In their last league match of the season, York were looking to go out on a high and beat a Sheffield team they had previously drawn against this season.
With captain Eliza Ackland out on the side-lines it meant changes to the side, but this was nothing the girls couldn’t handle as they demonstrated how much they had improved this season.
York showed of their strong defence from the outset, grabbing the rebounds from the Sheffield players through added pressure, with Emily Turpin showcasing her great lean.
Rhia Stevens-Leach and Caitlin Graham worked the circle well and shots were going in and rebounds gained. With a slim lead building, York entered the second quarter 9-7 ahead.
The play was tight in the second quarter and every ball was fought for. With Rachel Bunce now at goal shooter, the attacking play was working well with great movement from Graham adding to this.
The centre court was becoming scrappy at times with loose balls being picked up by both sides. Jane Robertson was working hard feeding balls constantly into the circle.
Sheffield were playing a tight game showing lots of contact, but York dealt with this well. The quarter ended as tight as the play with York just ahead at 18-17.
With changes made at the break, York went out looking to dominate. This is exactly what they did. Rachel Turner and Becky Coomber demonstrated their excellent attacking partnership to bring balls down the court. And with Graham’s consistent shooting York took the lead.
With Sheffield now becoming frustrated, an incident involving both centres in which Turner ended up on the floor resulted in Coomber exchanging words with the Sheffield centre.
Nevertheless, York shrugged this off and carried on their fantastic play with Mel Okuneye stopping numerous ball entering the circle. York extended their lead to 27-22 by the end of the third quarter.
Tensions where now high, York continued to pull away and there was contact all over the court. Managing to keep their cool, York played their own game and continued their strong defence work. Jade Naylor was going after every ball.
With ten seconds left a great ball by Coomber to Man of the Match Caitlin Graham in the circle secured the match for York as they won 34-26.
Captain Ackland commented after the match that is was a “perfect end to a fantastic season, so proud of everyone in the team and their improvement. As much as I wish I could have played, it was a pleasure to watch.” It looks like the tremendous thirds have done well and they can looked forward to next season now.
MOTM: Caitlin Graham