Tomorrow sees a number of clubs commence their BUCS campaign, as York bids to reach the top 40, after narrowly missing out last year. For the majority of clubs, BUCS is the primary focus of their season, whether it be attaining promotion or avoiding relegation from their respective divisions, and after a few fixtures last week, the action really hots up this Wednesday.
The highlight of the day is surely set to be the Men’s Rugby 1sts fixture against Manchester 1sts, as they look to secure their first win of the season. After securing promotion to the Premier North B last year, a more challenging season looks to be in store for one of York’s most successful and high profile teams, as they battle against some of the top teams in the North of England.
Last week, the side suffered a narrow 26-21 opening day defeat away against Durham 2nds, in a game which promises much for the season ahead. In truth the primary aim for the year is survival, and a win against Manchester 1sts, who currently sit top of the table after beating Sheffield Hallam 2nds in their opening fixture would greatly boost their chances of enjoying another successful campaign. The fixture will take place at 2pm on 22 Acres.
Another team who thrived last year were the Women’s 1sts Football side, and they will be looking to start their season off in style on 22 Acres tomorrow as they host Leeds Met Carnegie 3rds, as they look to replicate last year’s scintillating form. Meanwhile the Men’s Football 1sts will once again be gunning for promotion, and they start their campaign off at home to Sunderland 1sts on the 3G.
Meanwhile, there are two all York fixtures being played this week, the first of which will see York’s Men’s 2nds and 3rds Football teams battle it out on 22 Acres, whilst pride will be up for stake in Lacrosse, as the men’s 2nds look to cause a serious upset by defeating York’s 1st team.
Roses may be two terms away, but the first meeting of the year between York and Lancaster will also take place on Wednesday as York host the Red Rose in Men’s Fencing. Meanwhile, York’s exceptional Women’s 1sts will also be in action as they welcome Manchester 1sts to the cold and wet York.
The badminton teams will also be in action, with both the men’s and women’s 1sts having home fixtures against Leeds 2nds and Northumbria 2nds respectively in the main hall of the sports centre over the course of the afternoon. A number of other racquet sports will also take place, with tennis, squash and table-tennis all looking to start their year off on a high.
A number of York teams will also make the trip to different universities for their fixtures, with the most high profile being trips to Leeds for both the Men’s and Women’s 1st hockey sides. All three netball sides are also on their travels, with the 1sts once more going in search of promotion as they look to put their first points on the board with a trip to play Leeds Met Carnegie 4ths.
Enjoying successful seasons in BUCS is the primary aim for most teams at the University, as they represent York against some of the best institutions in the country in a range of different sports.