Joe Boughtflower, Josh Baines, Andy Jeffreys, Matt Worsfold, Xander Brinkworth (Jake Farrell), Jacob Tapper, Matt Hallam, Ben Creswell, Nav Jabarkhyl (David Kirk), Dan Atherton

Man of the Match: Seb Treasure

Alcuin firsts: David Ambrozejczyk, Will Dodgson (Joe Smith), Bradley Wood, Chris Boyd, Paul Reiss, Will Taylor, Paul Desoisa, Phil Bowers, Graham Kimber, Alex Brown, Simon Reiss. Unused substitutes: Basim Al Ahmadi, Johnny Lane

Man of the Match: David Ambrozejczyk

Penalties (bold denotes successful penalty)

1-0 Matt Hallam
1-1 Phil Bowers
1-1 Jacob Tapper
1-1 Paul Desoisa
2-1 Dan Atherton
2-2 Bradley Wood
2-2 Josh Baines
2-2 Alex Brown
2-2 Jake Farrell
2-2 Simon Reiss
3-2 David Kirk
3-3 Will Taylor
4-3 Matt Worsfold
4-4 Joe Smith
5-4 Andy Jeffreys
5-5 Graham Kimber
5-5 Joe Boughtflower
5-5 Chris Boyd
6-5 Ben Creswell
6-5 Paul Reiss

Images: Peter Iveson

Goals from Xander Brinkworth and Dan Atherton allowed Derwent firsts to maintain their 100% record in this year’s College Cup as they eased to a comfortable 2-0 win over Goodricke seconds.

Derwent will face the runners-up of the yet to be decided Group 4, either Alcuin firsts or Vanbrugh seconds, in next week’s Quarter-Finals.

In control for much of the game Joe Boughtflower’s side rarely looked threatened and, had they had their shooting boots on, could have won by a more comfortable margin. Nevertheless it was a strong performance by Goodricke seconds who looked solid if not spectacular.

The side in blue could have gone in front as early as the first minute; with left winger Jake Farrell played through on goal he seemed likely to put his side 1-0 up but his touch eluded him and Goodricke were able to clear their lines.

The rest of the half was a constant stream of Derwent chances. A lovely through ball by Dan Atherton found his strike partner David Kirk but he dallied and his shot was blocked.

A similar move moments later saw Goodricke’s keeper Tom Neill picking the ball out of the back of his net as Derwent went ahead. Kirk found Atherton who in turn fed the onrushing Xander Brinkworth, he did the rest by slotting home at the near post for his fourth in four games.

Goodricke enjoyed their first effort of the match in response as striker Rob Burke stung the palms of Seb Treasure. Normal service was resumed soon after as the action switched back to the other end of the pitch. A Matt Hallam corner caused trouble in the Goodricke area but, with everyone back, they managed to hack the ball clear.

Atherton was a constant threat, dropping deep in order to receive the ball to feet he was often able to evade the attentions of the Goodricke centre-backs. He tried his luck from far out with time running out in the first half but his shot cleared the bar. The same result met Brinkworth’s ambitious left-footed effort as Derwent looked to double their advantage. It wasn’t to be however and the sides went in at the break with the score 1-0.

The second half was a quieter affair with the attractive football of the first-half a forgotten memory. It started much like the first however as Kirk headed straight at Neill and Farrell fluffed his lines having been played through, perhaps fortunate with there being more than a suspicion of off-side.

With Matt Thomas’s Goodricke side doing well to restrict Derwent to just one goal they began to push forward in search of an unlikely equaliser, unfortunately it was this renewed attacking mindset that proved to be their undoing as a Derwent breakaway led to their second of the game. Atherton took the ball over the halfway line and towards the Goodricke net, with Farrell, Kirk and Brinkworth alongside him, he decided to pull the trigger. Fortunately for him the ball ended up in the back of the net, due in part to a slight error by Tom Neill.

With the minutes ticking away substitute Will de Silva headed over after a lovely Brinkworth cross and Goodricke’s Matt Whelan had a pop from 20-odd yards. Neither effort unduly troubled the respective keepers and as the full-time whistle was blown it ended 2-0 to Derwent.

Goodricke’s captain Thomas was honest in his assessment of the performance: “We knew we would be up against it. They a strong side, top of the table, and they’re definite contenders. I thought we set up well though and gave a good account of ourselves”. Derwent’s Boughtflower reflected on the difference between his side’s first-half and second-half performances: “First half we were really, really good. In the second half our fitness wasn’t as good, which is something we need to work on. If we play like we did in the first half we should be alright.”

Goodricke seconds: Tom Neill, Matt Thomas, Matt Whelan, Adam Botterill, Alex Hurd, Will Ward, Nick Dheir, Alex Turnbull (Mike Abdul), Rob Young, Matt Sutherland, Matt Burke.

Man of the Match: Nav Jabarkhyl

As I sat in the Three Legged Mare, my friends around me, listening to a pianist play a Lady Gaga medley it struck me that there is a fatal flaw to pub reviews. No matter how horrible the bar staff are, how pricey the beer is or how piss-addled the carpets are – it’s all about the company you’re with.

My housemates Stu, Talf, Emma and Keith made sure Friday night was immense fun, something that probably would have been the case even if we were sat in a grotty pub going by the name of The Rippled Sphincter, or something else equally grim.

For what it’s worth the Three Legged Mare (named after a special type of gallows, don’t cha know) is another lovely York pub. It’s a York Brewery pub so you know the offerings will be enjoyable, I did run out of new drinks to try though which led to an overly-fizzy Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Steer clear of American beer would be the advice on that score.

The Centurion’s Ghost Ale, Guzzler, Yorkshire Terrier etc were enjoyed by all around our table, which incidentally was very kindly donated by a generous man who witnessed our plight of standing awkwardly in a corner – a fact that goes to show the atmosphere in the pub; even by York standards, it was a real treat.

Two small negatives; it was fairly pricey, over £3 for a pint (but well worth it) and the pub is fairly cramped. Despite this, walking out of the Three Legged Mare in full view of the minster, with your friends all slightly tipsy, reminds you how lucky you are to be in York.

One man who might have to step up and impress now that Murali is gone is the mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis. Mendis, spoke to Nouse ahead of the series, to give his thoughts on what awaited his side. The off-spinner, embarking on his first test tour of England, described it as “an exciting place to play cricket”.

Perhaps it seemed less exciting as messrs Cook and Trott ground out another one of their welcome if not aesthetically pleasing partnerships in England’s first innings of the series and with no Murali to wile away at the opposite end Sri Lanka may have to get used to life in the field, especially if Mendis’ view on replacing the great man is true: “Nobody can fill the void left by Muralitharan. Murali is Murali and there can never be another bowler of his class.”

Nobody can fill the void left by Muralitharan. Murali is Murali and there can never be another bowler of his class

Some would argue that Mendis is being harsh on himself, and his fellow bowlers, with this assessment. Muralitharan was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime talent, and losing a true great is never easy (just ask Australia post-Warne), but in time one would imagine that the side will rally. If this is to be the case then someone will need to fill in Muralitharan’s rather sizeable shoes and Mendis could just be that man.

With 62 test wickets at an average of 32, after 15 matches. the mystery spinner has enjoyed a solid if unspectacular start to the five-day game. In many ways Strauss’ England – set on becoming the world’s number one side – are Mendis’ biggest test yet. Indeed, in his words, he couldn’t pinpoint one individual he was looking to target: “There isn’t anybody in particular, they are all good players.”

Good players they may be but so is Mendis. His entry into the Sri Lankan side in 2008 was met with considerable excitement; a ‘spinner’ with the ability to take some of Murali’s column inches. So what of Mendis’ carrom ball? A delivery flicked out of the thumb and a bent middle finger and pioneered by Australia’s Jack Iverson many moons ago, the Sri Lankan is nonchalant about his mastering of the skill: “That is an art I perfected from my school days, first with a tennis ball and then with a cricket ball.”

I want to think that Sri Lanka are a good enough side to beat any team in the world

With Mendis’ many variations making him almost impossible to classify (Sky have plumped for ‘Right Arm Slow Bowler’) his armoury might just come in useful as Tillakaratne Dilshan’s side aim to win a series in England for the second time.

Mendis played down his role, stating: “Well each one of us has a role to play. I don’t think there is a single player that can be considered more important than anyone else in the bowling department. All of us have to do our bit when the opportunity comes and with that we can end up on a positive note”.

He continues: “I want to think that Sri Lanka can beat England as we have the players to do it, but it is how we play on the day. However, we are determined to do well; no questions about it”.

Mendis will need first to conquer England’s stubborn resistance and the weather before he can think about holding aloft the series trophy and indeed replacing Muralitharan in the long-term. Sri Lanka definitely have a long way to go, but Ajantha Mendis might just be the man to get them there.

JAMES FIRSTS 5-2 VANBRUGH FOURTHS

HALIFAX SECONDS 5-1 WENTWORTH SECONDS

The final day of Group 1 ended in drama today as Vanbrugh firsts and Halifax seconds sealed their berths in the Quarter-Finals.

Vanbrugh’s 7-1 victory over Goodricke thirds allowed them to finish first but Halifax seconds pipped James firsts to second spot in the group by virtue of goal difference after they beat Wentworth seconds 5-1.

Before today’s action James firsts had been in pole position to qualify for the Quarter-Finals with a seemingly comfortable fixture against Vanbrugh fourths the only obstacle in their way. Unfortunately for Simon Mole and his team their 5-2 win allowed Harry Pearson’s team to claim second place as their own.

James firsts will now have to settle for a place in the Plate competition, something that seemed unlikely on the first day of the tournament when they beat Vanbrugh firsts 3-1.

Vanbrugh firsts will face the runners-up of Group 2 in the Quarter Finals, likely to be Sam Lewis’ Goodricke firsts, while Halifax seconds will probably have the task of dealing with the tournament’s surprise package, James thirds.

Full reports of today’s matches are now online with Fantasy Football now updated.

Images: Charlie Woods

Another brace by Jon Garness sealed a brilliant comeback for Derwent seconds as they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Goodricke firsts.

The game was a hugely entertaining affair with the balance of power shifting wildly at various points in the match. Goodricke started well on top before Derwent fought back and at the end a draw was probably a fair reflection of the sixty minutes.

With Derwent’s Krish Yellappa at an exam, Derwent thirds’ keeper Stu Bruce was called up to deputise and he was soon in the action. Goodricke captain Sam Lewis was played through one-on-one with the Derwent stopper but he did well to save with his legs. Ben Smith then hammered a free-kick over the bar as Goodricke went in search of an opener.

At the other end a good run by James Matthews was followed up by a shot from the midfield man but it failed to trouble Foster in the Goodricke net. In an all-action opening Goodricke also narrowly failed to go one up as Lewis rounded Bruce in the net before being unable to convert as the ball refused to sit down for him.

The talismanic skipper had more success moments later however; a pass from Danny Munro was beautifully back-heeled by striker Ben Smith into the path of Lewis on the left of the area and he struck a fine left-footed shot across Bruce in the Derwent net.

The final moments of the first half were full of action. A top effort from Lewis hit the bar and in the ensuing mix-up Bruce nearly flapped the ball into his own net. It was two moments later though as a long-throw was flicked on to Rob Shanley who made no mistake from two yards out. Questions were asked of the referee Nick St. George as to whether Shanley was off-side but at the break it was 2-0 to the firsts side.

Two goals down against a strong Goodricke side could have spelt the end for Derwent but they battled back to dominate the second half and eventually take a share of the points.

The first goal came via the penalty spot as St. George spotted a handball in the box. Garness stepped up and did the business to half the deficit and it seemed to add some belief to the Derwent ranks, belief that continued to test Foster between the posts who excelled.

The first test for Foster was an effort from Garness, his confidence clearly buoyed by his earlier goal, and he did well to keep it out. Soon after he was at it again, this time keeping out a Ben Creswell effort.

With Derwent pushing forward, and just as it seemed Foster might be able to keep them at bay, they managed to peg it back to 2-2; a supreme left-footed volley from the edge of the area that would have graced any game, via the boot of Garness again, eventually beating Foster.

With the game in its final knockings either side could have nicked the points. Will De Silva had an effort cleared off the line before popping up in his own defensive third to clear two attempts off the line himself.

Sam Lewis was philosophical about letting a two-goal lead slip: “The positives are the first half, we were very good. We had a spell where I felt we could blitz it, but then the second half we came out a bit sluggish, a bit sloppy and in the end a point felt like a really good result.”

His Derwent counterpart Ric Morris was ecstatic with his side’s efforts: “It was an unbelievable second-half performance, we showed what we’re about there”. The points secures both sides’ place in the Plate but, with fixtures against Alcuin seconds and Langwith firsts respectively, they’ll most likely be going head-to-head for second spot in the group behind James thirds.

Derwent seconds: Stu Bruce; Matt Jenkins, Ric Morris, Andy Jeffreys, Steve Weavis; Steve Walwyn, James Mathews, Ben Creswell; Will De Silva, Barnaby Francis, Jon Garness.

Man of the Match: Ed Foster

Images: Peter Iveson

Another brilliant performance by James thirds earned them a win as they beat Langwith firsts 2-0.

Ruari Phillips’ side have been in good form of late, beating both Alcuin seconds and Derwent seconds to give themselves a real chance of progressing to the knock-out stages, and today’s win secures them at least a place in the Plate tournament.

A win against Vanbrugh thirds next week will see them win their group and head for the quarter-finals, not something many people would have predicted.

Like the first game of the day much of the action was fairly drab, especially an insipid first-half in which neither side created a chance and neither side even looked like scoring. The closest either side came was when Matthew Hewett pulled an effort wide of the post.

The second half was much more lively, as James thirds grew into the game and began to offer more of an attacking threat. It was Langwith who nearly drew first blood, however, as a spot of head tennis caused chaos in the James defence but they held firm to keep it 0-0.

It was soon 1-0 to James as a long kick from keeper Paul Charnock was well flicked on by Tim Green to Hewett. Hewett did well to hold off the attention of his defender and finished nicely to open the scoring. The James support, often very vocal, celebrated wildly.

There was more to celebrate for the James faithful soon after as big name on campus, and last week’s Uni firsts keeper, Tim Green tapped in from close range to double his side’s lead after an Andrew Yates attempt had hit the post.

In truth James’ two goals were the only time either side attacked with real intention as Langwith in particular looked very flat. The game ended 2-0 to the James thirds, a result that seemed to have knocked the stuffing out of the beleaguered Langwith outfit at the final whistle.

Captain Andy Hutt wasn’t best pleased with his side’s efforts: “I’m really disappointed, we completely ran out of ideas. Nobody is taking responsibility for it and we didn’t look up for it in the second half.” The outlook was far rosier for James skipper Ruari Phillips however: “We’ve proven in the last three games how solid we are as a team…everyone was so up for it and playing for each other. We’re enjoying it at the minute which I think is the key thing.”

James have only Vanbrugh thirds in their way next week as they seek to qualify for the quarter-finals while Langwith can now hope for only the Plate at best.

Langwith firsts: Tom Lambert; Luke Gardener, Tom Lynch, Laurence Chetwynd, Matt Wilcox; Andy Hutt, Liam Condron, Duncan Sills (Jack Donovan), Patrick Khosravi; Matt Derry (Adam Blythe), Bruce Starkey

Man of the Match: Nathan McKusker

Images: Peter Iveson

Alcuin seconds’ nightmare tournament continued as they went down 3-1 to a talented and hard-working Vanbrugh thirds outfit today.

Neither side had won before today but a goal from Sam Taylor and two from Isaac Parkinson mean Andy Dakin’s side retain slim hopes of qualifying for the Plate Tournament.

As the match begun the heavens opened which resulted in unpleasant conditions for fans and spectators alike. Unfortunately for the latter there was little on show in the game to distract them from the weather as the opening encounters were dull, with neither side enjoying a real chance of note.

Vanbrugh nearly went in front when a lucky deflection almost rebounded back over goalkeeper Tom Williams and back into the net but it remained goalless.

The first genuine chance of the match fell to Vanbrugh as well as the lively Kimmy Tang-Wright received the ball on space in the left, he drove into the box but, under pressure from the recovering Alcuin defence, he skied his effort over the near post.

Alcuin registered what was probably their first shot on goal soon after when a long ball was controlled but the resultant shot cleared the crossbar. Tang-Wright then showed a nice touch in the middle of the park to earn himself some space but he shot wide to leave it 0-0 at the break.

The beginning of the second half livened up affairs immediately as Vanbrugh went into the lead. A nice passage of play saw Sam Taylor break through on goal and, despite vociferous calls for off-side, he lobbed Damien Pickard to make it 1-0. Referee Mark Eslick was questioned by numerous Alcuin players as Vanbrugh celebrated but the decision stood.

Alcuin equalised soon after and it was a lovely finish. Andy Chan had a clear sight of goal from the left wing and he opened up his body nicely to curl it in and make it 1-1.

The third goal of the game was always going to be crucial and it was Vanbrugh that went in front as Tang-Wright came to the fore again. On this occasion instead of threatening the goal himself he turned provider as his cross was met by Isaac Parkinson and he headed in strongly to give his team the lead.

Parkinson was at it again as a lively second-half continued to entertain. This time he turned nicely on the edge of the area before finishing neatly in the near post to end the game as a contest.

Alcuin’s David Ambrozejczyk was unhappy with his side’s performance and questioned referee Mark Eslick’s decision to allow the first goal, but admitted it would probably have made no difference to the final score. He went on to add: “I’ll take the blame for, it was a bad performance all-round.”

Vanbrugh skipper Andy Dakin said: “It wasn’t exactly a vintage performance, but we did what we needed to do.” James thirds’ win over Langwith firsts means Dakin’s side could still qualify for the plate but this year’s tournament is over for the Alcuin seconds.

Alcuin seconds: Damien Pickard; Jonny Lane, Chris Boyd, Jon Carney, Alex Wright; David Ambrozejczyk, Ed Hadley (Matt Bradshaw), Andy Chan, Matt Flynn; Jake Bonin, Del Johal

Man of the Match: Isaac Parkinson

The decision of Paul Collingwood to retire last winter had freed up a spot in the England middle-order and Morgan and Bopara were deemed to be the two prime contenders, ahead of the likes of James Hildreth and James Taylor.

The talk emanating from the England camp prior to this morning’s squad announcement seemed to put Bopara in the driving seat but it is the ice-cool Irishman who has claimed the number six spot, seemingly for this summer at least.

It marks a big moment for Morgan. Never before has he been handed a test spot for such a length of time. His time in the side against Bangladesh and Pakistan last summer, his first in white of England, was always an exercise in keeping places warm for the winter. Now it’s different, strong performances against Sri Lanka and India will cement his place in the side, a string of failures will open up the position for debate once again.

After six matches Morgan’s test average sits at 32. It’s nothing special and will need to improve. He has had eight innings and passed fifty on only occasion, that was however a superb century against Pakistan when England had been teetering at 118-4. Despite that fine knock, secured with a lovely straight six that suggested Morgan was where he belonged, the jury is still out on Morgan’s test future. He has starred for England in the shorter format of the game, but question marks about his technique – particularly outside the off-stump – and an average first class record have suggested he might be a one-day specialist.

With that in mind Morgan has a big summer ahead of him. People want him to succeed, but an average of only 36 (only five more than all-rounder Chris Woakes) from 56 first class matches is worrying. He could be a Vaughan or a Trescothick and shine in Test cricket despite a modest County record or he could be a Nick Knight or Neil Fairbrother, players who were never able to replicate their ODI form in the five-day format.

Something that was seemingly in Ravi Bopara’s favour was his decision to turn down IPL contracts in order to play County Cricket for Essex to get into form and impress the selectors. Something that would have peturbed the purists, and indeed did not sit easily with me, was Morgan’s decision to go the other way and play for the Kolkata Knight Riders in India’s annual orgy of sixes. Morgan even declared if he missed out on selection for the first test he would have returned to India to carry on playing in the IPL.

With a long-term place up for grabs in the middle order of a successful England side it would have been nice to see Morgan hone his form in England against the swinging red ball on damp May pitches and should he fail against Sri Lanka I imagine some will point at his decision to play in the IPL as evidence of him being under-cooked but there was no display of this as he (presumably) secured selection with a superb 193.

Morgan has never before failed to impress when playing T20s or ODIs for England, he needs to carry that on in the Test arena otherwise the likes of Bopara and Hildreth will be waiting to take his place. Geoff Miller and the England selectors have carried on their recent trend of consistent selections, which is good, and Morgan was the next cab off the rank. He needs to prove them right so that he isn’t written off as a Michael Bevan or a Neil Fairbrother.