York 3rds carried on their recent winning streak with a 38-23 win over Sheffield Hallam on Wednesday.
Though leading all the way through, York played a fairly subdued game but never the less showed strength against the Sheffield side. With the Sheffield defenders close marking on shots, Eliza Ackland and Caitlin Graham stayed strong and put their shots away. York settled and began to create a lead. The opening quarter ended 7-5 to York.
York continued this through the second quarter with fantastic interceptions from Emily Turpin, playing out of position at wing defence keeping Sheffield at bay.
Jane Robertson was looking good sending fantastic balls up the court in only her second game back from injury. With both teams demonstrating fantastic passing up the court, Sheffield stayed on York’s heels and the quarter ended 18-16 to York.
With changes made, Eliza Ackland was now playing out of position at wing attack, with Samantha Hall coming in at goal attack. Nonetheless, York stormed the third quarter.
With Mel Okuneye and Rachel Bunce staying tight, and keeping the Sheffield attack quiet, their frustration crept in and the York attack took advantage. With effective circle play from Eliza Ackland and Becky Coomber York continued strong play.
Along with the shooting of Samantha Hall and Caitlin Graham calmly going in despite fierce and, at times, questionable marking tactics from Sheffield which the umpires did not call up, the quarter ended with York well in front at 27-19.
As the game neared its end, York stayed strong and played their own game ignoring the play of Sheffield and keeping their cool despite umpire decisions no going their way.
With Eliza Ackland fighting for every ball, and Becky Coomber continuing her fantastic play and great feeding into the circle, York dominated until the end. The match ended 38-23 to York.
After the match Captain Eliza Ackland commented that the ‘game was well fought and a definitely deserved win. I am pleased with the way everyone dealt with the umpires and opposition’. Let’s hope the girls continue this with another win against Hull at Varsity on Saturday.
MOTM: Emily Turpin