Netball 1sts and 2nds sail through BUCS cup round

Both 1sts and 2nds find their form in BUCS cup

Written by Lorna Davies-Colley

York 1sts 55-2 Sunderland 2nds

In their first BUCS cup match, York 1sts showed their motivation and drive in maintaining a high level of play whilst clearly outmatching their opponents, York 1sts play in BUCS 4B whilst Sunderland are positioned in BUCS 6B. In fact York 3rds are in the same league as Sunderland 2nds and thrashed them 48 goals to 8 in a previous meeting. Nevertheless the two were thrown together in the BUCS cup and York maintained their composure.

York gathered copious shooting practice, leading by 25 goals to 0 in the first quarter, and showed their defensive prowess. The majority of the opposition's centre court passes were intercepted by York's attack. The firsts also made some impressive feeds into the circle and on the rare occasion when the shooters missed a goal, the rebound was snatched in.

Changes were made in the centre court during the second quarter with Olivia Fisher replacing Cesca Dessain as WA where the team showed they are extremely adaptable. Sunderland were able to get one goal during this quarter on one of the rare occasions the ball actually made it into the oppositions circle. GD Tess Olsen and GK Jennifer Williams relentlessly pressurised Sunderland’s attack and demonstrated some skillful marking and leans in the circle.

Going into the third quarter York led by 44 goals to 1, where they needed to keep strict discipline and play their own game which they duly did conceding only one further goal. Unfortunately the game came to an abrupt end half way through the third quarter with an injury sabotaging Sunderland's battle. With no substitutes Sunderland conceded the game, meaning that the final score was 55-2.

It may not have been York's finest hour as far as skill was concerned and it certainly did not test their fitness levels, but at least the cup game proved their mental strength competing both efficiently, and more importantly effectively, against weak opposition.

York 2nds 39-21 Sheffield Hallam 3rds

Wednesday saw York netball 2nds in their first BUCS cup match of the season, after receiving a bye in the first round. Both teams entered the cup match from different leagues, York being in BUCS 5B with their opponents being situated in 6B.

Captained by Camilla Hampton, the team dominated the match against Sheffield Hallam. York played their own game and maintained a steady rhythm throughout the match. Both shooters were playing at the top of the game, especially GS Sophia Sahin who netted some impressive long range shots. The second quarter allowed the attack to really up their game and play to their strengths. Centre Camilla and WA Lorna Davies-Colley both worked the ball tirelessly around the circle, whilst inside both shooters moved dynamically.

The third quarter was perhaps the most dramatic as York were forced to play outside their comfort zone. Special mention must go to WD Becky Milne who was forced to adopt the position of GA after Sami Briggs fell awkwardly on her ankle. Milne rose to the challenge, netting her first shot from a fair distance to the delight of York's supporters. Quite rightly in recognition of her versatility on court Milne was awarded player of the match.

The fourth quarter was York’s weakest not only in terms of goals scored but also in channeling the ball down the court. The home side appeared to have slackened off slightly perhaps due to the weaker opposition.

The team needs to work on their awareness down the court in order to use all areas effectively and to generally quicken the pace of their game. However the score was a fair reflection of York's superior fitness and ball skill levels.

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