Netball 2nds get revenge on Newcastle

University of York 2nds 38 – 32 Newcastle University 4ths

In the final game of 2009, York netball seconds overpowered league-leaders Newcastle at home, despite a late comeback attempt from the visitors. Following on from their 46 - 39 defeat at the hands of Newcastle the week before, York seconds were determined to make amends and stay in the running for the top spot of BUCS 5B. Their attacking mentality and desire for revenge was evident from the first whistle in a match during which they utterly outclassed their opponents.

York’s captain, Sophia Sahin, made a few changes to the starting formation of the previous week and her tactical choices proved influential in the first quarter, which York dominated. In the attacking third York were inspiring: GA Sami Briggs’ clever movements created plenty of space in the D, which she and GS Sahin navigated with ease and coordination, flummoxing the Newcastle defence and giving them numerous occasions to score. York ended the quarter a massive 6 goals up, a lead which they would hold throughout the match.

[York] just outplayed us today, they were really good.
Newcastle's Centre

Arguably York’s greatest asset is their clever manipulation of the defensive tactic of “the zone”, and though this had proved highly effective on their previous meeting with Newcastle and in their weekend victory over Durham, it was seriously put to the test throughout the second quarter. Newcastle had rightly seen this as the main threat to their chances of victory and had clearly spent the intervening week working on breaking it. And although the zone was still largely successful, the Newcastle GA and WA were able to break away on several occasions and receive the long pass, thus succeeding in keeping possession and giving Newcastle the opportunity to score.

However, the phenomenal defensive pair of GD Cleo Jones and GK Jo Brayshaw, ensured that these scoring chances were often thrown away. Their terrific performance kept Newcastle at bay, by both intercepting through balls and using their imposing leans to their advantage. And so at half time York were still in the lead, sitting on a healthy seven goal margin.

The attacking mentality continued into the third quarter, in which York truly shone. Inspiring shooting, faultless movements in the centre court and outstanding defending were all factors as York showed their class, propelling their lead to 12 goals, an almost irrecoverable difference. Their skills were superior to those of Newcastle, who were a shadow of the team that beat York the previous week. As the Newcastle centre commented after the match, “They just outplayed us, they were really good today”.

I'm glad to be back in contention for promotion.
Captain Sophia Sahin

However, with victory seemingly inevitable, York became complacent in the final quarter. They made a catalogue of basic errors and looked tired and distracted. Although the sudden drop in standard was never enough to threaten their chances of winning, it is worrying that they can slip into bad habits with such ease. And this problem will need to be addressed for the remaining matches of the season, as York face teams who they beat or lost to by a margin of only a couple of goals.

After the match, captain Sahin was pleased with how well everyone played and glad to be back in contention for the league title. Indeed, as 2009 draws to a close with the 2nds sitting in 2nd place in the table, the team will reflect on how far they have come as a squad and will look forward to the continuing battle for the top spot, although their final fate is partly out of York’s hands. The captain’s Woman of the Match award went to Centre/Wing Attack, Lorna Davies-Colley for her consistency and excellent play throughout the match.

Teamsheet: Sophia Sahin (c), Abi Weighill, Sami Briggs, Lorna Davies-Colley, Ellie McAlpine, Laura Longworth, Cleo Jones and Jo Brayshaw.

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.