As the black and gold kits are put away for another year, the balls sent back to the store cupboard and sticks lowered, Vision takes a look back at the best sporting moments from the year, including the best bits of Roses 2013 and some of our personal favourites of the year.
10) Lax beat boozers
There’s simply nothing better than having an unbeaten season. And when your opponents at Varsity turn up after a visit to the pub, you know it’s going to be a good day. Hull’s men’s lacrosse team decided it would be pointless to try against York, having already being defeated by them earlier in the season, so they decided to have a little tipple to help with the game. Safe to say their tactics didn’t pay off.
9) Sideline banter
A little dirt was given out at this year’s battle of the Roses. Derwent BNOC Simon Varley invested in a megaphone, and proceeded to hurl abuse at the Lancastrian opposition. His quick-witted and sometimes questionable remarks provided humour to the home support, but caused upset to some of the visitors.
8) Croquet Kallum
Never has there been a more comic moment as when our very own YUSU President tried his hand at croquet for Vision. A good sport, Kallum took to croquet like a duck to water and showed flashes of brilliance. His hard practice paid off; at Roses, Kallum teamed up with Brian Cantor and Greg Dyke to claim another York victory. But next time, Kallum, take off the scarf!
7) 95 and what?
It was a game Alcuin would rather forget, if truth be told, Alcuin were expected to put up more of a challenge against the might of Derwent’s rugby team. With Derwent constantly on the offensive, and Alcuin not threatening the try line, the game was only ever going to end one way. Kemp scored a hat trick of tries, and the boys enjoyed a jubilant day. It looks like the team in black and red will need to up their game next time.
6) Intermediate status
The beginner men from UYBC proved they were novices no more, coming of age in a whirlwind of drama. The eight put in a worthy performance at Nottingham City Regatta this year, with the fastest times in the heats, before going even faster in the final with a time of seven minutes and seven seconds. It was a performance to be proud of, and they now progress to the Intermediate level.
5) Golden oldies
The longer you play the game the better you become at it. The postgraduates from Wentworth won their first ever college football title by beating Vanbrugh 4-0, thus confirming their status as one of the most consistent teams in college football. Let’s hope they can keep up the standard next year.
4) Flying fly half
Tom Chadwick worked his way around the Lancaster rugby team at the Huntington Stadium with ease following the Roses Opening Ceremony. Only missing one conversion in the whole game and contributing a try, he excelled as the Rugby 1sts kicked off the Roses mauling.
3) Rising High-ton
You can forgive this girl for taking a break this summer. Louise Highton’s Roses performance was outstanding and her Player of the Tournament award was thoroughly deserved. Competing in both fencing and water polo, she excelled, smashing home several goals during the water polo and barely losing a point at fencing. A true role model for university sport, Highton has been an integral part of an excellent year for both these clubs.
2) Roses are white
York’s victory over Lancaster to win back the Carter James Trophy was arguably a walkover. With a final score of 180.5-105.5, York put on a spectacular display across each day, including some fantastic individual performances. Lacrosse, rugby and hockey all stood out with dominant victories.
1) Seconds to go…
It may as well have been the 1999 Champions League Final. Drawing against Leicester 7-7 with only 30 seconds left in the game, Ash Daly sent the ball flying into the back of the net, sending the crowd into hysterics. Now the team are on their way to Malaga after reaching the BUCS semi-final. Futsal are sure to do us proud, but next time, please don’t leave it until the dying seconds!