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
The afternoon got off to a fantastic start with the annihilation of St John’s 4th team by a combination of York’s Halifax and Goodricke College players. Despite the fixture not being played for points, the combination of York demonstrated the superb quality of college sport; dominating the St Johns team, who take part in BUSA, 45-3.
The thirds, similarly didn’t fail to impress. Opening the scoring with two quick goals from Shooter Livi Coward and an exceptional interception from Captain Abi Weighill to keep York on the attack, they build a 10-4 lead by the end of the first quarter.
However, St Johns could never be written off and fought back hard in the second quarter, picking up five goals to York’s one and taking the score to 11-9. At this point it was clear that there was a slight anxiety amongst the York players, with a few rushed passes and lapses in the controlled game that they had become accustomed to.
But dogged determination by the defence leading to impressive interceptions by Weighill and Ellie May along with a regained composure from the shooters extended the lead once more to 23-17 going into the last quarter, throughout which York remained strong to take the match 31-25.
Similarly, the Seconds started brightly with great cohesion in defence and confident shooting allowing them to amass a three-goal lead within the first five minutes. However, St Johns quickly appeared to raise their game and came back strongly with some fast paced attacking moves and superb shooting to win the first quarter 9-7.
Having let St Johns in it was an uphill struggle for the York team to try and bring the score back. The St Johns Goal Defence proved their most problematic player, gaining some impressive interceptions that seemed to unnerve the York attack, allowing St Johns to remain one up at half time.
In a nail biting second half the brilliant defensive zoning of Grace Marsden and Liz Cowell in the circle and vital pressure on St Johns centre passes by York Wing Defence Becky Milne allowed York to draw equal at 25-25 with a minute to go. Unfortunately this was not enough, as it was from a St Johns attack that the final goal was scored to settle the game 25-26.
Encouraged by the remarkable spectator support York firsts were truly fired up and ready to show St Johns that, despite the two BUSA divisions that will now separate them, they had the grit and determination to win. Both teams looked equally strong in attack, with the fast paced passing of St Johns equalled by York’s great timing and movement down the court.
Some strong dodging moves in the shooting circle to create space were picked out exceptionally well by the precision deliveries of Centre, Amy Smith and Wing Attack, Clare Shaw to allow York’s Goal Attack to display her shooting accuracy, converting almost every shot of the first half to the appreciation of the large crowd. Accruing York an 8-7 lead at quarter time.
However, the strength of the St Johns counter attack was not to be underestimated and having seen them draw equal it was vital for the York defence to claim every chanced rebound. This they did impressively, making swift moves down the court to once again supply the shooters who converted successfully.
The nature of the game was such that the physicality of the play really had an impact, with both teams having to stand strong against their opponents, as the match got more and more spirited. The commitment of the two teams was evident as both chased down loose balls and claimed rebounds with the uttermost determination and aggression. The defensive partnership of Tess Olsen-Rong and Katie Cowper-Johnson stood strong against the powerful St Johns attack, pressuring every pass into the circle.
With a narrow 18-16 York lead going into the second half tensions were soaring with the real sense that every small error or missed shot could cost either team the match. However, both teams seemed to thrive under the pressure resulting in an impressive display of netball keeping the increasingly vocal crowd engrossed.
Finally, it was York whose relentlessness paid off. With the influential work-rate of captain, Smith, continually offering and re-offering to cover the whole court it was York’s fitness and pure determination that won through. They accelerated their lead late on in the final quarter to claim the match 35-30, proving that this team really has no place in the fourth division. Bring on Roses!
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