Rebecca O’Dwyer – Netball
Work hard, play harder. A cliché, perhaps, but one that’s wholly accurate in describing what it is like to be a member of UYNC – York’s netball club.
Yes, it may well be torture half way through the first fitness session of term, wondering why you didn’t make more of an effort over the summer to keep fit, whilst trying to work out exactly how you are going to finish the last half without collapsing, but it is worth it.
UYNC has some unique characteristics that make being part of it hard to beat.
Across all three teams, and all year groups, having a common love of netball, passion for sport, real commitment to training hard and winning keeps the club close-knit.
Although the training is hard, and commitment a necessity, it’s all worth it when you’re celebrating a win on Wednesday night in a variety of ridiculous outfits!
We enter three BUCS teams into the university leagues, which means that there is a wide range of ability, and so whatever your standard there is a place for you in UYNC!
Having a role on the committee is great opportunity to get involved and shoulder some responsibility. The need for a devoted president and inspirational captain means it’s not just your sports skills that can be put to use.
As far as matches are concerned, we do not just play league games, but also take part in the highly competitive annual Varsity tournament against York St Johns University.
As hinted at earlier, we do like to celebrate our hard work and achievements on a Wednesday, which will give you some great memories-or not so many memories depending on how much you celebrate!
Fund raising is a big part of our clubs ethos and we have several events throughout the year. Any excuse to get the whole club together and you will definitely find UYNC there.
Personally, I couldn’t imagine being at York without the girls at UYNC. On and off the court I have made friends that I would have never even met if I hadn’t joined.
UYNC is so much more than just about playing netball – it’s about having as much fun as possible.
Bobby Hanley – College Rugby
In recent years, college rugby has experienced resurgence as a solid fixture in the college sport calendar, with a 15s tournament taking place throughout the autumn and spring terms and a single day tournament of 10s near the end of the season.
Close relations are maintained with the UYRUFC, who offer coaching sessions for forwards to ensure safety in the pack. Friendly matches also take place between the University 3rds and various college teams, notably James College who, in their last encounter, even managed to secure an unexpected victory over the University lads.
Reigning champions of the college 15s tournament are James College who have held the title for three successive years. The current champions of the 10s tournament are Alcuin College, after James College ceded the title in last year’s tournament.
Alongside some fiercely contested inter-college games, college rugby lives up to its sociable aspect in great form with each club holding their individual socials several times a term and many ensuing pub visits after matches at the weekend.
This allows for a friendly network of people within the college rugby scene and nothing proves this point better than their annual game in memoriam of James College player Charles de Ladoucette, who tragically passed away last year. The James College team go head to head with the college Barbarians in a match not only to honour the beloved member of the community, but to raise money for the Pour un Sorire d’Enfant charity which Charles supported.
I personally play for James College and can think of nothing better. College rugby has allowed me to have some great experiences and enjoy some top notch rugby with some of the best guys on campus. The fixtures for this year are up and I’m looking forward to the prospect of defending our coveted title.
If you’re thinking about joining up, consider this important point: you can sing “I’m [enter College name here] till I die!” to your heart’s content, but where better to sort out the old college rivalries than on the rugby pitch?