In a return to British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league action at York University, all eyes were on the men’s hockey derby against York St John.

After falling two goals behind in the first-half, defeat seemed imminent for York, who spurned several opportunities.

However, a goal from Dan Alder early in the second-half changed the game’s momentum and a dramatic, last-minute equaliser from stand in captain Andy Harris brought the final score to 2-2.

“It was a shaky start, but we looked steadier in the second-half,” said Harris. “The main thing was that we got a result.”

The goals came easer for the women’s hockey firsts, with Rachael Faustino and Emily Lucas both scoring to secure a 2-0 victory over basement strugglers Northumbria.

York bossed the game from start to finish, picking up the victory without reaching the higher gears.

The team remain unbeaten in BUCS League 3B, but this was their first win and they will hope to harness the new-found momentum against strugglers Sheffield next week.

In football, the men’s firsts stretched their unbeaten sequence to seven matches in all competitions with a 4-1 romp at Newcastle.

Their hot form, which has taken them to the brink of top spot in League 2B, is testament to the coaching of Peter Renton, of the Leeds United academy.

The team’s attacking prowess has also been to the fore. The side have netted no fewer than 25 times in their last five fixtures. The men’s second XI were pleased with their epic 6-5 win over Sunderland which helped to keep them at the top of the table, a point clear of Newcastle, while the third team completed a clean sweep of wins.

Elsewhere, there was disappointment among the volleyball club as the men’s firsts lost to favourites Leeds Met in straight sets.

Despite being outclassed, York will draw many positives from their valiant effort against one of the country’s leading teams.

“I was very happy with the team’s effort and performance,” said York captain Janis Koknevics.

“The game was really enjoyable for us and I couldn’t really ask for anything more from the team.”

Union ranks meet match

The week’s big upset hit the men’s rugby first XV who, in only their second defeat of the season, perished 27-5 to Leeds Met.

However, the team remain second in the table, an excellent position considering they were promoted only last year.

Sharp exchange

The women’s fencing team got one over on Leeds Met, stretching their winning run to five with a 135-41 away win.

They currently sit joint top with Leeds University, but have a game in hand next week which could clinch the title.

Courting double

There was double delight for the tennis club, with the men’s and women’s firsts winning comprehensively against Northumbria and Sheffield Hallam respectively, but men’s squash and netball lost.