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James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
University of York 1sts 12 - 10 University of Durham 3rds.
Having suffered from quite a severe losing streak recently, York Ladies were fired up to defeat Durham 3rds in their last game of the winter term. A lot was riding on this game as York was aware that another loss may lead to relegation next season, but they rose to the challenge and after an intense hour of skilful lacrosse, they beat Durham 12-10. This was a fantastic result as their previous game against Durham 3rds had resulted in a 12-6 defeat.
From the outset York were on top form and quickly took control of the match, leaving Durham blindsided by their focus and determination. Several quick goals from Liz Chan helped to put York ahead and it took Durham the majority of the first quarter to raise their game to match the skills and speed of the York players. Another goal from Helen Streeter encouraged the team and the camaraderie and support within the team was evident from the side-line. Several strong draws from Rose Morrison, enabled Anna Yeomans to sprint down the wing and pass the ball off to Chan for the goal. Moreover the fast-breaks in midfield in conjunction with the accurate passes made the game flow and all the scrappy play from the last few weeks was forgotten.
The teamwork in defence was exemplary, with attacking cuts being entirely prevented by Izzy Miller and passes being blocked by Kat Bosworth. Making her debut was fresher Lucy Collins, who gave a very strong and promising performance, which contributed to the defensive unit. At half time the score was a close 8-7 to York and the girls were all acutely aware that Durham were going to come out hard and fast and fight ferociously in the second half. However, York was more than prepared and nothing shook the team unity on the pitch. Despite two time-outs called by Durham, York remained unshaken and lifted the level of play.
Several more goals from Chan’s stick kept the score in York’s favour and despite a few accurate shots passing Hambro’s goalie stick, York were clearly the dominant team. York Ladies took full advantage of this; a great save from Hambro saw an accurate clear to Sophie Pickup on the wing and a pass to Yeomans, who flew down the pitch beating three defenders to secure the goal. Another exceptional goal came from Streeter, who caught the goalie clear in mid-field, passed off to Sarah Saunders on the wing and received the ball back to shot low in the corner and convert the goal.
The elation at the end of the game was heart-felt as York celebrated their win and it was a unanimous decision that Liz Chan deserved Player of the Match for converting the largest number of goals to achieve the 12-10 win.
Captain, Serena Franklin positively beamed as she commented post-match; ‘I’m so proud of the amazing team effort. This defines everything we have worked for this term and we finally got the victory we deserved over a team that we always knew we could beat. It was a great way to finish the term and we are now 3rd in the league.’
This term York Ladies hope to build on this win and go from strength to strength as they continue to train for their last two matches in the BUCS league.
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