York 2nds ended the autumn term on a colossal high, defeating Leeds Trinity 1sts 58-22.
After a motivating team talk and intense warm up from captain Elissa Bryan, the York girls were determined to go into their last match with a fighting spirit. York picked off Leeds centre passes with ease and with confident shooting from the Yorkshire attack, they quickly took the lead. Sarah Pickup dominated the York attacking centre, demonstrating her strength and agility to dart effortlessly around the lethargic Leeds defence. Rachel Bunce and Grace Clarke held off the increasingly frustrated Leeds attack to propel York into a 17-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Despite a confident lead, the Yorkshire girls maintained their fighting strength into the second quarter and battled for every ball. Despite pressure being applied on York’s goal attack, Amy Moll, wing attack, Emily Shipwright and Centre Elissa Bryan darted around the edge of the circle, sending perfect and well timed passes into the shooting circle. York’s dominant defence communicated effectively to restrict Leeds to scoring only two goals in the whole of the second quarter.
Leeds Trinity stepped up their play in the third quarter with some astonishing shooting from the edge of the circle. The first five minutes remained end to end, with goals from both sides. Yet, the Leeds team were beginning to look physically defeated and York continued to push forward to their inevitable victory. Despite unforced errors from both sides, there was no certainly shortage in goals.
The fourth quarter began just as profitably as it had started for the 2nds side. The relentless shooting from Sarah and Amy ensured York’s convincing lead. The Yorkshire girls demonstrated efficient set plays and well timed movements all the way up court. The constant pressure York exerted on the Leeds side ensured turn over after turn over.
The girls were ecstatic with how strongly they ended the season. Bryan commented after the match how proud she was of “fantastic individual performances of each and every member of the team”. Despite their certain victory throughout the match, the York girls continued to push for a larger goal difference and remained calm and determined throughout all four quarters.
The clear improvement of the side from the beginning of the season was clearly evident in today’s performance, which the girls are determined to take forward to their games next year.