It was always going to be a tough game for York 1st netball. Not expected to win against a side two leagues above them, they still produced one of their best performances as the girls looked for a whitewash after the 3rds and 2nds won their games respectively earlier in the day.
With the game underway the first chance came from Lancaster, but was disallowed to York’s relief. It was York that took the first goal through Amy Moye, but Lancaster came straight back and soon York were 3-1 down. York were not going to let this be a walk over; Nina Pullman fought hard for the rebounds and Georgia Octavia brought two goals back levelling the score.
Matching the play of Lancaster, York kept them on their toes with some quality netball from Lucy Daymond and Charlotte Ferris. However with York missing multiple rebounds on their shots Lancaster capitalised and the first quarter ended with Lancaster slightly in front at 6-9.
With fresher Hollie Dixon now on court the second quarter began. York were digging deep, intercepting lots of passes but were not clinical in converting into goals.
York began to struggle as the match progressed and it was showing with Georgia Octavia receiving a warning for contact, though she managed to keep her cool and brought back two quick goals. However this wasn’t enough and Lancaster had an 11 goal lead at the end of a tough second quarter, 12-23.
With Emma Loft now on at goal shooter, York demonstrated their own play but it was obvious they were up against a good side. Nina Pullman was applying great pressure in shots and successfully blocked a few from going in.
Lancaster were now building a strong lead but York were not going to give up the fight. Showing that they were proud to be wearing black and gold. Emma loft provided some glory shots from long distance, Ferris ran all over the court fighting for every ball, despite ending up on the floor on a few occasions.
The comeback may not have been strong enough but York were clearly showing their ability on court. The score at the end of the third quarter did not reflect how well the York girls were playing with Lancaster leading 18-30.
After Lottie Knight had been struggling with the overhead balls into the Lancaster shooter, Emma Loft moved to GK and played well matching her shooter well. With the gap wide Amy Moye was fighting for every rebound and driving strong into the circle.
York were now fighting hard but with contact being regularly called by Lancaster who were still leading.
York were playing at their best now but were not able to come back from the second quarter in which Lancaster took their lead. The final quarter ended 23-41 to Lancaster. But the York girls should not be disappointed as they played a strong game and left the court to cheers.
After her final match as captain for UYNC Nina Pullman spoke to Vision; ‘we thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and level of play in our game, obviously disappointed not to have been able to beat Lancaster, they played really well and deserved the win, but I’m so proud of the team I think we did her best and can’t ask for more.’
MOTM: Amy Moye