After a season of mixed emotions, York’s women’s rugby will be hoping to bring claim all 7 points in their Roses clashes with Lancaster. They are amongst the first clubs to spring into action with the VIIs fixtures on Friday lunchtime, before the big XVs contest on Saturday.
While avoiding relegation from BUCS Northern 1A is not yet guaranteed for the women’s rugby 1sts (due to league restructuring), to have finished outside of the drop zone as it stands signifies an impressive first season in that division, after last year’s promotion.
“We have come cross some very skilful and aggressive opposition this season and have suffered some heavy defeats,” team captain Lucy Davies told Vision. “Despite this, so many positives have come out of it. Playing these tough teams really has improved our performances as the season has gone on and the team spirit can’t be faulted!”
Lancaster are currently two levels below York in BUCS. Yet the red rose finished top of Northern 3A this year, and come into Roses on the back of two consecutive victories in XVs. The gulf between the sides in BUCS is unlikely to be so stark on the field of play, and a close fought contest is almost certain.
York have absolutely no intention of letting Lancaster complete a hat-trick of victories. The girls have been training hard, focused on contributing as many points as possible to York’s quest to reclaim the Carter-James trophy. “A lot of emphasis in training is going to be on keeping the defence tight and maintaining possession,” said Davies, a response to Lancaster’s strengths from 2012.
The pacy Lancaster sides were in their element in VIIs last year, where they successfully utilised the extra space to run out winners. Yet after last year’s disappointment, York are well prepared this time around, with strong and quick runners who can match the Lancastrians. Davies identified defence as a key skill to concentrate on, saying: “With so much space and many breaks made over the gain line in VIIs, making the first tackle will be essential along with cover tackling when scrambling back.”
With speed so crucial in VIIs, back Doyinsol Otunla is certain to prove a key player. The fastest player in the team, and “an absolute nightmare to tackle,” she has been on great try-scoring form this season. In her own words, she runs fast through “fear of being tackled and hurt,” but it has proven effective for her.
Up front, where power is king, the aggressive and determined Helen Ormrod will be the one to watch come game day. “If you can’t see her on the pitch you’ll definitely be able to hear her,” Davies informed Vision. Watch out for her counter-rucking to force turnovers.
Can York engineer a complete turnaround from last year’s disappointments? Well if nothing else, their experience in the tough Northern 1A division is certain to have built character. No doubt it will stand them in good stead to give Lancaster a taste of their own medicine from 12 months ago.