TWO defeats in the only brace of fixtures to beat the freeze ensured a bleak week at York University.

The netball seconds lost their first match of the season 48-26 to crash out the BUCS Northern Conference Cup to a dominant Newcastle University thirds team.

The visitors won the match 48-26, and were in control from the off, despite a determined showing from York.

Goal attack Lisa Griffiths impressed for York, scoring most of the home side’s points, while goalkeeper and captain Jo Bradshaw led by example with some key defensive interceptions.

Said Bradshaw: “I’m not disappointed with the game, even though we lost. It’s the first game we’ve lost all term, and I thought we played very consistently throughout the match.”

The only other BUCS fixture yielded a heavy 7-1 loss for the badminton men’s firsts to Leeds Metropolitan Carnegie 2nds.

The final score was harsh on the home side, who performed well in patches and had been heavily depleted by injuries prior to the match.

York indeed led 1-0 through a James Hor straight-sets singles victory, but the matches then swung in Met’s favour leaving captain James Davies to declare: “With many home games to come and our stronger players returning, we should be able to stay in contention for the league.”

Injuries have forced the York doubles partnerships to change frequently, which has lead to inexperienced pairings.

However, with their stronger players set to return, York can look to making vital home matches count.