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Photos: Philip Mourdijs
The York women’s basketball team were industrious and professional as they defeated Sheffield 1sts to finish the year with a flourish.
The match was no classic, but this won’t concern York. The side were rarely in danger of losing after taking the lead at the start of the second quarter and they shepherded home the three points without much drama.
Captain Stefania Mataragka impressed once again, chipping in with numerous points, while ex-captain Janne Billiet also proved her worth thanks to an excellent display both in attack and defence.
At the halfway stage of the season, York look in decent shape sitting six points clear of the relegation position whilst keeping in touch with top-of-the-table Leeds Met 2nds.
The first quarter was a tepid affair, as numerous chances were squandered by both sides. Sheffield took an early 5-2 lead but Mataragka and Leona Williams scored the points for York as the home side drew level at 7-7.
After the break, York took the initiatve as Rachael Cryer and a looping Billiet effort opened up an 11-7 lead, before Mataragka scored twice later on as the scores read 17-13. However, a degree of frustration crept in towards the end of the quarter as Sheffield fought back to 21-20 by the end of the first half.
But York improved as the match progressed and quickly established a 10-point lead in the third quarter. Billiet displayed remarkable retrieving skills, setting up Hataragka on two occasions including a three-pointer.
Mistakes were creeping into Sheffield’s play as the away side misplaced passes, and Gilly Jago, Charlotte Laverick and Mataragka once again scored the points as York led 38-28 with just one quarter remaining.
A couple of rapid Sheffield counterattacks threatened to undo York’s hard work as the scores were brought back to 41-35, but York always kept their opponents a arm’s length.
The home side even had the luxury of making five simultaneous substitutions with three minutes to go, giving less experienced players some much-needed game time, and the final result was never in doubt as York won 47-39.
Captain Mataragka said after the match: “In the first half we made too many mistakes but the important thing was that we managed to get some points and go ahead. We have to work in training sessions more.”