YORK SPORT clubs are gearing up for the new BUCS season and hopes are high for one of the most successful campaigns in recent years.
Charlotte Winter has made it clear this week that York needs to improve upon last year’s rank of 43rd and to break into the top 40 performing institutions.
York finished eight places higher than bitter rivals Lancaster and 30 places ahead of Hull, White Rose Varsity opponents.
One of the highlights of last season was the consistency of the rugby club. The first team, captained by Sam Lord, kick off their campaign against Manchester Met firsts tomorrow on 22 Acres. Sam told Vision:
“The aim for our 1st XV every season is promotion and our side is at least as talented as in previous years if a bit inexperienced in some areas. The league is as strong and competitive as ever but we’ve prepared well so far so we’re quietly confident.”
However, the footballers had a very different experience last year as all teams missed out on promotion, with the firsts being tragically relegated on the last day. Captain Matt Mawdesley, said:
“Primarily our main focus for the season is to get the firsts promoted after a somewhat disappointing season. We have adopted a more professional and focused set up this year. With the added incentive of free dances in the strip club should spur the players on to a heightened level of performance on Wednesdays.”
Some of the best displays last year were seen from the hockey club as the first and second women’s teams achieved promotion.
First team captain Sally Dolton told Vision: “I am incredibly excited for the season ahead. We lost half our squad so it will be a challenge, but I am confident that my wonderful team will rise to it.”
George Richards, men’s captain, said: “I am quietly confident that a fruitful season awaits. Players to look out for will be ever threatening Leo Watton and the capable Hugo Christie. Realistically, our aims for the season will be promotion in the Yorkshire League, challenge for the BUCS Cup and a home Roses whitewash.
“It will be tough again considering we have the likes of Leeds Met firsts to contend with. Our focus will be on a strong BUCS Cup run as we have a relatively easy path through the early stages.”
The pre-season week has gone down very well with the clubs, few of which benefited more than the netball club. Captain Nina Pullman said: “UYNC have had a great pre-season so far and I’ve been impressed with the level of fitness the girls have maintained over the summer.
“In particular, the brilliant session we had with international coach Tracey Neville has given us a fantastic boost, with lots of training tips and new drills to work on.
One of the most improved teams of late is the men’s lacrosse outfit, who reached the BUCS Cup Final. Captain William Chun commented:
“In pre-season last year we had just four members, now there are 15 of us and we have trained every day. Hopefully it will help us achieve our target of reaching the final again and finishing in the top two in the league.”
A grand total of 107 York teams have been entered into the 2012-13 BUCS season, after which many will compete in the eagerly-anticipated home Roses Tournament against Lancaster in May 2013.