Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
York Netball team took on Leeds Met, hoping to better their previous score against the tough opposition.
York entered the match full of energy, despite their obvious disadvantage in height. Defense was tight, with fresher Lottie Knight getting almost every rebound and Tess Webb fighting for every ball. Quick movement by centre-court players Kate Copson, Jess Roberts and Elissa Bryan allowed York to move the ball deftly toward their goal time and time again. However, Leeds Met proved to be too much for York and scored 9 unanswered goals in the first quarter.
The second quarter proved to be a struggle for York when trying to convert their hard work into goals. Webb was tight on her player and the defensive pressure managed to put Leeds off scoring for the first third of the quarter. With Selina Rios working well with Amy Moll and Eliza Ackland around the D, York had plenty of opportunities to shoot. However, even with both shooters moving well in the circle and great support from Paisley Ross, York seemed unable to score. Leeds cleared the ball quickly down the court and along with excellent shooting from the GS, the score was brought to 18-0.
Moll scored a long distance goal at the start of the third quarter, finally getting York on the scoreboard. Finding their stride, York picked up the pressure on Leeds, Beth Lord and Claire Smith consistently intercepting passes and turning over possession. York kept possession for most of the quarter only allowing Leeds to score another 6 goals.
GS Rhia Leach held her space in the D well and with good feeding by Roberts, York managed to counter every shot of Leeds with one of their own. Defensively, York stayed strong to the end with Abi Henrie playing an integral part in it. The end score being at 36-7 didn’t do justice to Yorks’ play or possession, and although York finally got into their rhythm, it was too late. As Captain Copson put it: “Even though we lost, I couldn’t be more proud. Such an improvement on last time and everyone played to their full potential.”
Team List: GS: Amy Moll, GA: Eliza Ackland, WA: Jess Roberts, C: Elissa Bryan, WD: Kate Copson, GD: Tess Webb, GK: Lottie Knight Subs: Claire Smith, Paisley Ross, Beth Lord, Rhia Stevens-Leach, Selina Rios, Abi Barber-Henrie
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