Halifax defeated top-of-the-table Alcuin 18-16 this afternoon to secure their first league win of 2013.
Halifax came into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats, so a match against top of the league Alcuin was going to be a serious challenge. The contest started with high intensity. Alcuin were keen to maintain their 100% record against a strong, if out-of-form, Halifax side, while Halifax were determined to end their losing streak.
The game began with Halifax scoring from an Alcuin first centre pass. Well timed interceptions mid-court from both sides resulted in a relatively equal but fervent first few minutes.
Through successful man to man marking Alcuin Goal Defence, Amy Finch, caused upset in the Halifax attacking third, preventing accurate feeding under the post to Halifax Goal Attack, Rebecca Gabbitas.
Throughout the first half, Halifax made a high number of unforced errors but this did not affect their resolve.
At half time the score was 10-6 to Alcuin. After her strong performance in the first half, Alcuin replaced Megan Knight with Milly Harvey while Halifax kept the same seven. Despite the lack of changes the second half started just as intensely as the first.
Halifax seemed unperturbed by the half time deficit and appeared to find their feet in their attacking third. By feeding the ball around the circle they ensured the best position for an accurate shot, resulting in a flurry of goals in the first few minutes.
Despite impressive shooting from Charlotte Winter and Grace Clarke, the Halifax defensive pairing of Mary Sutherland-James and Rebecca Gill, remained resilient. Sutherland-James proved influential pulling off multiple interceptions in the second half.
Alcuin’s strength as a college side was reflected in their awareness and use of space allowing swift movement of the ball down court. However penetrative passes from Lauren Gilhespy into the ‘Fax shooters caused problems for the Alcuin defence. This added to a commanding all round performance by the Halifax seven.
Alcuin as ever produced a fine display, but on the day Halifax were the better side, with a final score of 18-16 to Halifax.
The winning did not end there for ‘Fax, with the seconds securing a 12-7 victory over the Alcuin side.
Halifax captain Rebecca Gill could not contain her delight with the performance of both teams. Believing the win will “increase the confidence for future games”, especially since Alcuin are “such a good side” and the first team have never sealed a win against them previously. She also added that the girls had “put in a lot of work during week”, which has clearly paid off.