SPORT returned to the University of York after a disappointing finish last term when snow and ice called a halt to proceedings.

Refuelled during a Christmas break, the University of York teams have hit the ground running.

The university’s football and badminton teams tasted victory in this week’s BUCS fixtures, while the netball seconds lost to league leaders Leeds Carnegie fourths on a day in which three of the seven scheduled home fixtures were cancelled.

The netball seconds fought well against Leeds Carnegie fourths but ultimately the visitors proved too much for the home side, defeating York 39-27.

York matched their opponents for long spells until the final quarter, when Leeds’ striking prowess proved decisive.

The result stretched Carnegie’s winning streak to five but, more significantly, this increases their league advantage to five points over their main title challengers York.

The men’s football thirds produced a sterling performance, however, to beat the University of Sunderland thirds 2-1.

Dan Atherton put York ahead with a crisp finish following a flowing move on the break, and their lead was doubled midway through the second period, when Tom Day’s run down the left wing was topped off with a scorching drive from the edge of the box.

A mix-up with goalkeeper Toby Owen led to an unfortunate Nick St George own goal, but York put paid to any thoughts of a tense finale by finishing as the stronger team.

The badminton men’s firsts, meanwhile, cruised to a resounding 6-2 victory over bottom-of-the-table Leeds firsts.

Said club president Ben McGladdery: “The win against Leeds was an important result for our first team.

“With Leeds being one of the weaker sides in the league, York had to perform. They did not disappoint.

“With everyone taking at least one win, the men’s firsts delivered in spades.

“All that remains now is to beat Liverpool and Newcastle to finish in the top half of the table.”