SOMETIMES the week starts with a bounce.

Optimism, often in short supply these days, is making a comeback. A British naval crew dashes to the rescue of a trapped Russian submarine and, against the odds, saves seven sailors from the floor of the Pacific Ocean.

The Britons played the most crucial role in this international rescue, using automatic cutting equipment to cut free the stricken vessel, which had been stuck 190 metres below the surface and with a diminishing supply of air.

What a thrilling moment for everyone involved. In a world beset by conflict and tragedy, such humane collaboration was a true inspiration.

The Ashes saw a heart-stopping climax of a different sort when England, seemingly heading for an easy win, threw themselves into a nail-biting contest to eventually level the series against Australia with a two-run victory.

So with the series now square, the limp surrender of the first Test can be forgotten. England now has everything to play for again.

Also on the York sporting field, York City Knights appear to have one foot in the LHF National League One after their 54-22 win at Blackpool yesterday.

With five points clear, the Knights are in a strong position - although coach Mick Cook is right to urge caution and pursue a game-by-game approach. There are tough games ahead and nothing can be taken for granted. But, while optimism is in the air, it does no harm to hope.

All that and York now has its own mountaineering tot in Elisha Smith, who has been up Scarfell Pike at the age of two. Now that really is uplifting.

Updated: 11:25 Monday, August 08, 2005