Could this be the AU’s best year yet? More sporting enthusiasts seem to have joined teams increasing the popular demand to be competitive and enjoy the sheer thrill of taking part in team events. There have been many highlights of the year and here is a taste of just some of success enjoyed!
The Ladies Football team really has been a success story amongst all the AU teams; rising from the ‘doldrums’ to going a whole season unbeaten is truly remarkable! This great achievement was made possible through a greater demand in joining the team and as Captain Claire Knock explains, “last year we had a squad of around 15 and this year we have around 30!”, showing the great determination and enthusiasm embossed in ladies football. This was a key to performing at the highest possible level out on the pitch as competition for places was immense and kept every player on their toes in training and in match day form. From the first game grit and determination was required as the team found themselves 2-0 down against Bradford by half time. But all the team qualities were shown to come back to win the game 6-3, and if this result doesn’t show resilience and composure then it doesn’t exist! The game showed great team spirit and every player throughout the season went above and beyond their role to grind out results where necessary.
After a season of extraordinarily strong results, achieving six wins from six matches, scoring 40 goals and conceding a mere five, what a way to stamp authority and believe more can be achieved in the new 3rd league.
Knock notably mentioned “we have all become such close team mates as well as friends”, and if anything is to be taken from such an awe-inspiring team and season, it is that friendship was created, leading to great results on the pitch.
Another team that echoes this belief is the Netball Squad, who further proved that gelling well together is pivotal to achieving great results out on the courts! Captain Becca Nield expressed that “reaching the final was a huge achievement for [them]” due to a strong backbone of nine players contributing immensely by making vital interceptions, rapid and accurate court play and precise shooting. Achieving amazing results such as those against Chester’s 1st (48-32) and against Bradford’s 1st (84-4) are good as single results, however, producing these results every single time out is what makes a great team. This was represented by the team winning 16/16 games during the season as well as the cup itself!
Netball Squad even had the time to find the balance between work and socialising, with the team meeting up every Wednesday, bringing each and every one closer together, benefiting the team with improved results on the court.
Meanwhile a team that boasts a tale of the ‘underdog’ is Golf, with the Hull team having far less resources and training whilst competing with some of the best and causing a stir. Reaching the cup final and en-route beating Leeds Carnegie 5-1 was a memorable occasion and was only accomplished by having some 30 members working well together and building a solid base in the form of Nick Proctor, Bryan Wood and Nick Whiting.
The team reached the BUCS final but lost 4-2 to the University of Central Lancashire, however, given the difference in resources Hull’s Golfers can only be proud of their achievement. One that has been down to team work and the amount of work put in by the organisers. This and the results will hopefully boost numbers and attract more members in the coming academic year, leaving the Hull University Golf Club in a strong position.
The Hull University Rugby League has had an up and down season, one coupled with last-minute injuries and sin binning. However, President Mike Ellis believes that making a comeback against Edge Hill after being 42-0 down by half time, gave the team the willpower to “emerge with a new sense of belief and energy” which was the driving force that would turn their season around in dramatic fashion.
Despite many new players joining the team, and academic commitments, a great cup run almost brought glory to Hull! This was the catalyst that brought a sense of togetherness to the team, and along with Wednesday night socials helped enhance the in-house atmosphere to new heights.
Mike Ellis has proudly said that being finalists of the BUCS trophy “has to be the most memorable part of the season” and after fending off strong teams in the quarters and semis, the loss to Leeds Met can only spur the team on to go one step further and claiming the trophy next season!
Rarely does a sport excel so much with so little resources, yet Dancesport & Rock ‘n’ Roll has done just that! Entering in six competitions against other universities, and reaching the quarters, semis and final in each and every one is a great success story. Finishing a well-merited 1st and 4th in the individuals and 10th/60 in the team events is something to shout about! “Although every competition has been great, winning the rock ‘n’ roll at the nationals in Blackpool has to be the most memorable moment” said team Captain Claire.
This is truly a remarkable story and one which shall be built upon next year, and one that shouldn’t stop any interested students from joining the team classes. These are held every week segregating the ability levels, and two sessions a week solely for practicing so that any and everyone can partake in any of the competitions.
In a very much different sport, Hull University’s Rugby Union has been blessed by a great influx of talented players which provided the perfect inspiration to get off to a winning start by grabbing a last-minute win of 21-19 in the BUCS opening fixture.
While the team went from strength to strength morale was lifted further with a move away from the pitches at the University to Brantingham Park, a pitch used by Hull FC. A great cup run to the final has seen the team defeat much great opposition to take on UCLAN in a greatly anticipated final. Although Hull were defeated 8-5 the team showed great determination in the manner of the result, as Hull put everything into the last seven minutes to get a result they can be proud of. This was topped off by having support from over 100 people, of which 70 had travelled from Hull on the day!
Not only was success achieved on the pitch but raising £3000 since last April by arranging a charity match against Rugby League, and a record-breaking Man Auction adds icing to the cake. With great support from the university and the AU this strong season can only be matched in the seasons to come.
A sport that has come a long way from having 10 members last year to an astonishing 89 this year is boxing. Joshua Kennedy has made boxing a brilliant proposal to the university, with the team now having a logo and two professional coaches. With further equipment being donated the atmosphere is reaching new levels, especially with the possible affiliation into the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA). Summer programs will bolster the sport further and make it a growing feature at the university, and when it’s free for the first appearance and £1 for the rest of the week thereafter, why not punch a bag all evening and enjoy the rewards? If, like Nghia Trung Nguyen, you would like to compete, then go along and show your potential, as with support from the likes of AU and with a possible new boxing ring on the way, the sport will rise to new ranks and can only improve year on year.
A team brought together by close ties and great ambition to achieve all that is great has got to be the ‘Sharkettes’! An upsurge of intake with members rising to 73 highlights the phenomenal desire to be part of the cheerleaders. A great story in itself was the sheer desire of Becki McKinley to compete in the finals which took place in the Nottingham Arena even tough she suffered an injury, showing determination is only one trait expressed by the cheerleading squad as they exude competitiveness, willingness, and most importantly, trust among themselves. It was pointed out that cheerleading is very much a team-orientated sport and ‘a team is only as good as the weakest link’, thus it was a great achievement for the Sharkettes to achieve 3rd place at the national finals, putting a smile on the team’s faces.
All the teams have shown great ambition and results this year, and this will continue for years to come!
Ketan Patel & Nick Hill
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