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Photos: Jack Bradshaw
Going into the match the York 2nds netball team looked strong after a great season, heading into what was going to be a tough game playing a team two leagues above them, though just relegated.
York took the game to Lancaster and came away victorious as UYNC dominated the visitors.
York started well, taking control of the ball as Lancaster make an early mistake on their first centre.
Back and fourth play started with goals being missed by either side and rebounds being taken. The strong partnership in defence that has been created over the season between Grace Clarke and Carrie Green was clear to see.
However it was Lancaster that took the first goal, closely followed by a second. Despite Lancaster’s slick passes, York netted their goals and dominated the rebounds, coming out with a slight lead at the end of the first quarter 9-7.
Early in the second quarter Ellie Jones-Bell won a toss up and after some great passes down the court Elissa Bryan fed a slick ball into the circle and York converted, Sarah Pickup finding her range and starting to net some lovely shots.
York were now getting into their stride and making it look easy against what was predicted to be a hard side with dominating play and slick passing, and refusing to allow Lancaster any rebounds.
Sarah Pickup was having a great day, with some brilliant holding and working well with Amy Moll, who was working hard.
Lancaster finally scored late on in the quarter but York’s domination was fully underway and the quarter finished 18-11.
With the fresh legs of Sam Hall on for the third quarter, York took two more early goals.
However with York throwing away some loose balls, Lancaster tried to mount a comeback. Yet with York having arms up defending every ball they struggled.
Amy Moll stayed strong throughout giving good passes and linking well with Sam Hall. Half way through the quarter the teams looked evenly matched but York had their game faces on and weren’t prepared to loose.
Emily Shipwright always looking for the safe option against a strong Lancaster defence meant no chances were wasted, and Amy Moll gave a fantastic edge of the circle shot which went cleanly in.
York had taken the game to Lancaster and fully extended their lead by the end of the third quarter as it ended 26-15.
Going into the last quarter all the super seconds needed to do was keep calm and maintain their lead.
With Grace Clarke getting yet another tip, Elissa Bryan was able to send some brilliant balls down court. However Lancaster were now seeing more of the ball as York tired and brought some goals back.
This seemingly knocked York, with missed shots and some stray passing. Half way through the quarter it was 27-21 but with a last push with a few minutes to go, York weren’t going to let Lancaster get the better of them.
Hustling their players and a great final shot from Sarah Pickup gave York 2nds a fantastic win with the final score being 30-22.
After a great game and loud celebrations, 2nds captain Elissa Bryan spoke to Vision: “An absolutely fantastic result to end what has been a brilliant season. I am so proud of each and every single one of my team.
“We went out fighting and everyone played to the best of their ability. I could not have asked for any more from them.”
MOTM: Amy Moll