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University of York Women’s 2nds 10 – 4 Northumbria University Women’s 1sts
After a string of losses over the course of the term, it was about time that York’s female 2nds had a change of luck. This happened on Wednesday with York winning a convincing 10 – 4 in the home match against Northumbria.
Despite the windy weather and last week’s defeat of 17 – 0 against Leeds’ second team, the York team had kept up their moral. The ladies were determined to do their best. The match began well with early goals securing York a lead, which Northumbria never managed to catch up. Although Northumbria’s number 11 was a constant threat to the defence, often requiring four defenders to stop her driving from the halfway line, she failed to live up to the standard set by York’s Rachel Ellis, who alone scored four goals throughout the match.
Unfortunately centre Helen Carr’s early injury in the second quarter meant Rachael Hopkins had to take over the position; however she rose to the challenge, eventually scoring a brilliant goal. More goals by Fiona Spiers and Nicola Drury meant York finished the second quarter confident in their lead.
The third quarter began with some nifty goals from Northumbria. York goalie Lizzie Matthews played a very strong match, saving far more than were let in, and continued defensive work from Lucy Coleman and Lucy Collins kept Northumbria at bay for the remainder of the third quarter.
In the last quarter, still with a substantial lead, the York team continued to play well, dominating the game with goals from York’s Graihagh Hardinge and Rachel Stead. By the end of the match Northumbria seemed to have given up any hope of catching up, frustrated by York’s excellent marking and goal scoring, Northumbria allowed York their six goal lead.
After the match captains Fiona Spiers and Lucy Coleman said: “We’re pleased to have finally won, after a string of losses. Everybody played brilliantly today and we’re really proud of our progress. We worked really hard to reach this point and the teamwork looked great. We have chosen Rachel Hopkins as Man of the Match.”
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