BUCS women’s hockey: York 1sts 2-0 Northumbria 2nds

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Photos: Ellen Rawlins

The stage was set for what was arguably the most important match of the season. The Ladies 1sts needed to win this game and for Leeds 3rds to either draw or win against Newcastle 2nds. On Wednesday, both of these hopes came true. Newcastle and Leeds drew while York pulled off the winner.

The result of this is the 1sts team deservedly come top of their league and are subsequently promoted into the league above- two. This follows from the promotion into Premier league the ladies earnt at the weekend in the Yorkshire League.

It wasn’t going to be the easiest game for the Ladies 1sts. A series of injuries and unavailability meant the team were reduced to ten players. Showing true club spirit; Alix Hayward, Natalie Montezuma and Tamsin French stepped up from the 2nds team to help out, despite playing their own match an hour earlier.

Due to this change around in players the formation was also changed. The team reversed back to the diamond formation used in previous seasons. However, from the whistle the girls looked uncomfortable in the new formation- with people still trying to play their old positions.

However, play did take place primarily in the Northumbria defensive area. York won two successive short corners in the early minutes of the match but struggled to convert. Northumbria were strong on the defence; seeing off sophisticated attacks from the like of Rachael Faustino and Joely Hartley.

However, superstar Vaila Ormiston finished a cracking season in style; giving York the lead. With the home team putting pressure on the Northumbria ‘keeper, Ormiston seized a rebound to hammer it with precision just past the goalie’s outstretched right foot.

Northumbria quickly forced play to the York end. Their first shot at goal flew wide and minutes later had another chance with a well-timed pass across the face of the goal not finding a player to finish. York were struggling to get the ball out of their defensive half with defending stalwarts Warrington and McMillan putting in an impressive performance.

At half time, captain Hannah Gage changed the formation back to the standard. York looked more comfortable back in their familiar positions and was reflected in their more assured and confident play. However, a dangerous Northumbria onslaught on the Yorkie goal looked likely to even the score. Good work from Porter, throwing herself on the ground, prevented a goal.

Consistent play from York found gaps in the somewhat unorganised Northumbria positioning. Especially Jill Mercer on the left who seemed unstoppable on the left flank. Good work in the D resulted in York increasing their lead to 2-0. Assured passing from Ormiston into Montezuma meant Emma Beresford had a shooting opportunity. After a tussle on the goaline she found the backboard, much to the excitement of the crowd.

Play seemed rougher as Northumbria perhaps sensed the lapsing time. Mercer was taken out twice in as many minutes although she soon got revenge, driving the ball brilliantly into the D and to Kristen Roberts on the post.

The final whistle blew just after York had been awarded a short corner. With their victory secure the girls were jubilant, even ‘keeper Porter came to join the team at the edge of the D, before being sent back to the 25 line due to a law no-one was even aware of. The short corner did not result in a goal but the ladies were happy with their victory.

Captain Hannah Gage was slightly downcast about the game stating that it was ‘not our best game but we got the win’. She offered her congratulations to her team on their ‘greata season’. Gage has had a briliant season captaining the team on a Wednesday with Sally Warrington being equally impressive on weekends, they will be much missed.

Vision MOM: Jill Mercer