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Photos: Oona Venermo
York’s men’s 1sts extended their 100% league record this season with a resounding 23-4 victory over Leeds 2nds. The conditions hampered the contest, as players and spectators alike had to deal with heavy rain and strong winds. Despite this York produced an excellent display in a physical contest, as they proved too strong for their opponents.
York have now played six and won six this season and have been in terrific form throughout, in contrast to today’s opponents who now have lost all five of their matches.
Dan Ball handed York an early lead but Leeds instantly equalised, suggesting a close match. Yet as York settled into the physical encounter, they demonstrated why they have been in such fine form this year, and raced into a commanding lead.
Andy Thomas scored twice, the second an exceptional finish on the turn as he shrugged off the challenge of two defenders. Leeds still looked threatening in patches, forcing a good save from York ‘keeper Billy Rooks, but by large York’s defenders dealt expertly with any threat.
However by the end of the first quarter York had extended their lead to 7-1, with Andy Chalmers and Captain William Chun adding to the scoring. Leeds started the second half more positively, enjoying a spell of possession. However York resisted Leeds’ attacks before Scott Nuckey and Josh Illsley added their names to the scoresheet.
At half time York had moved into a convincing 11-1 lead, and although Leeds struck first after the break, York’s dominance was rarely threatened. Chris Menon was proving particularly inspirational, dominating the battle in the middle of the pitch and setting up numerous chances for his teammates.
Dan Ball was amongst the scorers to add to York’s lead with a further two goals, before Josh Illsley capped off the third quarter with an excellent long range shot, to put York into a deserved 17-2 lead.
The momentum never really shifted into Leeds’ favour, and Ball and Chalmers extended York’s lead, before two excellent individual goals by a Leeds midfielder proved a consolation for the visitors. York had the last laugh, however, as Thomas rounded off the scoring to make the final score 23-4 in York’s favour.
A delighted York Captain William Chun told Vision: “Today we played extremely well and deserved the win. It was our first game of the term due to the snow, and we continued on from where we left off after Christmas.”
Vision MOTM: Chris Menon
I didn’t say that. I said that I was happy with my performance but the team needs to sort out their fitness, as we have been off over Christmas. We managed to continue only because Tom Beetham held us together. His massive legs and banter managed to win us the game. Without him, we would be lost. Me love you long time.
Vision, you have not talked about my exploits enough! I was inspirational today. My looping runs were both beautiful to watch and vital to our team’s crushing win. I expected better journalism and I also expect that MOTM mis-print to be sorted out as soon as possible.
I’d also like to thank my teammates for helping me to become the finest York lacrosse player in generations.
Just wait until Presidents.
Chris Menon is hairy and un-inspirational.
Yeah! Take that! How do you like me now?