THE promotion hopes of the University of York’s rugby union firsts were severely dented by a home defeat to Manchester University firsts.

With the British Universities and Colleges Sport league season drawing to a close, several York teams are fighting against relegation or pushing for promotion.

York’s impressive rugby union home record was tarnished by the 24-19 defeat at home against the BUCS Northern Conference 1A leaders.

Blustery conditions made for a scrappy opening period and the sides were locked at 0-0 with half an hour played.

York were the first to put points on the board after the visitors gave away a penalty scrum on their five-metre line and scrum-half Tom Bugge shimmied past two men to slam the ball down.

However, Manchester scored a converted try on the stroke of half-time to go in 10-7 up.

Two quick tries in the second half cut York adrift at 24-7, although they rallied with two tries to close the gap.

With only a few more games left to play, including Manchester away, York’s hopes of promotion are hanging in the balance.

Elsewhere, the men’s and women’s lacrosse first teams secured home wins.

The men’s side were 4-3 winners over Durham seconds, who are just above them in the table, while the women dominated Liverpool’s first team in a 17-8 victory.

It was a key win for the York women, who are second from bottom in the table with Liverpool in last place.

York now face a play-off to cling on to their place in Northern Conference division 1A.

The hockey club also finished their season with a win, the women’s firsts beating hosts Northumbria seconds 2-1.

Second teamer Sophie Anderson scored one of York’s goals.

Although both women’s teams have missed out on promotion, the teams are looking strong with the seconds unbeaten this season.

Despite enjoying a good all-round season, the netball firsts and seconds lost tough games on Wednesday.

The firsts hosted Northumbria thirds and lost out 29-25.

The second team travelled to Leeds Met fourths and lost 50-47.

- Leila Asrari