Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
York Seconds played outside in a grudge match against local rivals York St John. The conditions were harsh with bright sun mixed with icy winds. The team was also missing key players and was very grateful to Claire Smith and Beth Lord for stepping in and playing so well. Further pressure was added when we found out that our coach was going to be umpiring our game and therefore able to analyse every aspect of our play.
York started steadily adjusting to conditions and new players, but quickly settled into a rhythm and immediately applied pressure to St John’s. The opposition seemed to feel the pressure and often made panicked passes allowing York to capitalise and get a few goals lead. However at the end of the quarter York became a bit too comfortable and allowed St John’s to get a few goals, finishing the quarter at 10-4.
York started strongly in the second quarter acknowledging that they had allowed St John’s to decrease the gap. York’s defence, Captain Jo Brayshaw and new fresher Claudia Moralejo worked fantastically together and made some great interceptions to allow York to extend their lead. Fresher Nina Pullman also bravely changed position due to missing players and slotted into her role perfectly. York maintained their composure well throughout the game; however some great play by St John’s Wing Attack and Goal Defence slowed York’s advances. Shadyn Nikzad and Claire Smith complemented each other’s play in centre court, creating space and opportunities in York’s game to counteract this, helping York to extend their lead to 49-10.
Going into the third quarter York were confident and this showed in their play. Fresher Beth Lord fitted into the team well and worked hard throughout the quarter, everyone was determined not to allow the lead to be decreased. Faultless shooting by India Perry and the renewal of last year’s excellent partnership with Lisa Griffiths playing at goal attack meant that York capitalised on every opportunity and were comfortably in the lead. This however did not stop either team from fighting until the very end. All credit to York St John’s team who continued to battle throughout the match and whose hard work was rewarded when York became complacent towards the end of the last quarter. St John’s took advantage of this and applied pressure to all aspects of York’s game, this lead to some bad passes and loss of possession.
In the final quarter York regained their pace and continued their dominance. Credit to York St John’s for retaining their composure and for a great sporting attitude. Both teams played the best they could right until the end, the match ended at 55-13, a great game to build York’s confidence. Claire Smith was deservedly rewarded with player of the match; she played extremely well throughout, strengthened the attack and was consistently free to receive.
Following this game York seconds are now second in the league and are working hard and pushing for promotion.
GK: Jo Brayshaw, GD: Claudia Moralejo, WD: Nina Pullman, C: Shadyn Nikzad, WA: Claire Smith, GA: Lisa Griffiths, GS: India Perry, Sub / WA: Beth Lord.
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