On a day of wins for UYNC, York 3rds didn’t disappoint with a convincing victory over local rivals York St John to take their second win of the season.
The starting 7 came out strong, turning the first centre as they built up an impressive lead with great partnership work from Eliza Ackland and Rhia Stevens-Leach who combined nicely in the circle. Pressuring the St John team early on, York closed out the space and worked hard, frustrating their opponents. York ended the first quarter 11-4 ahead.
In the second quarter, a strong York St John team fought back. York had to keep their concentration levels up, having allowed St John to capitalise on silly mistakes. A well timed interception from Rachel Turner meant York turned yet another centre through Rhia Stevens-Leach’s fantastic shooting. York were strong on defence, with Rachel Bunce’s reverse hand interception leading to fast play down the court and a goal from Eliza Ackland. York ended the second quarter still in the lead at 22-14.
Continuing to capitalise on their dominance within the game in the third quarter, York looked to maintain their lead. Short and strong passes in the mid court and fantastic feeding into the circle by Becky Coomber meant York extended their lead even further. Strong defence by Mel Okuneye kept the St John shooters quiet, along with Rachel Bunce who was working tirelessly.
The girls kept their concentration for the final quarter and with play flowing and lovely movement and drives from all members the team kept on top of their game. Rachel Bunce and Emily Turpin’s partnership continued to look strong with great communication between the two. Jade Naylor was imressive too, in her first game after coming back from injury.
With York now getting caught on their overhead balls into the circle, St John were looking like they were wanted it more, with an amazing shot from the edge of the circle of particular note. But great interceptions from Emily Turpin and Becky Coomber meant York kept going to the final whistle with the game ending in a fantastic 40-27 victory.
Captain Eliza Ackland said after the game that it was ‘really great with so much fight and determination from everyone. This second win of the season has made me really excited about the possible successes for the rest of the year’. Let’s hope the girls keep it up for their next match!