Varsity: Netball Round-up

York 1sts 36 – 51 Hull 1sts

By Helena Kaznowska

The last netball match of the day after storming victories from seconds, thirds and medics, the pressure was on for York women’s first team. Hull flew out of the blocks and scored four goals within the first few minutes which made the York team realise just what a challenge this this game was going to be. The opposition were powerfully built and extremely fast but York faught hard and the first quarter ended 14-8.

But the home team were not put off by Hull’s early lead and gave annother energised performance in the second quarter. Katy Masterson scored four in a row and York’s passing in and arround the D was flawless. However, Hull still managed to pull away in the second quarter and at half way through the match, the score read 25-17.

Victory was still in York’s grasp and Cesca Dessain’s side did not give up. They adapted well to the opposition with lots of small, accurate and powerful passes to work the ball down the court. This was sucessfully adopted by the captain playing wing attack and Rebecca O’Dwger as centre, whos communication and progression down the court enabled York to stay threatening throughout the match. The game got increasingly feisty as both teams faught hard in desperate search of victory, but the home team could never catch up.

Hull’s attack were formidable, and with a shooter who was well over 6”5, the opposition always speadily scored in response to any successful York goal. The final score was 52-36 to Hull but the score does not reflect how well matched the fight was. York’s team looked focused, determined and from the warm up to the last blow of the whistle, the home team worked well together, were perfectly synchronised and put their all. York netball narrowly missed out on a four out of four clean sweep but Cesca Dessain’s side can hold their heads high after a spirited performance. The game was fast paced; the game was furious, but Hull’s shoters we unstoppable.

York 2nds 54 – 26 Hull 2nds

By George Liley

Two almost flawless performances from the Netball 3rds and 2nds saw York steam ahead of Hull in the overall standings. In what was a delight to watch, both teams performed magnificently in a tent 3 that was full of atmosphere and anticipation.

The 3rds flew out of the blocks early and found themselves 5-0 up within the space of a few minutes, courtesy of some terrific shooting from goal-shooter Rhia Stevens-Leach whose consistency was nothing short of phenomenal. Claire Smith in the centre made some important interceptions and helped supply the in-form Stevens-Leach to give York a comfortable 9-3 lead.

The second and third quarters saw much of the same, with Amy Moll contributing to the York scoring. Steven’s Leach seemed impossible to contain, and Lottie Knight as goal-keeper constantly cut out any Hull attacks. The introduction of Eliza Achland after the halfway point saw York increase the pressure further, as Achland constantly found success and formed a formidable partnership with Stevens-Leach up top to make it 20-8 at half-time. By the end of the third quarter the York attack and impenetrable defence saw the score heavily weighted 36-12 in the home sides favour.

The final quarter was nothing short of a York master class. 14 unanswered points was a testament to the performance of every individual on the York side, and the atmosphere was electric by the time the match had finished 47-12. Captain Kate Copsen commented “We were incredibly consistent today and our heads never went down. Our fitness is at 100% and our interceptions paid off. I’m so pleased with this performance”.

York 2nds 54 – 26 Hull 2nds

By George Liley

Tent 3 was treated to another terrific York performance straight afterwards, courtesy of the York netball 2nds. Talk on the sideline before the game suggested that this game could be very close, however York’s performance on the day was on another level.

York found themselves 9-4 up after a fast paced start, with both teams attacking quickly and making good use of their players up front. Goal-attack Lisa Griffiths and Goal-shooter India Perry were both shooting very consistently and their efforts saw York leading 20-10.

Shadyn Nikzad in the centre for York was able to dominate play in the second quarter, and her long distance pass to Griffiths midway through the quarter was one of the highlights of the day. Jo Brayshaw became pivotal at the back for York, subduing Hull’s lively forwards Hill and Legane, and her passing built attack after attack from which York were constantly finding success. Wing-attack Lauren Furniss was also linking well with Griffiths on the left hand side, and York were comfortable leaders 26-16 at the halfway point.

Perry and Griffiths shone in the third quarter, and Brayshaw’s defence never allowed Hull to gain momentum, supported well by Nina Pullman. The atmosphere came alive with a large attendance courtside, and this seemed to spurn York on further. India Perry rarely ever missed, and York found themselves firmly in the driving seat at 42-24 with the last quarter remaining.

The final quarter saw York ease over the finishing line as they never allowed Hull into the game. From defence to attack the team performed solidly as a unit the whole way through, and capped off a terrific Varsity performance with a 54-26 victory. Captain and MOTM Jo Brayshaw expressed her delight after the game, stating ‘we played so well today, I’m really proud. We play them in BUCS, and to beat them in Varsity today was something special, and it gives us a great psychological advantage. Hull are feisty, but we held it together”.

Both netball teams can take a lot out of these two games, as their performance on the big stage shows great promise for their BUCS leagues this year. These were two inspiring performances and ones which are a testament to the high standard of York’s sport this year.