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University of York 3rds 60 -7 York St. John 3rds
Decked out in black and yellow York Netball 3rds’ hardworking qualities emulated those of worker bees as they dashed out a 60-7 victory over local rivals York St John (YSJ) 3rds on Wednesday. In what should have been an exciting pre-varsity match in York University’s fixture fortress of the tent, the home side showed their superiority as they swarmed round their opponents and proved that they are an army to be reckoned with.
Right from the first whistle York mirrored a “beehive buzzing with energy and determination” as spectator, Cesca Dessain, commented. With all guns blazing York broke the first centre and from then on the standard was set: YSJ 3rds were to be lucky if they got a touch of the ball, let alone the opportunity to shoot. Indeed, York defence had barely a taste of the play in the first quarter, while the attacking players were kept as busy as bees. Captain, Armelia Prestage, showed her fighting spirit as she fought for every ball and York shooters, Lisa Griffiths and Livi Coward, sunk anything they got their feelers into.
By quarter time York had secured a clear lead and returned to the court oozing with renewed liveliness and purpose. Second in command, Kate Copson, made a beeline for every interception possible and Coward and new shooter, India Perry, were on fire as they continued their demolishment of YSJ’s defence. Meanwhile, a sterling performance from the ever reliable defensive partnership of Caro Aldridge and Ellie May meant that goals for YSJ were not to bee in the second quarter. By half time York University had piled up a magnificent 30 goal lead, the score reaching a whopping 31-1.
The usually large crowd attracted by home netball matches continued to drone in support and appreciation of the high standard of netball on show. Half time changes in the home hive brought centre court players Claire Smith and Jess Roberts into play and Queen Bee of the match, Shadyn Nikzad, moved to Centre. The home side continued to swat away any advances made by the increasingly riled YSJ team and succeeded in lasting 32 minutes, more than half the duration of the match, without conceding.
[the York team was] a beehive buzzing with energy and determination
Although YSJ did have a swarm of goals in the later stages of the match, York University 3rds continued to move the ball around court with military precision as if they had a bee in their bonnet about not letting YSJ reach double figures. A target easily reached by this high-flying squad. The final score of 60-7 is an impressive victory and shows how far this team has come since their previous meeting. Player of the match went to Nikzad for being the bee’s knees of the day. Success certainly tasted as sweet as honey for this black and yellow troop.
Amazing picture! 
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