York fought hard for a well deserved 5-3 victory over the undefeated Hull 1sts, who, at the top of the Northern 3B table, were set to be this term’s most challenging opponent.
First on court were the singles matches, with Anaïs Pedica and Heather Robertson representing York. Robertson won her games comfortably against the weaker of the singles players, outmanoeuvring her opponent to win 21-7, 21-10. Pedica found her game more challenging, with long rallies and impressive shots delivered from both sides. The first game was lost 15-21, and after a closely fought second game, a loss of 18-21 gave Hull their first point.
Next on court were Lucy Rogers and Blonnie Walsh, up against Hull’s second pair. Walsh’s powerful smashes and Rogers’ infallible defence gave the pair a straightforward win. After the “warm up” game that was won 21-18, they found their feet and took the second game comfortably, 21-8.
On the other court Lauren Cain and Nia Powell struggled against a strong pair whose consistent defence and well placed shots made the game very challenging. After losing the first game 15-21, the York pair upped their game, but failed to take the game to a third end. The second game was lost 18-21, despite some great shots delivered by both York players.
Pedica was next up, comfortably taking another win for the York team. With deadly smashes and excellent attacking play, she took her games 21-6 and 21-7.
On the other court Robertson took the first game 21-18, delivering well placed shots and returning from all areas of the court. The second game proved more difficult, and a 16-21 loss gave the pairs a game each. The third end was very closely fought with the scores even throughout most of the game. Both players gave their best and delivered some great shots, but eventually the Hull player secured another win for Hull, 20-22.
Cain and Powell went back on court for another doubles game, and with the match scores tied at 3-3 it was critical match to win. The first game was closely fought but eventually the York pair won 21-18. The York pair proved dominant in the second game, with Cain proving deadly at the net and Powell defending well, the game was won 21-15.
The win took the score to York 4-3 Hull, with Rogers and Walsh still to play, in a match that would mean the difference between a draw and a win. The game was tense, with both sides playing well and delivering consistently strong shots. The York pair took the first game 21-17, with impressive smashes from Walsh and excellent net kills from Rogers. The second game was equally close, but yet again the York pair proved victorious, winning 21-16, and giving York their 5-3 win.
This win took York Ladies 2nds from fourth to second place in the table. Next Wednesday the team take on York St John 1sts who are currently at the top of the table and only one point ahead. The game is set to be very exciting, but captain Lucy Rogers is confident of a win that should put the team in prime position for promotion.