Third Team: by Captain Paisley Ross and Vice Captain Elissa Bryan
The thirds are feeling extremely positive about Roses this year despite the season being challenging at times for the team. We have had to deal with a high number of injuries to some of our key players which saw the confidence of the team fall mid-season. However, the squad continued to work hard; the set-backs only motivating them to succeed more. The team saw all their efforts rewarded with a fundamental win in our last BUCS game which maintained our position within the league. A large contribution to this coming from excellent shooting performances from Alia Khalil (GS).
The momentum continued as the thirds secured a well-deserved and thoroughly convincing win after a fantastic performance against Hull during Varsity in February. The whole team showed passion and determination throughout the game. With players returning from injury for the last game of the season and alongside a strong pre-Roses training programme; we are ready to continue where we left off.
Last year at Roses, the 3rds lost by 1 goal, which was hugely disappointing. Again we expect a challenging game, however, after the fantastic turn-around we have seen this season, morale is high and confidence within the team is at its peak. We are ready for a fight to secure a win and prove that we deserve to be representing the University of York. This will surely provide an exciting match for the spectators.
Players to watch: The defensive combination of Rachel Bunce and Ellie Jones will be one to watch, they have worked outstandingly together throughout the season, creating a very strong partnership.
UYNC Second Team by captain Tess Webb and vice captain Shadyn Nikzad
The team has performed very strongly this season- winning our last 7 games. This is a reflection of the attitude of the players; superior fitness and determination. Notable moments include dominating Hull in Varsity by a goal difference of 30+ and beating Northumbria, a team who occasionally trains with Super League players and coaches. All the teams losses came early in the season so we hope to remain on our winning streak.
The 2nds performance last year was convincing, in the end we beat Lancaster by a good margin at home. In the previous year to this; the 2nd team also won at Lancaster. So it is clear that where the match is played makes no difference. We have a slightly younger team, but with good training in the coming weeks, the 2nds will present a strong team eager to beat Lancaster for the fourth year running.
With all this in mind, supported with the dedication and competitiveness of the second team we are confident that we can keep our winning streak going and the tradition of securing a convincing win over Lancaster to take the valuable points for the White Rose.
Player to watch- Amy Moll
Predicted score- 42-36 York
UYNC First Team by Rebecca O’Dwyer
The Netball firsts have had an interesting season, and we expect Roses to be no different! Having under-performed in some of our easier games this year, the squad pulled together at the end of the season to produce some outstanding netball against the strongest teams in our league. Our best game to date has got to be at Varsity, we played against a Hull team that topped the league two tiers above us. We lost by two, but the momentum was with us and given an extra few minutes, we would have won. The team showed amazing tenacity, coming back from eight goals down to produce a thrilling finish. I expect no less in Roses.
Despite being the underdogs on paper, Lancaster are two leagues above us in BUCS, we always step up to challenges and historically our best games are against teams that are supposed to be stronger than us. Last year, we lost Roses by a single goal. But that’s not going to happen this time. Following the loss of many third years, we have a new squad this year, who have gelled extremely well. While myself and vice-captain Kay Masterson maintain our starting positions, Charlotte Ferris and Georgia Neblett, members of the squad last year, have proven themselves to be invaluable first teamers this season and are never out of the starting seven. Lottie Knight and Nina Pullman earned well deserved promotions this year to make up our defence, while Lisa Griffiths’ stellar shooting earned her a place on the squad. Arrival of fresher Bronwen Dalley-Smith completed our team. Our squad may be small, but we have battled against injury this year to ensure we are fit enough to take on any opponent.
Our player to watch has got to be Nina Pullman, our Goal Defence, whose constant battle with the opposition shooters and quick reactions never fail to keep us in the game and rustle the opponents feathers.
I predict a win for the White Rose, but it will be a hard game – most likely it will be neck and neck until the end, and high scoring. But this time, I am confident it will be York that edge it and come away with victory. Bring it on, Lancaster!