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Photos: Jack Western
York’s 1st netballers lost out 44-34 to Leeds Met 4ths in an enthralling encounter this afternoon. The final scoreline did not truly reflect the captivating nature of the contest, as the momentum constantly ebbed from one team to the other.
Moving into the last ten minutes of the encounter York held a narrow lead, but a series of goals swung the momentum and the deficit became unassailable, as York were condemned to their third defeat of the season, which dents their push for promotion.
York had beaten the same opposition last Wednesday 45-39 away from home, moving them up to second in the table, level on points with table-topping Northumbria. Leeds, meanwhile, sat third in the standings but with their confidence dented by the previous defeat.
Goal Attack Amy Moye soon opened the scoring for York, but the early momentum was with the visitors who maintained the lead throughout the majority of the first quarter. York were hindered by the continued absence of captain Nina Pullman through injury, whilst influential Centre Charlotte Ferris was also unavailable.
Their absence showed, as in the first quarter Leeds had the better of the play, moving into a 10-7 lead at the end of the quarter. Some excellent shooting by Moye helped to keep York in touch, whilst Goal Shooter Emma Loft also netted twice.
Leeds, however, opened up a significant lead in the early stages of the second quarter, as a period of pressure saw their enigmatic Goal Attack Georgina Chapburn bag a series of goals, despite the best attempts of Lottie Knight and Georgia Neblett.
Eight straight goals moved Leeds into a 16-7 lead before York rallied. Moye continued her fine form, as she bagged another seven goals, reducing the deficit to four goals by the end of the quarter. The scoreline at the halfway mark read 19-15 in Leeds Met’s favour.
The momentum had shifted in York’s favour and the third quarter saw York, and Moye in particular, stamp their authority upon the contest. York levelled the scoring as good play by Hollie Dixson and Bronwen Dalley-Smith created numerous opportunities for Loft and Moye. Midway through the quarter York took the lead and at one point they held a three-goal advantage.
However, it was the visitors’ turn to fightback and, inspired by their imposing Goal Keeper Bethany Hushon, they retook the initiative. Goal Shooter Lucy Burman scored three goals in quick succession and at the end of the third quarter the score was all square, at 28 goals apiece.
Indeed it was York who started the final quarter the more sprightly, as the excellent Moye put York into a two-goal lead. However it was simply not to be York’s day, as the momentum once more swung in Leeds’ favour and a barrage of attacks curtailed York’s chances. Seven successive goals put the visitors firmly in the ascendancy and despite a late rally by the White Rose the lead was extended to an unrecoverable margin. Moye scored with the last shot of the game but it was scant consolation, as York suffered a 44-34 defeat which dents their promotion hopes.
After the game, injured captain Nina Pullman commented: “I’m gutted with the result obviously. I can’t really pinpoint where it went wrong, but I’m really proud of how the team performed to the end, and at the end of the day as they say they were the better team.”
Next up for York is a trip to Sheffield, as they look to recover from the disappointment of defeat, and get their promotion push back on track.
York side: GK Lottie Knight, GD Georgina Neblett, WD Lucy Daymond, C Hollie Dixson, WA Bronwen Dalley-Smith, GA Amy Moye, GS Emma Loft, Sub Ellie Bell-Jones
Vision MOTM: Amy Moye