THE last round of British Universities and Colleges Sport fixtures of the term signalled the end of an encouraging few months for the University of York’s sports teams.

The most spectacular performance was by the men’s firsts football team, who produced a marvellous display to trounce Teesside firsts, who were above them, 8-0.

The men’s thirds defeated Teesside fourths 6-2 to move top of their division, and the women’s firsts extended their winning run by hammering Bradford 6-0 to remain top of the table.

The crunch match of the round saw York men’s firsts rugby side make the trip to their nearest rivals, Sheffield firsts.

A tough game was predicted, but the side produced another fantastic display to win 13-6 and move five points clear at the top of the table going into the Christmas break.

Meanwhile, York seconds also prevailed 18-15 over Sheffield to boost their morale.

A challenging day for the hockey club saw three defeats and a draw.

While the men’s firsts’ trip to Durham was cancelled, the women’s firsts suffered an agonising 4-1 defeat to Leeds seconds and the men’s seconds endured a 4-3 loss to Leeds Met thirds.

York men’s thirds were hammered 6-0 on their travels, but the women’s seconds did manage to secure a point at home against Sheffield thirds with a 2-2 draw.

York’s men’s badminton team recovered from successive defeats by beating Leeds Met thirds 6-2, their third BUCS victory of the campaign. The women’s firsts secured an even more resounding victory, crushing Teesside firsts 8-0.

The women’s basketball team also boosted their promotion hopes by defeating Sheffield firsts 47-39.

However, the men’s volleyball firsts suffered a thumping defeat by a strong Leeds firsts side.

In netball, York firsts suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Sunderland firsts, 29-26, as they missed the chance to move top of the table.

The success stories of the season so far have been York’s lacrosse sides and the men’s firsts rugby, but plenty of other sides have also impressed.

Tomorrow, York Centurions American football team will play their first ever home BUCS match, while the table-topping men’s firsts futsal team will aim to continue their fantastic run of form.