York 3rds put on a performance to be proud of as they get their first victory of the season in this week’s BUCS fixture against Sheffield Hallam. Playing with confidence throughout both teams had some great play, with York having the edge to strive ahead to a fantastic win.
The first quarter was tight with both teams trying to gain the advantage. York’s defence applied the pressure straight away causing Sheffield to slow their game down. The attack didn’t let the side down and worked hard with movement around the circle. With both teams working hard to overturn the centre passes the quarter ended with York only a goal behind at 7-8.
The second quarter was just as tight. With fresh legs from Georgia Octavia coming on at wing attack and Mel Okuneye switching onto the team at goal defence, York had their sights on getting ahead with safe passes down court and great circle play, leading to Rhia-Stevens Leach and Eliza Ackland scoring the turn overs. But Sheffield kept on York’s heels ensuring that their shots were also made. However York’s increasingly hard work in training this week was paying off and at half time they were just in the lead at 16-15.
The third quarter has usually been the weakest for the thirds, but on this occasion they started strongly, with Rachel Turner getting one of many interceptions leading to a turnover. The girls continued to storm the quarter with Rachel Bunce providing some great defensive work, putting so much pressure on the shooters that they were struggling to shoot. A bad fall from Jane Robertson lead to a quick substitution with Georgia Octavia returning to the court. Robertson later found out that she has fractured her ankle and will be out until after Christmas. Straight away the team won the toss up and converting yet another goal in their highest scoring quarter. The third quarter ended 28-18 and a win was looking likely for York.
As the game entered the final quarter York continued their hard work with an excellent team spirit shining through and great play from all the team, leaving no player unmarked. Sheffield’s attempts to fight back where unsuccessful as York’s defence kept up the hard work ending the game at 33-22.
With the final whistle gone York 3rds were over the moon. Captain Eliza Ackland, also player of the match, commented afterwards that she was “really pleased with our first win of the season,” going on to say how pleased she was that the team was “starting to gel” and that she was “so proud of everyone for the huge improvement and effort so far.” With smiles all around York can take many positives from the game and continue to build on their training ready for their next game.