1) College Rowing & Swimming
The excitement starts early, with two of the biggest one-day tournaments of the year; firstly Rowing in the Roger Kirk Centre at 7pm on Sunday, then the following Sunday (Week 3) sees Swimming take place, where we’ll have a combination of the serious and more laughable races on display. There’s more to follow with Lacrosse and of course College Sports Day to come later in the year.
Prediction: Derwent show their spirit and resilience to win at least one of Rowing and Swimming, whilst James and Alcuin shine.
2) Sochi Winter Olympics
It may not be London 2012, but the Sochi Winter Olympics are less than a month away, and this February we’ll see the best skiers, snowboarders and skaters in the world competing at the pinnacle of their sport. Four years ago Amy Williams won gold in Vancouver, can someone replicate her success this time?
Prediction: Medals won’t be easy for Team GB, but who knows, we may sneak one or two.
3) College Varsity
New always means exciting, and this year’s inaugural College Varsity against Durham promises to be one of the most enthralling events of the year. 16 matches will be contested between the leading college teams from each institution on 2nd March, whilst before then we have the excitement of College Varsity qualifiers weekend to look forward to on the 8th and 9th of February.
Prediction: Well, as College Sport Officer, I have to say a York victory, don’t I really. In truth, it’s hard to say with it being new.
4) Six Nations
Preparations for the 2015 Rugby World Cup continue, as England look to avenge their humiliating loss at the hands of Wales 12 months ago. France had a dismal time last year and will look to bounce back, whilst Ireland and Wales will once more prove stern tests for this English side, whose target is surely victory in the World Cup in 2015.
Prediction: Difficult to say, but France are a funny team, and I think they’ll bounce back and win it this year. Second or third again
for England.
5) BUCS, BUCS and a bit more BUCS
It’s a matter of so far so good for York, and we’ll be looking to keep it up this term as we aim to consolidate our position in 34th place. A number of teams including Lacrosse, Netball and Football are in search of promotion, whilst others are battling against the drop. What is certain is that some crucial and exciting weeks of sport lie in store.
Prediction: York to keep up the good work, and my statistical analysis says we’ll finish 35th. See page 26.
6) Roses
This simply wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Roses, as York looks to claim that much sought after away Roses victory. Can we do it? Well, you have to think we have an excellent chance after cruising to victory last year and currently sitting 12 places above Lancaster in the BUCS standings. Away Roses are always tough though, and this promises to be a tight one.
Prediction: I’m in a positive mood this year, and I really believe we can win away this year. An 18 point margin of victory is in York’s favour.
7) The College Cup
After the excitement of Roses we have the College Cup, as Halifax aim to continue their excellent College Cup record and retain the trophy. The winners of the autumn league James are likely to be in contention, whilst Derwent and Vanbrugh will be in the mix. Of course there’ll be a surprise package, last year was James 3rds, this year who knows…The magic of the cup!
Prediction: Rematch of last year’s final, but Derwent to record a 2-1 victory over Halifax.
8) Barclays Premier League
Is it Arsenal or Liverpool’s year? I’d love to say yes, but sadly I think not. Manchester City and Chelsea appear the two favourites, whilst the transfer business of the next month could be crucial. At the other end the likes of West Ham, Sunderland and Fulham are all in danger, but predicting who will go down is, in truth, a bit of a lottery.
Prediction: Manchester City to claim their second title in three years, United to sneak into fourth on the last day of the season, whilst West Ham, Crystal Palace and Sunderland suffer the drop.
9) The overall College Sport standings
Is Derwent’s dominance of College Sport about to come to an end? Finally they have suffered defeat in College Rugby, whilst they have been edged off top spot in the overall standings by James. Wentworth and Goodricke have shown signs of improvement, whilst Alcuin and Vanbrugh struggle. Whose year is it set to be, and will someone finally be able to topple the mighty Derwent?
Prediction: James. It’s time for a change at the top, and their consistency makes them my favourites.
10) The World Cup
It’s one of those years again where everyone becomes a football fan. We haven’t had much to cheer of late, and the prospects don’t look great for England in a challenging group and without the form to suggest they will challenge the top teams. Anything can happen though, and progress through the group and a decent draw lies in store.
Prediction: The quarter finals are a possibility, but we’re not good enough to challenge the very best. Home advantage makes Brazil my tip.
11) Commonwealth Games
Scotland prove the hosts this year, and the two-week multi-sport event is just one of many exciting competitions that lie in store. Who will emerge as the star of the Games, and who will flop? In truth only time will tell, but the competition has the potential to leave a sporting legacy in Scotland, and hopefully see the emergence of new British talent.
Prediction: The event will be a success, but I’m not even going to try and guess how many medals we’ll win.
12) More success for Murray?
A two-time Grand Slam winner, can Andy Murray add to his collection in 2014, or will Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic continue to prove the dominant forces in tennis? The Australian Open is underway, while Wimbledon again promises to be a stunner. Can Laura Robson continue her progress, and will another young British player emerge to become the next star?
Prediction: Murray is now more experienced and confident, and I can see him notching up his third Grand Slam title, most likely at the US Open again.