With the over-indulgent holidays behind them; the women’s 1st eleven hockey team geared up for a testing match against Leeds 2s. However, they sailed through this challenge to win the match 4-1.
The game was very well-matched from the start with possession evenly distributed between the two teams. York, however, had to frantically adapt their defensive play to cope with very high forwards after being caught on the break repeatedly. Fitness didn’t seem to be too much of a problem with the team hurtling back down the pitch to defend. Leeds were very quick on the attack, led by their experienced centre forward. Captain Sally Warrington was solid in defence, making some great tackles from the top of the D.
York also had some very close chances at goal; one particular came from Fresher, Emma Beresford who had two shots from the left post which were saved, under great pressure, by the Leeds goalkeeper. York Keeper Laura Porter was also tested with a barrage of shots at one point in the first half, skilfully deflecting them from the goal line.
York got the first goal of the match after consistent effort. Vaila Ormiston drilled it into the D before launching a great shot from the centre of the D- the ball hitting the backboard as Ormiston hit the ground.
The rest of the half was characterised by consistent York attacks, punctuated with heart-stopping breaks from Leeds as York seemed lulled into a false sense of attacking security. York were unlucky not to score on the numerous short corners they won and the half finished 1-0 to the home side.
The rain arrived with the start of the second half- drenching the already freezing players. York started strong on the attack but found themselves having to defend too often with Leeds pressing right up to the goal line. Rachael McMillan prevented Leeds equalising- stopping one certain goal with authority and halting the Leeds attack in its tracks.
Leeds, however, were not to be prevented from equalising for long. An unrelenting attack in the D resulted in a goal after a fluffed clearance from the York allowed Leeds a shot- sailing under Dolton’s stick.
Credit has to go to the Leeds goal keeper. Although not normally in goal she had a fantastic performance. At one point lying horizontal across the goal line, sustaining many shots to her body and doggedly preventing a goal. However, President Rachael Faustino scored her first of the match, finding the top left corner with an inspired flick.
Emily Lucas made the score 3-1 later, after a swashbuckling run into the D she shot from almost the by-line. Luck was on her side after Leeds attempted to clear the ball but mistakenly helped it in.
Two minutes before the final whistle, Faustino found the top left corner for a second time to increase York’s lead to 4-1.
Captain Sally Warrington was contemplative about her team’s performance commenting that “despite starting off chaotically we managed to pull it together for a brilliant win”. She looked to the future hoping that her team would “keep up this positive play consistency for the rest of the season”.