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University of York 1sts 31 – 30 University of Durham 1sts
The Netball 1sts exceeded all expectations yesterday, defeating Durham 1sts who had been sitting top of the Northern Universities Netball League (NUNL), a monthly alternative to the BUCS competitions. Despite playing a side leading the top Northern Conference BUCS league - while York languish in bottom place three divisions below - the match was intensely close throughout, with York ultimately triumphing by a single point gained in the dying seconds of the game.
York put pressure on their opposition from the outset, with excellent marking in the goal circle. Jenni Williams’ exceptional lean caused several inaccurate shots from the Durham attacker, and as a result York claimed several back line passes. Grace Marsden’s fast drives helped the ball flow down the court and she was always there for support in the centre third.
However, Durham’s defence should not be downplayed: their marking was extremely tight. Sarah Fisher should be congratulated for her constant dodging which was consistently followed with accurate shooting from all around the circle.
York began the 2nd quarter 7-6 down, but showed they were able to fight back. Becki O’Dwyer sent the first centre pass straight out to the quick-moving Cesca Dessain. Within three passes the ball was in the goal circle and Kay Masterson shot with confidence to bring the scores level at 7 - 7. Sarah Smith stood out as she fought for every interception and ran after every loose ball. And at half-time York had managed to get their noses in front, deservedly ahead 16 - 15.
We played like the team I know we can be.
It was evident from early on in the third quarter that Durham had upped their game. They were passing quickly and accurately down the court whilst marking particularly well in the centre third. Despite the increased defensive work from Durham, Dessain and Fisher continued to work well together around the circle, constantly moving and finding space. But despite York’s best efforts, the score at the end of the third quarter was 25 - 22 to Durham.
At the start of the final quarter both teams still had everything to play for. York continued to shoot accurately and were more determined than ever to claim the rebounds. The communication and teamwork between Williams and Marsden was phenomenal, keeping Durham shooters out of the circle.
A minute from the end of the match the score was 30 – 30, and a nail-biting sixty seconds ensued. But York kept their focus well, and all their hard work paid off when Woman of the Match Masterson scored the final goal to bring them victory. Captain Fisher said she was, “So proud of the girls today, we played like the team I know we can be, and having beaten a team top of division 1A makes winning even sweeter.”
Teamsheet: Becki O’Dwyer, Liz Cowell, Cesca Dessain, Claire Dinan, Sarah Fisher, Rosie Gordon, Grace Marsden, Kay Masterton, Sarah Smith, Jenni Williams.
This match was followed by York Netball 2nds comprehensively beating Durham 2nds 32-25. Captain Sophia Sahin, who won the Woman of the Match award, commented: “I’m obviously thrilled with a fantastic win over such a good side. I think it proves how well the team is working. All the girls played superbly and we’re looking forward to next weeks BUCS clash with top of the league Newcastle.”
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