For captain Elissa Bryan, vice-captain Amy Moll and Ellie Bell-Jones, this was the last BUCS game the girls would play for York so they wanted to go out fighting for the chance at a second place position in the league.
York stepped up to the plate and charged to an all important win of 46 goals to 34 and a fantastic end to what has been an impressive season for the 2nds side.
Both teams stormed into the match, determined to capitalise in the critical first few minutes of the match. Spirits were high and with lots of support on the sidelines the sports hall erupted with sound. The first quarter ended with Leeds pinching the lead 13-10.
The second quarter proved more consistent for both teams. There were some excellent interceptions from all areas on court and consistent shooting from both teams, providing a tense game in the first few minutes.
Yet, with constant pressure for Carrie Green and Ellie Bell-Jones in defence, the initially unbeatable Leeds shooting pair was slowly beginning to loose their consistency.
In the last few minutes of the quarter Green made a darting interception to prevent the goal attack from converting a goal, which proved vital for the York girls. The first half ended with York edging into the lead 17-20.
The 2nds side got off to a confident start in the third quarter, with Amy Moll sinking the first of many impressive goals for the Yorkshire girls.
The game was extremely fast paced, and end to end contest. York began to pull away as Leeds’ unforced errors increased. Olivia Rainey proved fundamental in the shooting circle as she dynamically darted around the attacking third.
Again, Moll converted a brilliant goal for York after an impressive collection of passes from down court to edge the girls that much closer to an all important win.
The York girls fought furiously throughout the quarter, chasing every loose ball and defending fearlessly up court. Emily Shipwright demonstrated her skill and diversity as she fed some excellently timed balls into the shooting circle.
The final result of 46-34 highlighted the continued determination of the girls throughout the entire game.
Elissa Bryan, player of the match, was ecstatic with all of the girls’ performances and, through the chants of “UYNC” which echoed around the sports hall at the end of the match, you could see how much the win meant to each and everyone on the team.