UYRUFC 1sts continue life in Premier North B tomorrow as they host second placed Nottingham Trent 1sts, in what promises to be a challenging encounter against a side which have only succumbed to defeat once this year.
Fraser Kirkley’s York side currently sit seventh in the table, with only one win from their opening five contests; however, they were deeply unfortunate to suffer three narrow defeats on the trot at the start of the year.
After attaining promotion last year, the side have battled wilfully, but clearly noticed the increased calibre of their opponents, and suffered a 49-5 reverse last week against a powerful Birmingham 1sts outfit, who sit top of the table with a 100% record.
An excellent victory over Lougborough 2nds is all that York have to show for their efforts to date this campaign, but there have been clear signs that the side has the ability to thrive at this level, as they adapt to competing with some of the premium sporting institutions in the country.
Captain Kirkley told Vision: “The season has been a learning curve. We’ve missed out on a few games by very tight margins, which is promising but very frustrating.
“I think the Loughborough game in particular highlights our potential and epitomises the hard work we put in in training.
“Nottingham Trent will be a test as they sit second in the league currently, but we are a forced to be reckoned with at home.
“It is important to remember that it is a long season, and with players returning from injury we can look to be on the better side of those narrow margins after Christmas.”
The contest will take place at 14:00 on 22 Acres, and is one of a trio of important fixtures that York have coming up over the next week, with a trip to bottom placed Sheffield Hallam 1sts in store in a fortnight’s time.
York will be wanting to make sure that they make home advantage count, as they go in search of the crucial victory which will help to allay their relegation fears.
With the side already out of the cup competition, after suffering defeat two weeks ago having rested a number of key players, their sole focus is on the league and ensuring their survival in one of the top divisions.
The second team meanwhile will be looking to build on victory last week, in their local derby against York St John.