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University of York 1sts 2 – 0 York Saint John 1sts
Wednesday’s game against old rivals York St. John was one which the women’s hockey 1st team had been looking forward to for a long time, the not-so-playful banter having been in full swing for a good month on Facebook. Great things were expected from a side which has grown in strength considerably throughout the season, and after going six years without defeating the team which shares our fine city, it was about time the ladies put YSJ in their place... Hard.
Having anticipated a tough game, the girls went out strong, and it paid off with a cracking opening goal from rookie Frankie Hall, who scored from a rebound ball within the first few minutes. This was the wakeup call that YSJ needed, and they certainly stepped up their defensive game – with their back four forming a somewhat solid wall. The girls created some promising moments with some strong runs up the wing from rookies Hannah Gage and Rachel MacMillan, however the first half closed at 1-0.
The second half began with the same fire as the first, and the girls won an early short corner, which they took full advantage of, with rookie Rachel Faustino firing a great deflection past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. YSJ came back hard but the likes of Charlie Bartlett and Imogen ‘Lioness’ Storm were dependable as ever in defence. Rookie goalkeeper Beanie Usher had to make a couple of saves and commented that YSJ’s number 24 ‘needs some serious anger-management’.
Some real strength and skill from Andrea Pisesky and rookie Emily Lucas ensured that the girls dominated the midfield, and kept YSJ on their back foot, preventing them from making any controlled plays. With some fierce play on the wing, they made formidable opponents but some fearless blocks ensured that the score remained in York’s favour.
The game ended at a well deserved 2-0. Captain Anna Smith stated that she was pleased with the side, and that the girls had played a ‘really impressive team game.’ She continued, ‘it’s a really promising start to the second half of the season. Usher played a fantastic game and the side is constantly improving. We’re looking forward to our next BUCS game.’ This is certainly a win that the girls can be proud of – the girls showed that they have progressed and matured as a team over the past few months, and that they are aiming high for the rest of the season. This victory had been a long time coming, and bodes well for varsity, which is just around the corner...
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