York cruised to a 33-20 victory over Sheffield on Wednesday, showing signs of complacency against a team sitting one place above them in the BUCS league table, despite having still played one game less. In their first match of the term, York looked somewhat rusty; they played their last game seven weeks ago, and in spite of showing early promise, stumbled to what was ultimately an easy victory against a poor Sheffield side.
York started well with efficient passing play shown by Sarah Smith and captain Cesca Dessain, a wing partnership that proved to be profitable throughout, and ended the first quarter 12-3 ahead, with Georgia Neblett setting the tone for a one-sided game, with Sheffield at times barely able to keep the ball out of their defensive third. When Sheffield did pose a rare threat, it was often repelled by the York defence effectively, something that would have been useful in their previous fixture against Northumbria, where frailties were exposed in a 41-45 defeat.
However, complacency set in for a York side who’ve not won since mid-November. Sloppy defending and numerous fouls leading to penalties saw Sheffield open up a 5-2 lead in the second quarter, only to be pegged back to 7-7 when York showed their full abilities. Claire Diner in particular was guilty of some wayward shooting. Whilst this improved in the third quarter, the defensive mistakes remained, with many needless fouls being committed. If it were not for the excellent passing of Goal Defence, Grace Mersden providing fluency to York attacks, the result could have been placed in doubt. That combined with the improved shooting of Diner and Neblett saw York hold a 24-15 lead moving into the final quarter.
York again showed more complacency mid-quarter as the game drew to its conclusion, only really displaying their class towards the end of the game, building a lead that their early dominance had threatened. As Diner found her range, York began to score regularly, and whilst Sheffield on occasion were able to build decent counter-attacks, Williams was on hand to swat away their shots and provide a platform for the likes of Dessain who showed visionary passing in a display that did not reflect her sides earlier inefficiency.
Based on the first and fourth quarters, this York side has the ability to overhaul Newcastle 3rds and gain promotion. However, if the inefficiency, complacency and lack of concentration continues, as shown in mid-way through the game, their promotion hopes could soon go the way of their Northern Conference Cup hopes following the loss to Sheffield Hallam. If this game is a reliable yardstick, they hold a false position in their division, and there undoubtedly exists potential for progress. Whether that will be fulfilled is still to be seen.