With an unfortunate loss to start 2013 last week against Bradford, York 3rds were looking to find the form they finished with last term. And find their form they did by winning narrowly over Durham 3rds by one goal at 36-35.
The first quarter kicked off with the fight that captain Eliza Ackland wished for and York stormed ahead with flashes of brilliant play. The defensive and the attacking partnership of Eliza Ackland and Caitlin Graham worked well and, with the shots starting to go in with ease, York’s domination began and the quarter ended 12-7.
Throughout the second quarter York continued to hold the momentum from the first quarter and continued to fight, not wanting to lose to Durham for a second time this season. Durham were working hard themselves with a great work down the court and good shooting. But excellent work by Emily Turpin in defence and brilliant passing around the circle by Rachel Turner and Becky Coomber enabled York to play a strong game and the quarter ended 24-17.
With changes made for the third quarter, York struggled to keep their tempo up and Durham took advantage, trying to work themselves back into the game, but a strong defence made up of Rachel Bunce and the fresh legs of Mel Okuneye meant Durham where kept at bay. And thanks to Coomber, the eventful man of the match, darting and making passes all over the court, York edged ahead 31-27.
York played to win in the final quarter. With Durham tight on their heels, they held their ground with Jade Naylor fighting for every loose ball and the defence working their hardest. However it was tense; with the score going back and fourth, York had allowed Durham back into the game. It came down to fantastic shooting between Eliza Ackland and Caitlin Graham to seal the deal of the final score of 36-35.
Shortly after the game captain Eliza Ackland commented: “I am so pleased with the win, it was one of our toughest matches of the season and our hard work fighting throughout really paid off. I hope we can carry this through with many more wins.” Fingers crossed the tremendous thirds do the same next week.