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University of York 2nds 37 - 31 University of Hull 2nds
The crowd were excited to see University of York Netball 2nds take on Hull 2nds in their second match of the term. Despite the cold conditions, spirits were high amongst the York team who were determined to come away with a win.
The first quarter demonstrated how evenly matched the two teams were. York exerted pressure on the opposition from the first whistle; the exemplary Captain Sophia Sahin (GS) shooting with her usual confidence and precision. However, Hull matched York’s excellent attacking play, moving quickly in the circle and shooting with threatening accuracy. Laura Longworth’s (WD) consistent attacking support play stood out in a quarter that ended 8-8, with everything to play for.
A tactical switch saw Ellie McAlpine (WA) and Abigail Weighhill (GA) enter the fray for the second quarter, a change that brought about increasing York pressure on the opposition. McAlpine made successive skilful and sharp movements on the centre passes to ensure that she received the ball. This paired with some excellent teamwork allowed the ball to flow down court to the shooters. McAlpine was an asset to the team, continually finding space on the court, and when necessary, showing a cool head to successfully slow down the game. In another tactical tour de force, York decided to zone mark several times in this quarter instead of defending man on. Captain Sahin and Vice Cleopatra Jones showed why they are in the leading roles, keeping the zone together with clear instruction. This repeated pressure saw Hull’s WA blown up for footwork numerous times giving York an extra advantage. York’s defence made the game increasingly tough for Hull’s shooters, with Jo Brayshaw (GK) displaying her fantastic lean and Jones (GD) continuously claiming the rebounds. At half time York led 18-11; however the fight was by no means over yet.
York successfully managed to increase their lead in the third quarter. Weighill (GA) and Sahin (GS) continued to work well in the circle with consistently good feeds from Lorna David- Colley (C). Close marking from York forced Hull into several clumsy passes that were snatched upon with interceptions by the home team. York’s centre court players demonstrated their skills with the patented ‘dodge and drive’ technique allowing them to get free of the defence. Whilst the crowd were wowed by the lighting paced attack, the defence also stepped up to the plate with a plaudit drawing performance. With the York defence ‘like a brick wall’ as one supporter noted, it was no surprise that York ended the quarter leading 26-17.
The final quarter demonstrated that Hull had by no means given up the fight. Their centre led the resurgence with some quick dodging that helped her team successfully move the ball down court. Hull started to believe in a comeback shooting one goal after another straight into the net; increasing the pressure on York. In true York fashion, the shooters rose to the pressure and clicked into a higher gear. Despite the excellent lean from Hull’s defence both GA and GS continued to bag the goals. Sahin (GS), riding the crest of this impressive performance, shot a few goals from the edge of the circle without even touching the rim! It was no surprise then, when this excellent shooter and passionate captain received player of the match.
York finished the game with a deserved 37-31 win. What was evident throughout the game was how well York 2nds played as a team. They were united in their desire for victory, fighting for every ball and encouraging one another throughout the game.
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