After an impressive first term, both men’s and women’s lacrosse 1sts enter this term with realistic chances of promotion. For the men, this week sees a grudge match against Durham 2nds. Both teams are currently undefeated in Northern 2B, with York sitting top by virtue of having played an extra game.
Men’s 1sts vice-captain Joe Tebbutt told Vision: “The players will have something to prove after last year’s defeat against Durham in the Cup final and it’s definitely a result to watch out for.” The team were on the wrong end of a 13-3 defeat to Durham in that final, but their form so far this year suggests they are in with a good chance of avenging that defeat. The teams will meet again next month in the quarter-finals of this year’s Northern Conference Cup.
Of last term’s impressive performances, he especially picked out a commanding cup win against a strong Bangor side. Tebbutt added: “Over the next term, the real challenge will be holding onto the position we have built ourselves and to continue to progress in the cup, despite the loss of a key defender. The team will be gunning for a hard earned promotion to League 1.”
The women’s 1sts also boast a strong record, with only one defeat so far this year, and that at the hands of league leaders and promotion rivals, Northumbria 1sts. They host a strong Liverpool 1sts team side on Wednesday in the Northern Conference Cup having managed three dominating victories so far, with another close fought victory over rivals Durham 3rds.
Their defeat against Northumbria was another close one, 14-11, and that defeat sees them sit behind Northumbria in the Northern 2B table. But this week, all eyes are on the cup. Liverpool travel to York boasting an undefeated record this year and a +67 goal difference from three matches. The big match will take place at 2pm on 22 Acres.
Captain Alex Whitehand told Vision: “I was very pleased with our performance last term, we looked very comfortable against the majority of competition. This term we just hope to build upon last terms performance and continue to win matches and gain promotion.”
With high aspirations for both 1sts teams in league and cup, it promises to be an exciting term for UYLC.