York may have succumbed to defeat against Lancaster in Roses 2012, but it still undoubtedly remained one of the highlights of the sporting year
for everyone involved from both sides. A fantastic three days of sporting action saw York’s teams produce some memorable performances, whilst others suffered the agony and heartbreak of defeat. The atmosphere at the men’s darts was a moment I’ll never forget, as York resisted a fearsome Lancaster comeback with Chris Hilliam securing the crucial victory in hostile conditions, by checking out with a double 16.
The following evening, the men’s water polo provided the entertainment, as 12 Patterson goals helped York to a momentous 15-12 victory sparking wild celebrations.
The 1st XV Rugby secured a 22-6 victory, to help the club to a Roses whitewash, whilst in hockey a dramatic last minute equaliser from Laurie Torrington earned York Men’s 1sts a share of the spoils, and sparked a pitch invasion from York’s jubilant fans. The list of incredible performances could go on, but York were still defeated with the final score 131.5-158.5 points in Lancaster’s favour. Despite this it was still a fantastic three days, which highlighted the sporting talent on display fro m both universities. The memories of Roses 2012, whether it be cheering on in the darts or water polo, watching on anxiously on the astro or trying to sleep on a rock hard floor in a Lancaster lecture theatre with Oliver Todd’s incessant snoring will live with me forever.
Centurions off to a flier (Oscar Pearson):
In a pulsating encounter, York Centurions powered their way to victory in Bradford as they triumphed in their first ever BUCS clash. It was a mammoth battle that lasted over 210 minutes, ebbing and flowing as both sides flirted with victory. York raced into a 12-point lead but fell 26-18 behind in the third quarter after a flurry of Bradford touchdowns. But with just two minutes to go in the match, the Centurions pushed the game into overtime. It was almost dark when York’s Matt Freeman passed superbly to Sam Parke before the Bears failed to convert their two-pointer, leaving the away side celebrating a truly sensational comeback.
The whole event proved to be one of the most memorable days of the year with everyone’s emotions oscillating from hope to despondency. The importance of the contest mixed with the hype, expectations and setting foot on new ground would have kept this day in the minds of many sporting students no matter the result. The fact that the Centurions emerged triumphant, that they had to do it in last-minute, fairy-tale fashion, made the fascinating and unpredictable world of university sport even more special.
Hockey Heroics (Sally Dolton):
My personal highlight came early on in the year. The hockey club had never reached the quarter final of the cup before, and the 1st team played in the semi-final in March this year. Despite losing to eventual winners Durham 2nds it was a victory all the same. The cup run did start in 2011 but it was the last three matches, played in 2012 which were the most amazing games to be a part of. The last 16 draw against Durham 3rds was always going to be tricky. However, a stunning goal from Jill Mercer and an early goal from Durham meant it came down to penalty flicks. This is as nerve wracking and as tense as it can get in hockey, and to top it off, it came down to the last flick. Captain Hannah Gage needed to score and she didn’t let her team down, scoring with a beautiful push. The quarter final match was a 3-1 win against Sheffield Hallam 2nds, having already knocked out their 1sts, the team was confident but victory was still celebrated with as much jubilation. It is a memory I look back on with a smile and, for me, it was the pinnacle of 2012. Screw the Olympics! Our hockey run beats it hands down.
Varsity Victory (Jack Bradshaw):
With a final score of 61.5-21.5 in York’s favour, Varsity 2012 was not quite as close as York Sport President Sam Asfahani promised. Nevertheless, there were still some top matches which will live long in the memory. Oh yes, there were plenty of thrashings – remember the women’s badminton 1sts? Well, they trounced their opponents 8-0 in arguably their performance of the season. The men’s 2nds also won 7-0. The netballers also
had a fine afternoon, as three of the four York teams claimed victory. Although it came sparingly, we also witnessed some tense, dramatic matches including a 5-4 Ultimate victory, after the York team were 4-0 down, whilst the women’s football match ended in a tight 1-0 victory for York. Arguably the highlight came in Hendrix Hall, which hosted the famous MMA match – the first ever between two universities. Although York led 4-2 at one stage, Hull roared back with two late victories to snatch a 4-4 draw. The atmosphere there was certainly the best I had savoured in 2012; the deafening atmosphere and commitment from both players made it something quite remarkable.
This year’s College Cup sprung a surprise as Vanbrugh 1sts secured the trophy by beating reigning champions Halifax 1sts in the final. All the talk throughout the tournament’s early stages had been about James 1sts. They were dispatching the lesser teams with ease, racking up cricket scores week-in week-out, and star striker Tom Clarke was in sizzling form. Whilst the UYAFC man notoriously flopped in the 2011 tournament, he was unstoppable this time around, and his unavailability for their semi-final clash with Halifax almost certainly played a part in his side’s early exit from the cup. He provided what was arguably the highlight of the tourname
nt during James’ 4-1 win over Halifax 4ths, as he smashed a superb hat-trick, including an overhead kick from outside the area, despite having drunk four pints before the match.
It was Vanbrugh though, who were to have the tournament’s last laugh. Before the final it is fair to say that most fancied Halifax, but the game turned out to be somewhat of a stalemate. To be perfectly honest, the first half was one of the most boring halves of football of the entire tournament, but the sides exchanged blows in the second half and the game finished 1-1. Penalties it was, and Vanbrugh were faultless. They slotted all five. Kieran O’Dwyer coolly finishing the job to cue champagne fuelled celebrations and a new chapter in College Cup history.