Following a superb 2011/12 season, which saw the women’s 1sts secure promotion in both BUCS and their weekend Yorkshire League, the start of this campaign has proved somewhat more challenging. Tomorrow sees their next contest take the shape of a trip to Sheffield Hallam 1sts, to play a team who sit second in the table.
York themselves have had a mixed start to the BUCS season, succumbing to a heavy defeat at the hands of table topping Durham, before bouncing back with a 5-0 victory against local rivals York St John. Last week saw their cup run ended as they slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Leeds 4ths, after progressing to that stage in dramatic fashion courtesy of a penalty flick victory over Durham 4ths. The loss means that the side can now concentrate on their exploits in the league, in which they currently sit in a mid-table position.
When asked how her side would approach the contest, Dolton responded: “Hallam are going to be strong so we will match them. We’ll keep playing to our strengths and focussing on our teamwork. Also, we will play our hearts out until the final whistle, I can’t ask for more than that.” Indeed such determination and commitment has been one of the strengths of the women’s teams over recent seasons, and coupled with tremendous fitness levels and no lack of skill, they’ve enjoyed some phenomenal successes.A number of key individuals have departed from last year’s double promotion winning side, and in their place a number of new faces have bedded into the team. On this matter captain Sally Dolton commented: “The newcomers have slotted in brilliantly with the rest of the squad, and I am very happy with their performance so far.” Indeed the experience of the likes of Dolton, Sally Warrington and Jill Mercer has been key in helping the new recruits settle into the rigours of university hockey.
Sheffield Hallam are likely to pose another stern test for the side, since they are unbeaten so far this season with two wins and a draw from their opening trio of league matches. Despite putting seven past Teesside 1sts in the cup last week, Hallam’s success has been built around a solid defence, which has seen them concede only a single goal in five games to date this season.
In the Yorkshire League the jump in standard has been noticeable, as the side struggle to replicate the form of last year. Six defeats on the trot signified a torrid start to their campaign, but victory at the weekend has moved them off the foot of the table.
Yet as the team continues to gel and grow in experience, improved performances and results should be apparent. They will hope that this will start this week against Sheffield Hallam.
The Ladies 2nds make the same trip, in their case to face Sheffield Hallam 3rds. Meanwhile all three men’s teams have home fixtures, as the 1st XI look to continue their promising start to the season, aiming to extend their unbeaten run to the BUCS season against Leeds 2nds.
Although it is only early stages of the season, this week’s matches could prove crucial in determining final standings in the battle for promotion and against relegation.