Women's Lacrosse suffer fourth league defeat

University of York 1sts 6 – 22 University of Durham 2nds

The Women’s Lacrosse firsts hosted Durham seconds on Wednesday, losing by a final score of 22-6. York were always aware that this was going to be a tough match, having lost to Durham away 16-4 last month, and were determined to try and decrease the score difference this time around, but to no avail.

However from the first draw it was clear that the Durham attack were going to dominate, driving to goal with a ferocity that York failed to subdue. At quarter-time, although the score was heavily one-sided it cannot be said that York were being thrashed – great play in midfield by Vicky Eagle and Rose Morrison kept the flow of the game and created a smooth transition of the ball to attack via dynamic cuts from Helen Streeter and Anna Yeomans.

The first highlight of the game for York came from an attacking set play, creating the opportunity for Liz Chan to drive round the post and put the ball in the back of the net, securing a much needed goal for York. A second goal from Yeomans, shot from the top of the 11 after a long pass from Helen Streeter, gave York more to smile about; however these goals did not help to bring the scores any closer together.

Durham’s speed and agility meant the York defence were pushed during every second of the game and under the constant pressure they lost their unity slightly. Despite the double-teams, Durham’s tight stick work and drilled set plays made it very hard work for the defence to prevent the goals and the precise placement of shots gave Durham the upper hand while they were in possession.

At half-time the team rallied around captain Serena Franklin’s motivational words. There may have been a large gap in the score but in standard of play, York were by no means underperforming. Boosted by this knowledge, the team took to the pitch again with heads held high.

The scoreline definitely flattered Durham.
Captain Serena Franklin

Making her season debut, Ida Fjellheim came on ready to take on Durham’s close-knit defensive unit, and her speed and fitness aided many fast-breaks down the side of the pitch. In attack the team fought hard against an experienced Durham unit and was rewarded with several goals from Lingard and a flying quick-stick from Eagle.

Defensively, York worked hard to isolate the key scorers and interceptions from Kat Bosworth and Sophie Pickup provided turnovers that set up goals in attack, in particular a strong drive from Sarah Saunders and a quick pass-off to Yeomans created the perfect opportunity for a powerful goal from York Sport's Izzy Miller.

Moreover, after some aggressive play, a red card and a yellow warning for two of Durham’s players meant York could take advantage of their opposition’s confusion to experiment with some new set-plays and passes. However Durham’s attack continued to convert their shots to goals and by the final whistle the score stood at 22 - 6.

Captain Franklin named Fjellheim as player of the match, and commented, “I thought the attack looked much better, and the midfield transition was a lot smoother than last week. The defence however didn't really click and were slightly flat footed. The score wasn't as close as we wanted it to be and it definitely flattered Durham. But all in all, it was a much-improved performance that bodes well for Liverpool away next Wednesday.”

The University of York Ladies Lacrosse Club would also like to promote their 2010 Calendar. Contributions will go towards purchasing new equipment to help develop an ever-expanding club and secure the foundations of York lacrosse for future years.

For more details on how to purchase a calendar, please contact the club via e-mail on lacrosse@yusu.org

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