A return to cup action this week brought further success for the University of York, writes Alex McDonald.

The men’s football first XI led the way, progressing to the third round of the cup at the expense of Newcastle after a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win. York came up against a Newcastle team in a rich vein of form, with both teams having won five and lost only one of their last six matches.

This strong form showed in a high-tempo game with many chances. Despite this, full-time found both teams deadlocked at 0-0, while extra time also failed to yield any goals. York goalkeeper – and man of the match – Luke Bradley was in stunning form and kept his side in it during the initial 90 minutes with four top quality saves.

His opposite number also proved equal to the task with a string of athletic saves.

Come the penalty shoot-out, York remained the calmer side, with all four kicks successfully converted. Bradley maintained his exceptional form, saving two penalty kicks to secure the victory. The York women’s hockey first XI had a decidedly easier passage to the next round of the cup, beating Sheffield Hallam 3rds 7-0.

It was a fluid display from the start for York, who went ahead within the first two minutes from which point they never looked back.

The York defence scarcely saw the ball with goalkeeper Liz Furber not being required to touch the ball at all during the match. Attacking midfielders Katie Penrose and Minerva Saner were the stars of the show, running midfield and creating countless chances.

Goals came courtesy of a hat-trick from Penrose, a brace for both Saner and Jess Harwood, before Joely Hartley completed the rout.

Women’s rugby also enjoyed an easy passage into the next round.

Continuing their fine start to the season, they put away their opponents from Leeds Trinity University 44-5.

It was a dominant display, with York excelling at the set-piece and breakdown. The Leeds try came from a rare breakaway in midfield early on following some weak tackling.

However, the York side were boosted by the greater strength of their substitutes on the bench, meaning they were able to play harder for longer.

Their opponents faded in the second half as York ran in five tries.

Centre Emily Speller and flanker Hannah Carter were the stars of the show, both running in three tries. The men’s water polo team remain unbeaten over their four games this season, destroying Manchester 26-0 in the most one-sided encounter of the day.

York were faster and stronger across the pool and their opponents were visibly downhearted after falling five goals behind early on. It was a hapless display from Manchester, while York remain bristling with confidence and are early season title contenders.