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Northumbria University 3rds 27 - 25 University of York 1sts
In the first match of the afternoon, York firsts, who won their first BUCS Cup match 64-10 a week previously, hosted Northumbria 3rds. The closeness of the final score, 27-25 to Northumbria, shows how well matched these two teams were, and the low score is evidence of how hard the teams worked for every goal.
York started the match under intense pressure from the visitors, with the new York defensive combination of Rosie Gordon, Grace Marsdon and Jenni Williams working well together, forcing Northumbria to play the ball around and effectively delaying the impressive Northumbrian attack.
York play in the centre court was erratic at times and Northumbria were quick to collect any loose balls. However, by the middle of the second quarter, York looked much sharper and forced Northumbria to make several errors, which York then converted into goals, bringing the half time score to 15 - 11 in Northumbria’s favour.
Captain Sarah Fisher made a few half time changes and as York returned to the court their desire and determination was evident. In what was a crucial quarter of the match, York stepped the play up a level, and following some nice feeds into the circle from wing attack Cesca Dessain, combined with beautiful shooting from Fisher, the scores were level by the end of the quarter.
The final quarter demonstrated netball at its most competitive. Every pass was contested and the York set plays came into their own as they really riled the visitors. Despite the hosts’ best efforts though, Northumbria edged the victory in the final few minutes, bringing the final score to 27-25.
York may feel disappointed by this loss, but the raw talent is most certainly there and once the new squad gels, it is evident that they will be one of the top teams in the league, and certainly one to watch in the future. Player of the Match went to Rosie Gordon.
Team sheet: Sarah Fisher (c), Grace Marsden, Jenni Williams, Sarah Smith, Kay Masterson, Claire Dinan, Liz Cowell, Cesca Dessain, Rosie Gordon, Becki O'Dwyer.
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