The University of York Lacrosse Club enters one of the biggest weeks in its history, as both men’s and women’s 1sts compete for a place in the finals of their Northern Conference Cups.
Both sides were forced to battle through the blizzards as they came through their quarter-finals, though in vastly different manners. The women had a fairly easy progression as they outclassed Manchester Met 26-2.
The men looked to have their match against Durham 2nds thoroughly sewed up, albeit not as convincingly as the women, as they led 10-6 in the final quarter two weeks ago. But a fight-back from the visitors brought the sides level, requiring captain William Chun to step up and score a last minute winner.
For the men, that game was their biggest test. Durham 2nds had won the cup last year, beating York 13-3 in the final. The rematch was every bit the spectacle which was hoped for, and ended with York avenging that defeat from last year.
For the women, however, it is this week’s game which is the attempt at vengeance. They face Northumbria 1sts tomorrow on the 3G, knowing that Northumbria are the only side to have defeated them this season. That defeat was a close-fought 14-11 reverse in November.
York will take heart, however, from the ease in which they have overcome most of their opponents this year. They have consistently dominated matches, and demonstrated that they deserve their place towards the top of the league.
The defeat against Northumbria early in the season may mean that winning the league is out of their hands, but the cup rematch, to be played on home soil, is a big opportunity for the club to control their own chance of glory.
Alex Whitehand, women’s 1sts captain, told Vision: “We have had a terrific season and I couldn’t be prouder of the girls performance week in week out. Wednesday is going to be some what of a grudge match, having our last game against them being our only defeat. However I know we are more than capable of pulling it out of the bag now that we are on home soil.”
The men must consider themselves favourites for progression. They avoided Lancaster and Liverpool, both undefeated in Northern 2A, and instead face the more lowly Chester 1sts in the semi. A win will set up a potential Roses preview clash in the final, though the team would be confident whomever they might face if they reach that stage.
Durham 2nds were the thorn in York’s side last season, but this season they outplayed their rivals in a match which could have been secured long before the last minute winner. York have won every game they’ve played this season, though in league play they still have to face Durham both home and away. Those matches will essentially determine which of the two wins promotion from Northern 2B.
But league games must wait for another week. The main focus tomorrow will be to deal with the long trip and do away with Chester.
Hopefully, come Wednesday night, UYLC will be celebrating a double victory which would place both men’s and women’s 1sts just one win away from cup glory.
Men’s captain William Chun told Vision: “Since the start of the season, we have grown so much individually, and more importantly as a team. We are not the same team we were last year, where we won games based on individual brilliance. I believe if we carry on like this then we will end the season with the cup and league title, and get promoted.
“Next Wednesday we have Chester in the semi-finals, a team we have never played before so have no knowledge on how they play. They beat our rivals, Hull, in the quarter-final so I think next week will be a very good game. However, if we play like we have been so far in the season I am confident we will come back with a win, and reach the final in cup.”