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University of York 3rds 37 - 30 Sheffield Hallam University 3rds
In a dramatic and successful afternoon of sport for the netball club, York 3rds beat Sheffield Hallam 3rds by a seven point margin, thus moving up to 3rd place in the BUCS Northern Conference 6B, with a crucial game in hand.
The match started sharply with both teams demonstrating purpose and intention. Movement in the centre court was swift and although York’s towering attack were matched for height, they succeeded in finding plenty of space in the circle and in snatching all the rebounds.
Throughout the first quarter the ball sped from end to end; for every goal scored by York, Hallam took one back, thus setting the scene for an exciting and unpredictable match. Unfortunately York was soon weakened by injury, forcing their captain, Amelia Prestage, to make some early changes.
The changed line-up started the second quarter well. York’s defence, comprising of the ever reliable Ellie May and newcomer Justine Atter, were solid throughout the quarter and complemented each other’s play: May working the ball out of the D and Atter leading the play towards the attack, making particularly effective use of the channels.
York was committed to collecting all loose balls and through tight marking they exerted good pressure on their opponents. However Hallam responded well, succeeding in breaking down York play and converting all their interceptions into goals. At half time the scores in this closely fought match were equal, 19-19.
Further changes at half time for the York squad, principally in the centre court, were influential on the rest of the match. Throughout the second half York went from strength to strength, their skill and fitness proving superior to Hallam’s.
The York shooters were infallible, Lisa Griffiths sinking any ball that touched her hands and Livi Coward scoring a memorable goal while simultaneously falling off court. Although there were moments when Hallam shone and the scores were too close for the comfort of those on the side lines, York went into the final quarter with a four goal lead.
The final quarter was remarkably tense, as Hallam started with a run of goals before York woke up. Wing defence Caro Aldridge and Prestage led the rallying of the troops as cries of “Keep fighting York!” rang out across the tent. Hearing this, York finally started to show signs of the skill that had been so effective in the third quarter, and a flurry of goals from York secured their lead for a comfortable final scoreline of 37 - 30.
It was the best we’ve ever played together!
A delighted Prestage said that, “It was the best we’ve ever played together!” to which spectator Jo Brayshaw added, “They should be very happy with that performance”. And so it seems there are positive signs for the 3rds, as their BUCS league campaign looks undoubtedly on track.
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