The York netball thirds team fought to the end in a fast-paced and adrenaline filled match, which eventually saw Lancaster pull away with a win at 38-26.
York started confidently with a defensive line up which immediately caused trouble for Lancaster as they struggled to convert from their first centre pass. Captain Paisley Ross showed her presence at WD straightaway with a tip which set up the consistent and disruptive defence from York for the rest of the game.
Due to some unforced errors from York early on, Lancaster were able to create a 2-0 lead within the first three minutes of the game. However, fluid movement in centre court saw the white rose make the most of several defensive turnovers from the excellent combination of Rachel Bunce and Eleanor Bell-Jones in the Lancaster attacking circle.
Some superb feeds into the York circle from vice-captain and Centre Elissa Bryan were not wasted by shooters Alia Khalil and Eliza Ackland. Their consistent and accurate shooting under pressure from a tall Lancaster defence led to a tense end to the first quarter at 9-7.
In the second quarter, York made a change at GA with Lauren Welch coming on for Ackland. The play became intense as within the first two minutes the score equalised at 9-9. Some great support from Bunce and Bell-Jones when clearing from a back line meant that centre court play was fast-paced and movement was well-rehearsed. However, York’s speed sometimes let them down resulting in high risk feeds into the D, putting the pressure on GS Khalil to convert, which she did consistently in a well-deserved man of the match performance.
Half time saw more changes for York with Rhia Stevens-Leach coming on for Khalil, and a switch in centre court with Ross to WA, Jane Robertson to C, and fresher Jade Naylor came on at WD. The new combination took some time to adapt to a tireless Lancaster attack, who capitalised on this to draw away slightly. There were some crucial moments of defence from Naylor, whose insistent pressure led to several York advantages. At the end of the third quarter the score still remained close and the final result in question as Lancaster held their lead by only 27 to 20.
For the final quarter, the York team changed once again as they came on with renewed vigour ready to gain back their lead. In defence Bunce and Bell gave no ground whatsoever, and Lancaster were visibly struggling to feed balls into their shooters. Meanwhile a toss-up between York WD and Lancs C was lost by the white rose, but quickly reclaimed by Bryan whose technical ability and good decisions had been evident throughout the match. Towards the end, play became desperate as York began to tire and feeding into attack became more haphazard. An interception from Ross gave them one last try, but in the end it was the clinical play and strength advantage of the bigger Lancaster team who took home the win.
Credit must be given to some superb defending in this match, and a team spirit which enabled the thirds to keep fighting right to the end.
Vision MOTM: Alia Khalil