York Ladies Beat Liverpool 1st’s

Tensions were high as the York Ladies Lacrosse team took to the pitch to play their first home game of the season against Liverpool 1sts. With no previous knowledge of their playing ability a slightly tentative start ensued as each York player sought to test their opponent and analyze the skill and playing technique of the Liverpool team. However after the first couple of well-aimed shots flew past Liverpool’s goal keeper with ease, the attack settled down and team spirit rose as York saw their score continue to rise, while the strong defensive skills of Katherine Bosworth, Ellie Martin and Sophie Pickup prevented Liverpool from having opportunities to shoot.

Midfield saw some fantastic fast breaks and accurate passes from Carina Topham, Vicky Eagle and Izzy Miller, bringing the ball down to the attacking fan before the Liverpool defense had time to initiate an effective defensive stance. Having spent time during training on attacking play, strong, decisive cuts made by Helen Streeter and Emily Lingard effectively blind-sided the Liverpool defense and left the attack with a 1 on 1 situation against the goalie where the ball was powered through to the back of the net.  Moreover the many successful draws by Rose Morrison saw the ball caught by Anna Yeomans, fed quickly to Nicola Drury and shot by an attack converting many shots into goals without the Liverpool defense being anywhere to be seen.

Defensively, York Ladies team work was evident all the way down the pitch. In midfield, numerous double-teams were enacted and a successful check saw the ball turned over to York and especially in defense, the communication and slides ensured Liverpool attack rarely had an opportunity to cut for the ball, let alone drive to goal. In particular, a triple team by Serena Franklin, Ellie Martin and Becky Simpson on Liverpool’s strongest player saw the ball fall to ground where a flawless pick up and pass by Sophie Pickup to Christiana Hambro, allowed Sarah Saunders to cut for a deep clear and drive to goal, successfully scoring for the team.

The fitness of the team must be mentioned as by the end of the 60 minute game, every member was outrunning their Liverpool defense. In particular Emily Lingard’s venture into midfield both to attack and defend did not go unnoticed and nor did her numerous goals which made her Player of the match this week, as chosen by the captain, Serena Franklin. The team is delighted with their 19-6 win and is keenly anticipating their next match against Durham 3rds.