roses 2009

ROSES 2009

York and Lancaster prepare to battle again

First ever Roses tournament

The War of the Roses

2009 1965

1455 -1487

Vision tells you everything you need to know about

> Sport Editor - Jim Norton

> Deputy Sport Editors - Will Marwick - Pete Stanley

> With thanks to - Medieval Soc, UYRFC, and all the wonderful people who helped out!

1455THE WAR of the Roses commences as the Duke of York’s army clashes with Henry VI’s soldiers at the First Battle of St Albans.

1965FIRST EVER Roses

is proposed by York’s Vice-Chan-

cellor. Initial boat race becomes three day event including

Tug-of-war.

1487THE FIRST victory

went to Lancaster, allowing Henry Tudor to ascend the thrown. The House of Tudor,

subsequently ruled England for 116

years.

1856OXFORD and Cam-bridge introduce the first inter-uni-versity competi-tion.

2008

2009

1972LANCASTER start their six year unbeaten run. (All victories except an unexpected draw in 1974)

CAN YORK repeat last years success and make it three wins in a row?

YORK emerge victo-rius away from home

after a cliff-hanger end to last years

weekend.

Historytimeline

LAST YEAR saw York’s row-ers put in a disappointing display against a strong Lan-caster side, and the final 16-4 defeat was a crushing blow to the confidence of the Boat Club.

Their President, Hugh Pryce, described last year's result as “dreadful” and stated “We are determined to put (the result) right this year.” And Pryce and Co have every reason to be confident after some excellent results and performances this year, amongst them a clutch of victories over Lancaster. The men triumphed in their only encounter with their great rivals, whist the women had a 50% success rate, winning once and losing once.

The Rowing has the po-tential to be a key match up in this year's events, with a

crucial 20 points available, and Pryce is looking to take all 20 of them, by winning all six races to ensure a com-prehensive victory for York. Rowing’s importance to the Roses event does not only come from its sheer impor-tance, but also through its illustrious history. It was a match up between York and Lancaster’s Senior 8s that began the tradition of Roses competition and sprung the mass extravaganza that we have come to recognise today. In the 37 match ups between the two, Lancaster lead by 19 races to 18, a score that York’s competitors are determined to level out.

The Rowing events will begin at 10am on Saturday, at York Rowing club (By Len-dall Bridge) and Pryce asks as many students as possible to come and cheer York on to potential victory, promising that “it can really make the difference.”

BEING KNOWN as one of the core traditional sports, netball is always a favourite at Roses, usu-ally bringing in quite a crowd. Alongside women’s hockey it is the main event where York’s sporting la-dies prove their sporting talent.

Previous Roses have been close calls for York Netball, the last two years both our second and third teams have been victori-ous, however the firsts have lost both, despite beating Lancaster in pre-vious league matches both home and away.

In NUNL league match-es at the end of last term both our second and first team won rather convinc-ingly in matches against Lancaster. But with Lan-

caster being two BUCS leagues above York, chanc-es are their Roses team will be strong.

The York ladies are de-termined to show that their side have the strength to overcome their opponents and are not letting past de-feats get them down, team Captain Katie Brunskill told Vision: "this year we are feeling very positive, especially as we are on our home ground. As a club we thrive off support so a good crowd is definitely go-ing to give us a confidence boost."

With a rigorous fitness programme and plenty of practice matches lined up York’s netballers are feeling quietly confident. Hopefully their confidence and positive outlook will add another seven points to York’s tally.

nETBALL

OVER FIVE HUNDRED years ago the houses of York and Lancaster fought a series of gruesome dy-nastic battles for the throne of England in the War of the Roses. Forty years ago, Vice-Chancellor of York, Lord James of Rusholme, broke the peace and resumed the feud by creating our annual Sporting event ‘Roses’. And in two days time, our university will welcome back our old enemies to once again contest the highly coveted bragging rights of sport-ing prowess.

Whilst the contest may have seen bloodier years than our current university competition, the rivalry, excite-ment, and tradition has certainly remained.

Since its conception in 1965, Roses has grown into the highlight of both universities' sporting year and now boasts over 45 competing sports. The diversity of the sports on offer includes the traditional likes

of rugby and rowing, and now hosts exhibition matches from octopush to polo.

The overall score currently stands at 22-21 in favour of York after a nail-biting finish at last year’s tournament. However, the score has not always been so favourable for York. Whilst our athletes were perhaps too busy with punk and anarchy, Lancaster dominated the points tally and York was subjected to an embarrassing six years without a win. But fear not, our sporting elite have not suffered a home defeat since 1985 and have since achieved three wins a row twice. Retaining the title in 2009 will mean another trilogy of wins to add to the tally.

So can the University of York retain the title and improve on the overall lead? Over the coming weekend, York’s campus will be overwhelmed by bloodthirsty Lan-

caster athletes intent on revenge from last year’s hu-miliating home defeat. The weekend looks set to be an action packed event, so don the white Rose emblem, get chanting, and get ready for the mighty Roses.

BY JIM NORTON

rOWING

BY MIKE REGAN BY RACHEL KNOX

THIRD TIME LUCKY?SET RECORD STRAIGHT

2 SPORT : ROSES PULLOUTWednesday May 6th, 2009YORK VISION

By JIM NORTON

ersus gazAlex V COLEMANWhat do you think of Lancaster’s chances this year? How confident are you of a win?

Considering the ‘away’ side is always said to be at a disadvantage, I guess everyone at York will have us down as underdogs, but as the saying goes, “every dog has its day…”

How has the last year been for sport at Lancaster University?

It’s been a good year overall. We always have a strong and competitive inter-col-lege base at Lancaster and our Uni guys are a cut-above again. We’ve reached

several finals and topped numerous of the BUCS Conference Leagues this year, proving that we’re more than capable of mixing it with the more ‘sporting universities’. Our AU has been brilliant this year both on and off the pitch, and they’re ready for Roses…

Which sports are strong-est for Lancaster?

Now that would be telling – you’ll have to wait and see won’t you?

Do you think the away disad-vantage will affect Lancaster much?

As I said above, traditionally the ‘away’ side is at a disadvantage. Per-sonally, I don’t see the difference. If you’re motivated and focused on play-ing in Roses and winning your match, then no crowd should be able to change that – home or away, it comes down to who wants it most.

Have you any chants prepared?

I’ve got a few up my sleeve, but I’m pretty sure our guys have been prepar-ing a few of their own!!! I’m not naming names here though!

Have you got any encouraging words for your own univer-sity or banter for York?

Everyone at Lancaster this year knows how much Roses means, and it’s been on my mind since day one. I’ve put in all the work I can for our teams, and I’m sure they’re more than willing to do the same come Roses…

COME ON LANCASTER!!!! IT’S COMING HOME!!!

York Sport PresidentLACY

Lancaster AU PresidentWhat do you think of York’s chances this year? How confident are you of a win?

York are a team with the wind in their sails. Every year some clubs get into that sweet spot and have a fantastic year whilst others start having problems. This year I’ve seen more clubs on the rise than ever before and the ones that are excelling have started to bring the others up to their level. This year York is not just passionate and proficient: we’re organised too. We’re looking dangerous, that’s for sure- and if the clubs want the win enough they will get it, simple as that.

Are you pleased with the past year of sport at York University?

Hugely. We started the year with a huge fight and kept the energy up from there on in! In terms of BUCS the clubs have been outstanding, simply outstanding. The amount of time and effort required to produce that kind of result with the resources we have here at York is staggering, and I know in all clubs there is an individual or group that go above and beyond to make it happen, and for them we are all grateful. It’s not just BUCS though- we’ve had hugely successful ski trips, great fundraising, media appearances, clubs working together and loads more (even the Rugby club have only ruined one pub this year!) Black and gold kit is looking good, and (present company included) the media coverage this year has been world-class. I think the York Sport show is the only weekly University sports show in the UK which is crazy when you think about it.

Which sports are strongest for York?

Ski & Snowboard, Badminton, Lacrosse & Netball and the ones that fly off the tongue first.

How much of an advantage will hosting Roses on home soil be?

It depends: the advantage comes from having people cheer you on. Everyone who comes down to support is helping our teams win and I hope that with Roses 2009 at home we’ll see more York supporters on the sidelines than ever before.

Have you any chants prepared?

We tried to cajole some tunes out of the clubs to replace that ‘Yorrrrrkshire’ drone thing we do so well. The results were not great: the ones that we got were offensive enough, but much to shit to be aired. If anyone can come up with something on short notice I’ll buy them a cake - answers on a postcard to [email protected].

Have you got any encouraging words for your York or banter for Lan-caster?

I’ll save my most cheesy Coach Carter moment for the Roses programme, but at York we always play our hearts out, we always do our best and it’s worked pretty well so far. When that weekend comes we go all out and we don’t stop until our best is done. Roses is about more than points, it’s the chance to show off what you can do - so enjoy it! Lancaster:

not so much.

SQUASH CLUB have enjoyed a successful year so far with a healthy mix of fit freshers and experienced third-years. Boosted by new top seeds, the men’s team gained promotion, whilst the women’s squad remained impe-rious in the league and achieved the highly coveted BUCS cup.

Though neither team have met Lancaster in the league since, club co-president Caroline Watchurst is convinced the in-form players “will not even drop a game” at this year's Roses. Con-sidering the domination of the last two years, Watchurst’s confi-dence certainly has substance.

SQUASH vOLLEYBALLBy EMILY HODGES

THE SOLID form of the men’s team, including a third place finish in the Northern 1A league means a Roses win would top off their exceptional year. The team has undergone frequent changes through the year, but they must still be favourites against a Lancaster team two divisions lower.

The women face a tougher test, how-ever. Despite finishing second in their league, Lancaster topped the next divi-sion up. The 3-0 home win by Lancaster next year means the York women will have to really reach their potential to pull out a win. As a sport that benefits hugely from the support of a crowd, a packed Sports Centre could just drive both teams to success this weekend.

YORK'S SWIMMING and water polo teams are both itching to get in the pool and record wins against Lancaster this weekend. Ahead of this year’s waterworks, the prospects for the swimmers are looking good – after strong performances in the BUCS and under the guidance of young coach Darren Burchell, president Hugh Frere-Cook is confident of Roses success.

Frere-Cook is equally as optimis-tic about the fate of the water polo players, thanks to the women’s victory over Lancas-ter in the spring term and the amount of practice the men’s team have managed this season (nearly 20 games), and smart new water polo goals will make for a special occa-sion regardless of the result.

Last year York’s swimmers man-aged to topple Lancaster in both the men’s

and women’s competitions, and, though the water polo teams were less fortunate, when the club last hosted Lancaster two years ago both the men’s and women’s swimming and water polo teams were successful. Fingers crossed home advantage will have the same effect this year.

By PETER STANLEY

sWIMMING AND WATERPOLO

3SPORT : ROSES PULLOUTWednesday May 6th, 2009YORK VISION

Badminton Mixed 1sts 4 Points Main Hall

Badminton Mixed 2nds 2 Points Main Hall

Equestrian 1st Team 4 Points Snainton

Equestrian 2nd Team 2 Points Snainton

Cricket Men's 1st Team 4 Points 22 Acres

Indoor Frisbee Mixed 0 Points Tent 2

Karting Mixed York Exhib. Teeside

Indoor Frisbee Open 2 Point Tent 2

Squash Men's 2nds 2 Points S Courts

Kendo Mixed York Exhib. D Studio

Tennis Mixed 4 Points T Courts

Rugby Union 7's Men's 3rds 1 Point Rugby 2

Rugby Union 7's Women's 2nds 1 Point Rugby 2

Gymnastics Mixed York Exhib. D Studio

Rugby Union 7's Men's 2nds 1 Point Rugby 1

Rugby Union 7's Women's 1sts 2 Points Rugby 2

Rugby Union 7's Men's 1sts 2 Point Rugby 1

Badminton Men's 1sts 4 Points Main Hall

Badminton Women's 1sts 4 Points Main Hall

Squash Men's 1sts 4 Points S Courts

Indoor Hockey Women's 2nds 1 Point Tent 2

Karate Kata & Kumite 4 Points D Studio

Ultimate Frisbee Outdoor 4 Points 22 Acres

American Football Mens 1sts 0 Points Rugby 1

Indoor Hockey Men's 2nds 1 Points Tent 2

Skiing Mixed 1sts 4 Points Rosendale

Skiing Mixed 2nds 2 Points Rosendale

Skiing Women's 4 Points Rosendale

Skiing Snowboard 4 Points Rosendale

Indoor Hockey Women's 1sts 4 Points Tent 2

Indoor Hockey Men's 1sts 4 Points Tent 2

Rowing (Mens Novice 4, Mens Novice 8, Mens Freshers 4,

Mens Senior 4, Mens Senoir 8, Womens Novice 4, Womens

Novice 8, Womens Freshers 4, Womens Senoir 4, Womens

senoir 8) Racing between 10.00 and 11.30 on The River

Ouse for a combined points total of 20.

10.00

11.00

12.00

12.30

13.00

14.00

14.30

15.00

15.30

16.00

Hockey Men's 1sts 4 Points JLB

Indoor Football Men's 2nds 1 Point Tent 2

Judo All Categories 6 Points Tent 1

Football Men's 3rds 1 Points Football 1

Indoor Football Women's 1st 2 Points Tent 2

Netball 2nds 2 Points Tent 3

Rugby Union Men's 1sts 4 Points Rugby 1

Women's Volleyball 4 Points Main Hall

Tae Kwon Do Mixed York Exhib. D Studio

Netball 1sts 4 Points Tent 3

Thai Chi York Exhib. D Studio

Swimming Men 2 Points Holgate

Swimming Women 2 Points Holgate

Darts Womens 2 Points D Bar

Waterpolo Women 4 Points Holgate

Waterpolo Men 4 Points Holgate

Pool Women 4 Points D Bar

Pool Men 4 Points D Bar

Darts Men 2 Points D Bar

Ballroom Dancing All Categories 4 Points D Bar

ALL DAY

16.00

17.00

18.00

15.00

17.00

18.00- 20.00

10.00

11.00

14.30

SUNDAY

FRIDAYROSES

Tennis Men's 2nds 2 Points T Courts

Hockey Women's 2nds 2 Points JLD

Fencing Men's 1sts 4 Points Tent 1

Fencing Women's 4 Points Tent 1

Fencing Men's 2nds 2 Points Tent 1

Sailing Mixed 1sts 4 Points B.S.C.

Sailing Mixed 2nds 2 Points B.S.C.

Trampolining All Catergories 4 Points D. Studio

Hockey Men's 2nds 2 Points JLD

Tennis Women's 1sts 4 Points T Courts

Indoor Football Men's 3rds 1 Point Tent 2

Snooker Mixed 4 Points Fulford

Rugby Union Men's 2nds 2 Points Rugby 1

10.00

12.45Indoor Football Mens 2nds 1 Point Tent 2

Hockey Womens 1sts 4 Points JLD

Polo Mixed York Exhib. TBC

Netball 3rds 1 Point Tent 3

Mountaineering Mixed A Team 4 Points O.L.C.

Mountaineering Mixed B Team 2 Points O.L.C.

Volleyball Mens 4 Points Main Hall

Indoor Football Men's 1sts 4 Point Tent 2

Tennis Mens 1sts 4 Points T Courts

Lacrosse Mens 4 Points Lacross 1

Squash Womens 1sts 4 Points S Courts

Indoor Football Womens 2nds 1 Point Tent 2

Rugby Union Womens 1sts 4 Points Rugby 2

13.30

12.00

11.30

SATURDAY CONTINUED13.00

14.00

Archery All Categories 10 Points Rugby 1&2

Volleyball Mixed 4 Points Tent 2

Lacross Mixed 4 Ponts Lacross 1

Table Tennis Mixed 1sts (Open) 4 Points D Studio

Table Tennis Mixed 2nds (Open) 2 Points D Studio

Hockey Mixed 2nds 1 Point JLB

Basketball Women 4 Points Main Hall

Football Women's 1sts 4 Points Football 2

Football Men's 2nds 2 Points Football 1

Hockey Mixed 1sts 2 Points JLB

Basketball Men 4 Points Main Hall

Football Men's 1sts 4 Points Football 1

Hockey Men's 3rds 1 Point JLB

Croquet Chancellors, VC's, AU. 0 Points Hes. Hall

Closing Ceremony in Central Hall

Octopush Mixed York Exhib. TBC

11.30

13.00

14.30

15.00

16.30

TBC

12.00

14.00

1

5

11

7

12

14

15

8

13

6

10

42

16

9

SATURDAY

IMETABLE

1 - Tent2 - Main Hall/Squash Courts3 - Tennis Courts4 - JLD Astroturf5 - Football 16 - Football 2

7 - Football 38 - Lacrosse 19 - Lacrosse 210 - Cricket 111 - Cricket 212 - Rugby 113 - Rugby 214 - Range 15 - Pavilion16 - Derwent

Where you'll find the action...

T3

5SPORT : ROSES PULLOUTWednesday May 6th, 2009YORK VISION 4

I CAN’T BELIEVE it’s a year since York spectacu-larly won Roses in Lan-caster, going ahead for the first time in over 25 years.

As Athletic Union Presi-dent (or York Sport Presi-dent as it is now known) the result of Roses ultimately defines your year. I will go down in the history books as one of very few AU Presi-dents who have taken the Carter James trophy home from Lancaster.

But the irony is, I deserve no credit for the victory. I worked my backside off for a year, and yet the only thing I’m probably remembered for, if at all, is the one thing I really did nothing for. Win-ning Roses away from home is an amazing achievement, it was nothing to do with me - it was the entire York army who stormed across the Pennines and took Lan-

caster completely unawares. Winning by just two points means that every victory was absolutely crucial.

Having had such a storm-ing Saturday, we went into the final day needing just 18 points for victory, but I was not getting carried away with Lancaster so strong in Football and Hockey. But I was not prepared for the photo finish that saw the whole of Roses come down to the final three fixtures. Men’s football 1st XI, men’s hockey 1st XI and men’s ta-ble tennis - York needed just one draw to win Roses, and with just ten minutes to play York were losing all three fixtures and looking at leav-ing Lancaster without the Roses trophy.

I was playing with Uni-versity Chancellor Greg Dyke, Vice Chancellor Brian Cantor and our Lancastrian counterparts in the annual croquet contest, and to say I was a nervous wreck doesn’t quite cover it, I was all over the shop.

I couldn’t tell you who

won the croquet, but as soon as I heard that Richard de Boltz had scored an equal-iser in the hockey, I dropped my mallet, sprinted down the hill, nearly falling head over heels. It was the perfect end to a phenomenal week-end, and fitting that the club I had been involved in since my Freshers’ Week, scored the goal that won Roses for York.

To anyone reading this who hasn’t been involved in Roses before, it is one of the greatest memories you will take away from uni-versity. Even on a national scale, Roses is massive. It is the largest single univer-sity sporting event of its kind in Europe. It may not be of the status of the Ox-ford-Cambridge boat race, or the calibre of the Lough-borough-Bath contest, but for the sheer number of par-ticipants and sports on show

over a single weekend, it re-ally is second to none. And it’s not just about the sport and the competition the at-mosphere is electric.

I’m coming back to York for Roses weekend, and I’m looking forward to enjoy-ing a pint, in the beauti-ful sunshine,without any responsibility whatsoever. And Roses is as much about the spectators as it is the competitors. My housemates loved Roses, even though they were never involved. In fact, in my first year, they dressed up in fancy dress, brought down a crate of beer to the astroturf and made a lot of noise.

For anyone reading this who doesn’t yet know what Roses is about, or isn’t in-volved in this weekend’s an-tics, even if you haven’t got a sporting muscle in your body, just come down and enjoy the atmosphere. And to those who are compet-ing, I wish you all the best and I’m looking forward to a fifth White Rose victory in six years!

"Roses is one of the greatest memories you will take away from uni-versity. Even on a nation-

al scale, Roses is massive"

Last year's triumphant AU President reminices on 2008's nail-biting victory

AFTER SUCCESSFUL seasons both on and off the pitch, both York rugby 1sts and 2nds will be looking to record their big-gest win of yet, against bitter rivals Lancaster when they clash in the Roses this week-end.

York’s tight victory last year will inevitably lead to Lancaster craving revenge and the eagerly anticipated fixture is sure to be one of passion and solidarity.

The 1sts have been in supreme form this season collecting maxi-mum points throughout an unde-feated campaign which saw them promoted to North 1A and will be looking to replicate the form that saw them pick up victories against Leeds, Newcastle and Northum-bria in particular.

Furthermore, the 2nds man-aged to stave of relegation after a fantastic spring term that hosted victories over Sheffield, North-umbria and York St John's 1sts. For a team tipped for relegation at the beginning of the season, the

2nds will be looking to build on a triumphant end to the campaign, and execute Lancaster in similar fashion.

Club President James Small-wood told York Vision that the club felt “quietly confident” now that “both teams are much stronger in all departments, and the club as a whole has far more depth.”

A change of club mentality seems to be one of the key factors to the President’s assurances as the team move away from the be-lief that they “are a social club that plays rugby to a rugby club that likes to socialise”

Additionally, the teams have stepped up their training and fit-ness schedules in preparation for the competition congregating eve-ry day after a long Easter break. The club has additionally relied on players engaging in personal training in their own time to give them the edge in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter.

Smallwood did concede “Lan-caster will be incredibly up for Roses this year after their light loss at home (last year). Both their teams have had successful sea-

sons too, so we are expecting both games to go to the wire!”

Yet this has only fuelled the club’s anticipation to playing on the biggest stage in front of what is always the season’s largest and loudest crowd, especially for the clubs more senior players, includ-ing Smallwood who, in his own words, “cant wait!” His explana-tion: “Playing on 22 acres, on our home pitch, in front of hundreds and hundreds of people will make for a fantastic atmosphere and what a way to go out.”

The Roses encounter to many is a test of limits, but to those in their final year, it is more than that. Lancaster provide a test in which these loyal servants can say farewell to a shirt, a team and a university by playing with their bodies on line and giving their all for a place in history.

The rugby fixtures on Satur-day afternoon are always one of the focal events of the Roses com-petition, and with more than pride to play for, this battle will surely be one of more than blood, sweat and tears.

BY WILL MARWICK

JO CARTER

YORK'S POOL and Snooker players may not be preparing for their match ups by weeks of ardous intense phys-ical preperation, yet they will by no means be any less prepared than their sweaty counterparts. All of the snooker and the pool sides have performed solidly this season, with the first team finishing third in the BUCS Championship and the thirds reached the final of BUCS trophy.

Such good form combined with

home advantage, a factor that Pool and Snooker Club President Mike Walsh believes to be crucial, the Men’s side are a good bet to bring home the bacon.

Yet the Women’s side faces an uphill struggle against a Lancas-ter side who romped to victory last year. However with a partisan crowd in Derwent bar both York sides are bound to be buoyed by the home sup-port.

BY MIKE REGAN

pOOL & SNOOKER

6 SPORT : ROSES PULLOUTWednesday May 6th, 2009

YORK VISION

LANCASTER SEEKING REVENGE

ALONGSIDE the customary clashes in football, rugby, and netball, Dancesport might not seem like the typical Roses sport. But with 4 points for the taking in their event, the Dancesport team is quietly confident of doing their part in helping York to retain their title in 2009.

After years of Lancaster tra-ditionally dominating the Ball-room and Latin events at Roses, a strong performance last year by the York team saw them achieve victory is a closely contested match, by 2.5 points to 1.5. Danc-esport Secretary Luke Malkin is positive of the team repeating this success again. “This year with even more experience and a home advantage we’re looking to repeat this performance and win

by as big a margin possible,” he told Vision.

Being the only society to take part in Roses, York and Lancaster dancers do not contest each other in a league. But both teams com-peted in the Northern University Dance Competition earlier this year, and vast improvements by both universities mean the Roses match is expected this year’s match to be another hard fought contest. And with the York team competing in inter-varsity com-petitions all year, and increas-ing their number of beginner’s couples from 3 to 8, the team is expecting a great success in both the beginner and expert competi-tions.

Malkin also hinted at an even bigger spectacle by the two teams this year, with audience partici-pation and visual performances being planned. “Both teams put on a small demonstration before

we begin, and we’re hoping to get the audience involved with some inter-varsity dancing! This year we’ve also lifted some dress re-strictions to make the event more of a spectacle for supporters.” So if you’re looking for a great show as well as a closely fought contest, Dancesport might just be worth checking out.

DARTS OF PLEASURE

BY EMILY HODGES

THROUGHOUT THE University sport’s cal-ender, darts is hardly the sport that generates the most column inches across campus media outlets. Yet once a year, it has its moment in the limelight.

Last year’s darts matches were an undisput-ed highlight of Roses, com-plete with entrance music, a raucous atmosphere and nail-biting darts. It was Lancaster who triumphed by seven games to six in a thrilling men’s contest that went down to an en-thralling final leg, whilst the women succumbed 7-2.

Since then the two men’s sides have cemented their places as the best uni-versity dart’s teams in the country, and co-captain Andy Myhill is confident of overturning last year’s result. He told Vision, “eve-ry match we have has been

very close. We expect this year to be close once again but with our side strength-ened with the addition of a few new players.” He vowed: “we will edge it.”

Complete with their very own Phill Taylor (ac-tually his name) the York side have every chance of powering to victory this weekend. And with Derwent bar packed to the rafters with lairy darts lovers baying for terrific tungsten-tipped action and the best two teams in the country in action, it has all the makings of a classic en-counter.

Despite last year’s heavy loss, the darting women will be quietly confident of putting in a much improved perform-ance. Having beaten Dur-ham and acquired some new talent the girls will be expecting to run a strong Lancaster side extremely close and contribute to a thrilling day’s darts.

BY MIKE REGAN

ONE of the most hotly an-ticipated clashes of this year’s Roses will take place on the football fields. Both the 1sts and 2nds are looking to avenge the de-feats they suffered last time round against strong Lancaster sides.

When Vision caught up with the men hoping to lead the football teams to Roses glory, we found them in an understand-ably confident mood, hav-ing both performed more than respectably on the league circuit this sea-son. There is a real belief amongst the players that a double success for the White Rose is on the cards in a few days time.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing for either team this season, yet they have emerged from their leagues as strong units. The football 1sts were un-lucky to suffer crippling injuries in the Autumn term which, coupled with the arctic conditions in the new year, deflated hopes of a high finish in

the table. Yet, once they were able to field a settled team, the results soon im-proved.

This recent turn in for-tune has given the firsts renewed optimism that they can avenge last year’s Roses defeat. The match had seen York dominate the first half until a red

card reduced them to 10 men. Lancaster eventu-ally ran out 4-1 winners.

Although the sides haven’t met since, similar placings in their respec-tive leagues suggest that this year’s match will be as closely contested as ever. Witherwick pro-claims: “nothing other than victory will be good enough for the White Rose this year.”

Whilst the post-Christ-mas weather-induced fix-ture break also scuppered the chances of promotion for the 2nds, a strong fin-ish to the season saw them secure 2nd place in the league. After a successful season in both the league and the cup, captain Alex Richards is confident that they can overturn the 2-0 defeat suffered against a physical Lancaster side in 2008: “given our strong season, the fantastic qual-ity of players and a real sense of togetherness amongst the squad, I think this could be our year”. Richards has also stressed the importance of home advantage, “not just for the brilliant support, but also in terms of prepara-tion,” and this highlights the need for all of York to get out there and sup-port the teams come Roses weekend.

Indeed, UYAFC presi-dent Shaun Evans has spoken of “the gradual elevation of expectation and excitement,” amongst the teams, and if this is replicated in the mood of the home fans, then surely two White Rose victories are the only option. Come on lads, York expects!

THE ULTIMATE FRISBEE team may have lost several key players coming into this academic year but through unbridled enthusiasm and dedicated training the current team is on course to ‘do the double’ over our Lancastrian rivals.

The sport is played both in-doors and outdoors with York hav-ing won the former and lost the latter at last year’s Roses. Superb performances in recent ourna-ments has earned York a reputa-tion as a solid team; consistently

beating Lancaster in their numer-ous meeting throughout the year. Confidence is understandably high and experienced members of the team are convinced that York will hold a comfortable advan-tage in the outdoor arena.

Though the indoor game is not quite such a foregone con-clusion and may well feature a slightly closer score line though ultimately the smart money is on York to pull through as the strong-er team.

WHILST most athletes will be stumbling out of bed, warm-ing up and then competing on and around campus, York’s snow sports competitors will be trekking to Rossendale for their events. Whilst the loca-tion hardly represents home turf, YUsnow team captain Katie Huckle is confident of securing victory in the com-petition. The snowboarders will be looking for their inau-gral Roses victory having lost narrowly in their only event to date, at last year’s Roses, whilst the Ski team will be out to repeat last year’s triumph.

Huckle told Vision “we have high hopes for this year’s event”, and her confidence is justified having beaten their bitter rivals at every opportu-nity. She also managed to stir up some controversy before the event begins by outlining some of Lancaster’s shady tactics this season- “We also

will be keeping an eye out for the two ringers they have been using on a regular basis who do not attend Lancaster.”

dANCEPORTYORK COME DANCING

BY PETER STANLEY

tABLE TENNIS

YORK WILL pitch four Badminton sides against the finest Lancaster has to offer at this year’s Roses. York will cer-tainly be ready for this year's contest after some last minute final prepa-rations, including extra training and hastily ar-ranged matches. Yet there are questions over wheth-er this will be enough against strong Lancaster sides that are in terrific form, particularly the women who have secured a vastly superior league position.

But confidence in the York camp is high. Bad-minton Club President Christine Wong promises they "will be going into the match with a winning mentality and will put up a very good fight.” With the vow that no player “will go down without a fight,” this year’s bad-minton will be pulsating,

even if victo-ry may well be beyond the York team.

y

uLTIMATE FRISBEE

AD -bMINTON

YORK'S Table Tennis stars may not adorn the Roses post-ers that plaster cam-pus from Goodricke to Alcuin, yet their match with Lan-caster is set to be as competitive as any.

This year revenge is the order of the day with the men’s side aiming for “maxi-mum points.” And

the team have every reason to be confi-dent, having had a good season, los-ing by two points in the BUCS Final and pitting themselves against a weaker Lancaster side than the one that beat them narrowly last year.

The men’s captain has promised that

his side have learnt from last year's mis-takes, in which the firsts were “a little over confident” and duly lost dismally.

The seconds, how-ever, will be looking to repeat their excel-lent performance of last year, when they triumphed in an en-thralling encounter.

FOOTBALLYORK KEEN TO AVENGE

7SPORT : ROSES PULLOUTWednesday May 6th, 2009YORK VISION

USNOW

YORK SUCCUMBED to a pair of disappointing de-feats in the first events of this year’s Roses - the Sla-lom and the Canoe Polo. This was mainly due to some unfortunate circum-stances beyond the team’s control.

Last weekend’s results-leave York already facing an eight point deficit going into the coming week’s events. York had agreed to move the matches forward a week as Lancaster would not have been able to field a team due to exam commitments. How-ever this only resulted in the presence of a much depleted white rose line-up for the same reason

Despite excellent per-formances from Tim Lamb and Rachael Spanton, York slumped to defeat in both the men’s and the women’s canoe polo. Whilst the men lost 12-0, the women were forced to for-feit their match as they were unable to field a full compli-ment of competitors. In last year’s event the women were victorious in the canoe polo

and slalom disciplines, and would doubtless have pushed for the points on this occa-sion, had circumstances not

been against them.The canoeists’ bad luck

has not merely been confined to York Sport’s flagship event. Will Cusworth, Canoe club Treasurer, told York Vision that their lack of prepara-tion was down to their lack of funding from York Sport who “forgot” about the club. With-out sufficient funds the York side have been unable to train with the same frequency as their Lancastrian rivals, with “no where even near enough money for pool training ses-sions which Lancaster get as they have a pool on campus.”

BY MIKE REGAN

> Controversy as “underfunded” canoe polo team go down to Lancaster

> First Roses event held in Lancaster

EXPECTATIONS are reasonably high for York women’s basket-ball.

After promotion last season their form has dropped slightly and the team ended the league in bottom place despite finishing the season with a positive points difference. Their convincing win over Lancaster at the 2008 Roses coupled with the fact that the leading scorer from last year's Lancaster team, Christin Kir-chuebel, is now in York’s colours suggests that although it may be a close came York certainly have the potential to emerge victori-ous.

Similarly the men’s basket-ball promises to be a tight affair with no side holding an advan-tage. York should enter the com-petition with good spirits follow-ing a purple patch at the back end of their season. With intensive training session arranged for the first two weeks of term the team are clearly determined to take revenge for the beating they re-ceived at the hands of Lancaster in last year’s Roses.

AFTER THEIR huge success at last year’s Roses, with the men’s and women’s teams both pulling off big wins, the tennis squad must be confident of repeating their victory over Lancaster again this year.

Men’s Tennis Captain Rich Pinching admitted the club has had “mixed fortunes” since Roses. The men’s first team only narrowly avoided relega-tion from the BUCS through an inspired final effort. The second team and women’s team had much more positive seasons however, with the women secur-ing third place, and the men’s seconds gaining their first ever

promotion, winning all but one match. Lancaster and York have not played against each other since Roses, although York argu-ably have an added advantage, having Lancaster Men’s number two seed move to York as a post-graduate.

Pinching has set high aims for this year’s event, saying “we feel this year it is a must to better last year’s achievement of 12 out of 14 points and push to get all 14, with what is undoubtedly the best squad in terms of strength and depth ever at York Tennis.”

A clean sweep is a high target, but with the home advantage for the team, anything is possible.

WOMEN'S RUGBY have become one of York’s highest performing clubs in recent seasons. The fearless females put in a sterling effort to achieve silver in the BUCS championship last term, whilst Lancaster were knocked out in the semi-finals.

At Last year’s Roses, York and Lan-caster began the game with a sevens win each. But York soon quashed any Lancaster hope with a decisive 10-0 vic-tory,

Despite missing key players for this years matches, club president, Chelsey Sprong, isn’t phased: “I’m very confi-dent that we will emerge from all 3 of our matches with a notable lead over Lancaster.”

THE LACROSSE players were some of York’s star performers last year having se-cured three victories out of three. And the expectation is that they will do the same this year.

The men’s team have had a strong sea-son despite remaining empty handed, how-ever they will be going all out to secure another memorable result this weekend. If they do so then veteran attacker Jack Wakefield will have to find his form and rack up the goals and in doing so show just why he was selected at national level.

For the women this season it has been a tale of ‘close, but no cigar,’ finishing as league runners up and losing cup final-ists. However confidence in their ability to overcome a cobbled together Lancaster outfit, is extremely high, with some mem-bers predicting a 20-0 win. Be sure to watch out for their new goal scoring sensation, Liz Chan and her acrobatic celebrations.

With strong players from both sides, the mixed Lacrosse team have evolved into a formidable unit. Combining the strength and speed of the men with the finesse and skill of the women, the mixed Lacrosse side are an excellent bet to increase their narrow margin of victory from last year.

OMEN'S RUGBYw

By JOE MCDERMOTT

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY braving the elements for the last two terms, York’s sailing teams will be hop-ing that the weather will be on their side when they face Lancaster on Saturday. Having been out on the water through the chilly conditions of last winter, de-feating the red rose should be a breeze for both sailing teams, especially considering the strong season they have had.

York 1sts managed to reach the BUSA finals play-offs, beating Lancaster on the way, having finished third in their group thanks to victories over some of the best sailors in the country. Sailing captain Simon McNamara has pointed to last year’s Roses result as evidence that they won’t disappoint in their must-win fixture – both the firsts and seconds beat Lancaster af-ter 3 races in their best-of-five series. Going into this weekend’s races at Beaver Reservoir, it’s certainly evi-dent that York have the wind in their sails.

By EMILY HODGES

rIDING tENNIS

ASKETBALL

By JIM NORTON

LACROSSE

SPORT : ROSES PULLOUTWednesday May 6th, 2009YORK VISION

ROSES BEGINS... BADLY

sAILINGBy PETER STANLEY

By MIKE REGAN

B

YORK RIDING Club had mixed results in the 2008 Roses tournament – a loss for the A team and a win for the B team meant the points were shared between York and Lan-caster last year.

However, both teams have added new members this year, and their success so far this year must make the Club positive about coming away victorious this time around.

Despite neither team qualifying for the National Championships this year, both had strong seasons, with the A team winning their BUSA league, and the B team placing 6th out of all 54 teams nation-ally. As Captain-Elect Ellie Pendred says, “chances are looking good.”

8

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