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
University of York 2nds 43 – 26 York St John University 2nds
The 2nds came out very strong against local rivals St John, maintaining excellent play throughout the match. Precise shooting and cohesive team play were key to grabbing a second home win on the trot.
The first quarter saw goal keeper Jo Brayshaw and goal defence Cleopatra Jones marking their shooters with great precision and claiming the vast majority of the rebounds. At the other end of the court, goal shooter Sophia Sahin’s excellent dodging and accurate shooting meant the goals kept coming for York, who led 13-2 at the first interval.
St John’s began the next quarter with a fighting attitude, working better as a team and managing to get the ball down the court quickly. However, York continued to mark tightly and achieved several interceptions, causing their opposition to panic and throw unnecessary looping passes. Wing defence Laura Longworth’s excellent lean pressurized St John’s wing attack into throwing inaccurate passes on several occasions. York’s determination definitely showed as they ran after every loose ball and marked every throw.
Both combinations of shooters worked well together, with their great communication and timing of dodges, making it nearly impossible for St John’s to stop York scoring. The work in centre court was also hard to fault. Wing attack Abigail Weighill was there to pick up nearly every centre pass, with her high level of fitness enabling her to constantly out manoeuvre her opponent.
We can't wait to carry on tearing up the league!
What this match really demonstrated was York’s consistency of play. From start to finish they fought for every ball, passed with precision, defended with determination and shot with great accuracy. Speaking after the match, captain Sahin commented, “I am once again incredibly happy with the team’s performance and can’t wait to carry on tearing up the league.” Player of the match went to Rosie Mughal.
Teamsheet: Sophia Sahin, Sammy Briggs, Abigail Weighill, Rosie Mughal, Laura Longworth, Cleopatra Jones, Jo Brayshaw.
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