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Photos: Jack Western
The York thirds got their University’s netball day off to a powerful start as they dominated a beaten Lancaster side 26 goals to 15.
The desire of both teams for a strong opening performance in the first quarter was evident as York and Lancaster stormed onto court, ready to give the performances of their lives.
The first quarter, although low scoring, certainly did not disappoint. The York girls came out fighting, showing their resilient UYNC spirit and fantastic passages of play all the way up the court.Wing defence, Rachel Turner dominated the game, having the performance of her life as she sprang around the court, making interceptions left, right and centre.
The first quarter concluded at a terribly tense 5-5 draw. The teams were evenly matched, with excellent defence from both teams and the rising support on the sidelines was intense.
Rachel Bunce and Emily Turpin dominated in defence throughout the second quarter in the Lancaster attacking circle, making some outstanding interceptions and ensuring they retained every rebound.
Both sides were beginning to get into their strides and Lancaster fought to stay in the match, restricting the Yorkshire girls to just a 9-8 lead at half time.
However, after an inspiring half time talk, the York girls pulled away in the third quarter to 17 goals to Lancaster’s 13. Becky Coomber darted around centre court, weaving effortlessly up court with Turner and feeding some sharp and precise balls into the shooting circle.
The fourth quarter was one in which the York thirds finally pulled ahead and demonstrated how their team has made such impressive improvements since the beginning of the tournament. Despite the pressure of the growing crowds on the sidelines, the girls kept their heads and pushed forward to a comfortable win.
The girls were ecstatic with their performance and for third year captain, Eliza Ackland whose last ever game for York University, the moment proved to be also a very emotional and proud one too.
Caitlin Graham earned a very well deserved player of the match, although it is definitely safe to claim that every member deserved to be recognised for their sustained fight and stamina to pull ahead to a 26-15 win.
Captain Ackland said she was “So pleased and proud of the thirds. Everyone worked so hard and fought for the whole of the match and stepped up to the occasion and it really paid off. An amazing way to finish the year and my time at UYNC.”
MOTM: Caitlin Graham