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
WRITTEN BY SOPHIA SAHIN
From the first blow of the whistle York’s Netball 1sts set a fast pace of play in their BUCS clash against Teesside 1sts. Captain Tess Olsen covered her post in defence exceptionally well from the off and York took an early lead. Sarah Fisher's excellent positioning in their attacking circle allowed her and the ever consistent Sarah Pycroft to make some valuable, early, long range shots.
The fast pace continued into the second quarter, which saw the defensive team of Olsen and Grace Marsden putting excellent pressure on Teesside's attack. This, combined with solid balls down the court meant Teesside failed to take the lead from York. At half time the score was 15 – 10 in York's favour.
The game continued steadily in the third quarter with both sides advancing on their scores. Cesca Dessain made some excellent feeds into the circle allowing Fisher and Pycroft to add to the score. Some violent contact caused a few worrying moments as Katie Brunskill was knocked to floor on two separate occasions. However, the netball club’s president bounced back strongly, making some excellent interceptions.
The team's fitness kept them in the lead in the final quarter of the fast moving match and the consistency and solidarity of the team meant they kept Teesside at bay, achieving a victory of 31 goals to 25 by the final whistle. The brilliant result against the previously unbeaten Teesside sees York's 1sts currently in second place in their BUCS league table.
Team: Tess Olsen (C), Grace Marsden, Jenni Williams, Liz Cowell, Katie Brunskill, Olivia Fisher, Cesca Dessain, Sarah Pycroft, Sarah Fisher.
Player of the match: Sarah Pycroft
York Netball 2nds were out to continue their excellent start to this years BUCS league with a home match against Teesside 2nds. They started positively breaking Teesside’s first centre to take an early lead. Great defensive pressure down the court and consistently accurate passes lead to them being 9 - 5 up after the first quarter.
The second quarter continued positively with great interceptions from wing attack Lorna Davis-Colley and Captain Camilla Hampton. Their team work along with other mid court players prevented the ball working its way into Teesside’s attacking circle. Solid feeds into shooters Sami Briggs and Sophia Sahin allowed them to increase York's lead to 18-10.
The third quarter saw Teesside fighting back but York's solidarity remained. Post-grad Laura Pick came on during this quarter and provided some excellent work around the attacking circle.
Going into the final quarter, York led 30 goals to 18. Thanks to the defensive teamwork on display from York, Teesside struggled to score until close to the end of the final quarter. York's consistency throughout had lead them to a well deserved win of 39 - 22 so the 2nds continue their unbeaten BUCS campaign.
Team: Jo Brayshaw, Sarah Smith, Jessica Shepherd, Becky Milne, Camilla Hampton (C), Lorna Davis-Colley, Laura Pick, Sami Briggs, Sophia Sahin.
Player of the match: Camilla Hampton
York's netball 3rds were also in action, away at rivals York St John. Adverse weather conditions proved difficult for captain Abigail Weighill's team and they were unfortunately defeated 26 - 14. Mia Kennedy and Cleo Jones both played exceptionally in defense, and Fresher Jones was awarded player of the match.
Next week sees all three netball teams compete in the BUCS cup. The 1sts will be expected to trounce Sunderland 2nds who were beaten by York's 3rd team. The 2nds will also be favourites when Sheffield Hallam 3rds come to town but it's still a potential banana skin tie. As for the 3rds, they face the mammoth task of travelling to Durham 2nds who compete four divisions above them.
Log on to the Yorker late next week to see how the girls fared.
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