It’s always fun to laugh at your friends from home when they’ve returned to University, and you’re still on holiday. Yet in sporting terms this puts York on the back foot before the season has even begun. When it comes to the first fixtures of the year, then the opposition have been playing together for weeks, but York teams have only just come together.
This applies to the University of York Hockey club as much as anyone. The day after this year’s freshers’ trials, all five University sides were scheduled to play their first match of the season. Therefore York are at an immediate disadvantage, playing a well organised team when they themselves are a side consisting of a group of individuals, who have never played together.
Yet last Wednesday UYHC Men’s 1st XI managed to overcome this hurdle, by defeating formidable opposition in the shape of Durham 3rds. Two early goals set York on their way to victory, and despite being pegged back by Durham, York showed great determination to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. It might only be October and a long time until we reach the final standings, but this truly was a valuable victory.
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The side flirted with relegation last year, but after their away trip to Northumbria was cancelled last week, the victory on the JLD was the perfect way to start the season. The attacking prowess demonstrated by the side was impressive, as their movement and link up play caused havoc amongst the visitors’ defence in the early stages. There are some fantastic individuals in the side, but it was a team effort which helped them to record victory, rather than reliance on the brilliance of one or two men.
This team effort was vividly demonstrated by the team’s press, which saw the opposition left frustrated. For vast periods in the second half Durham dominated possession, but due to York’s organisation, they were unable to breakdown a stubborn backline. However it would be unfair to attribute the defensive success to just the defence and new keeper Callum Chaundy, who pulled out a string of impressive saves. In fact it was the efforts of the whole team, from front to back which was responsible for resisting the attacking pursuits of Durham.
Striker Leo Watton may be relied upon for his creative prowess and goalscoring ability, but his workrate epitomised that of the whole team. For it was Watton, aided by his fellow forwards, who led the press, limiting space and time on the ball for Durham’s players all over the pitch. It takes time, work and determination to master such a system, yet York seem to have established the basics and beyond even at this very early stage of the season. Everybody worked for each other and there was a genuine desire to win which could be seen in each and every player’s eyes.
We may not be talking about international level sport, but preparation is still crucial in achieving success. Whether it be mentally, physically or tactically, you have to be in the right shape and frame of mind if you want to deliver the ideal results. In past years York teams have started the season slowly, but aided by this year’s pre-season week, and a newfound determination to break into the top 40 of British sporting institutions. York sides have started the season in fabulous fashion, if they can build on this momentum over the coming weeks then a promising season lies ahead.