MISERABLE weather and miserable results were experienced by the University of York in their latest round of British Universities and Colleges Sport fixtures, writes Alex McDonald.

The men’s and women’s hockey first teams struggled against superior opposition, with the men falling to a 10-4 defeat against a table topping Sheffield Hallam side.

The Sheffield side were a faster, more cohesive unit, picking apart the York defence with ease.

The defeat could have been heavier but for a string of saves by York goalkeeper Callum Chaundy and the strong runs and finishing of attacking midfielder Hugo Christie.

The women succumbed to a chastising 4-0 defeat to Sheffield University firsts, with York lacking the clinical cutting edge required to finish off some tidy moves.

The women’s football firsts gave a much-improved performance against a strong Durham side, securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw to improve on the 4-0 defeat earlier in the season.

Attacks were few and far between, and star striker Anty Cole received very little to work with all game.

A depleted men’s rugby union firsts put in a determined display against league favourites Birmingham, but were unfortunate to fall to an 24-11 loss.

Dire conditions made attractive rugby impossible, and the superior fitness and size of the Birmingham side was evident.

The university’s Key Contact scheme has brought further success, with sitting volleyball now being played in York.

The Paralympic sport is similar to volleyball, but played on a smaller court. One stipulation is that the players’ pelvis is not allowed to leave the floor.

Early sessions have been a great success, attended by members of the volleyball club and bringing new people in to the sport.