Netball 1sts beat Sheffield into submission

University of York 1sts 43 - 23 University of Sheffield 2nds

York netball 1sts claimed a resounding 20 goal victory over Sheffield 2nds in an exhilarating match at home on Wednesday. York, who were beleaguered by injuries, were by far the superior side and their determination to win was evident throughout the match. Although York were beaten by Sheffield in their first game of the season, their 43-23 win shows just how far this talented squad have come and gives rise to hope of a mid league finish.

York’s resolve was clear even before they stepped out onto the court; the importance of this fixture at the front of everyone’s mind. Grace Marsdon, York’s vice-captain, commented that this “must win fixture” would be tight and competitive, and her words were not wrong. From the first whistle both teams went out fighting and the ball was much contended throughout the first few minutes of the match, travelling from end to end with no goal being scored. York eventually stole the first point and the chase was on for Sheffield.

Sheffield stepped up to the challenge and applied much pressure; their Goal Defence was notably outstanding, efficient at picking off any loose balls coming into the circle and chasing the play down the centre third. Nevertheless, York soon found their rhythm and nice work around the circle edge from York Centre, Liz Cowell, and York Wing Defence, Cesca Dessain, gave the York shooters, Goal Attack, Sarah Fisher, and Goal Shooter, Claire Dinan, many opportunities to net some goals. They seized these chances with both hands, and by the end of the first quarter, York had secured a narrow 3 goal lead.

York broke the Sheffield centre straight after the break, their attacking form thus continuing from the previous quarter. York’s momentum, however, was temporarily shattered a few minutes into the quarter, when Captain Fisher went down with a knee injury. Fresher, Kay Masterton, stepped up, leaving no reserves on the bench. Nerves were fraught on the sidelines, as spectators feared that this exciting match might be ridden with further disasters, fully aware that any injuries would have repercussions on the rest of the season and notably Varsity at the weekend.

Contrary to those on the sidelines, the players ignored any niggling worries and rose to the challenge. Masterton slotted straight into the attack and worked well with Dinan, who put in one of her best performances of the season. Together they sank goals from all around the circle, proving their capacity to shoot well under pressure and helping York to extend their lead, which they had increased to 7 goals by half time.

At times in the first half of the match, York seemed to be lacking in communication, spurring calls of “Get Chatty” to rise from the vocal crowd. However, returning to the court after a half time team talk, York looked to sort this problem. This was manifested in several well coordinated, creative runs, in which the ball flew from the defence to the shooters’ hands in a matter of passes. York partnerships had finally gelled, most notably York’s defensive pair of Jenni Williams and Sarah Smith, who worked hard at holding off the Sheffield attack by breaking down space in the circle and scooping the majority of the interceptions.

On the odd occasion that the ball went out of court to the Sheffield back line, York brought their zone tactic into play. York demonstrated that they have finally mastered this technical defensive method, indeed it was successful on every single use, as York Wing Defence, Becki O’Dwyer and Smith charged down any loose balls that came their way. York also benefitted from Sheffield’s disregard of a new netball rule regarding the setting of throw ins, which automatically handed York possession on many occasions and led to frustration in the Sheffield camp. The third quarter ended 29-18 in York’s favour, and spectator Amelia Prestage commented that “Sheffield has given up”.

Fellow onlooker Shadyn Nikzad, took a more cautious approach in commenting that it was “no time for complacency, what York scored in the third quarter, they can score in the next”. Sheffield started the final quarter as if they’d overheard those wise words, but confidence was running high among the home side and they played out the final quarter with purpose and vision, securing a comfortable win. Captain, Fisher, was delighted with the performance put on by the team, stating that “the girls showed great strength both mentally and physically, I couldn’t have asked for much more”. She went on to say that “the hard work in training has really paid off”, something that will bode well for the remaining few matches.

This resounding victory over Sheffield, who sit second in the league, begs the question as to why York are currently placed in the latter half of the BUCS table. Reflecting on the results to date, York have played some incredibly close games, demonstrated by the fact that they hold the second best goal difference in the 4B league, second only to the run-away leaders, Teesside 1sts. With 6 points still up for grabs, this league is far from over and will make for exciting viewing as the season draws to a close.

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