[visiongallery set=72157632931298515]
Photos: Oona Venermo
With a full squad finally available for the first time this season, York 1sts were looking to beat the Sunderland side they had previously lost to.
York had a slow start; their first centre was turned by Sunderland as they took an early lead. But York fought back, determined to win. A great ball from Bronwen Dalley-Smith lead to a conversion from Amy Moye, whose shooting was again on form.
Momentum was building for York as they fought back into the game. With feeding now slick around the circle, York began to turn Sunderland’s centres.
There was a fantastic piece of individual play from Amy Moye who, while trying to keep the ball in play, managed to score. The defence of Emma Loft, playing goal keeper in a match for the first time, and Nina Pullman was strong, not allowing Sunderland any rebounds. York took an early lead as the quarter finished 12-8.
Sunderland struggled to fight back in the second quarter, as York’s pressure on shots proved too much and many shots went astray. Play in the centre court was back and forth, as tips of ball where everywhere, including several from Nina Pullman. It was York who came out on top as Charlotte Ferris showed her influence.
With safe passes, it was left to the shooting of Georgia Neblett and Amy Moye to simply convert their shots as York pulled away even further.
The Sunderland goal attack showed skill, managing several times to take balls out of the air with ease and convert. The quarter ended 25-19.
The third quarter carried on very much the same. York still had the momentum and Sunderland were simply struggling to turn centres their way.
With York showcasing brilliant play down court, at times the link up play between Lucy Diamond and Dalley-Smith was lovely. Moye continued her fine shots and linked well with Neblett.
Along with all players defending the ball, York continued to build the lead they wished for, as the third quarter finished 31-23.
It was a last push that was needed from York now. With Emma Loft continuously putting fantastic pressure on the ball, Sunderland were kept quiet and York dominated.
Though Sunderland had some play, with a quick pass into the circle and a conversion, it wasn’t enough to bring them back into the game. As York showed they could bring the ball from a backline to the circle and convert several times. The match ended 44-32.
After the well-deserved win, captain Nina Pullman commented that “it was a brilliant match. It felt like the team had come together finally after not having a full team for so long. I’m so proud of the girls today and the win was well deserved.”
MOTM: Amy Moye.