In a close game where the scoreline was not faithful to the play, Lancaster win in what looks like a closely fought match. York started off strong, winning the first point after a few Lancaster fouls. The players were throwing their bodies, diving into the goal crease to throw the ball into the back of the net. Lancaster quickly countered, giving them their first point. There’s a quick back and forth of points in the first 10 minutes. After a brief break due to scoreboard error, York kept the push up regularly pressing against the Lancaster zone. A Lancaster equaliser brought roars from an enthusiastic crowd, which was dominated by red. This energised the team as they started to pull ahead. Lancaster really gained momentum here, pulling away from York’s early lead to make it 7-4 within the first 10 minutes. A good save from Lancaster’s keeper gave the reds the chance to counter, with a man running through on goal, placing Lancaster into the double digits.
A break in play gave the York team a moment to talk, and with some encouraging words from the players, the York team came back onto the pitch ready to play, it was nowhere near over yet.
Resuming the first half, York couldn’t seem to take without giving, each team going goal for goal. An unlucky bounce off the crossbar landed the ball in the Lancastrians’ hands, which resulted in another goal for Lancaster.
With overwhelming Lancaster support, some backseat players began shouting their opinion on every decision that went against the reds, but the York players did not lose hope, pushing for every chance they got. The first half ended 17-8 to the reds.
Starting the second half, Lancaster won a penalty in the first minute but the York keeper had it covered. Lancaster, having a much bigger squad, brought on an almost new squad at half time, whereas the York players only had three subs. An amazing interception from York brought life back into the York team, and suddenly Lancaster hadn’t scored for 5 minutes. It somehow reaches 20-10 to the Lancastrians, despite the play being all York’s. York won a penalty and it was slotted right past the keeper. 10 minutes into the second half and we were stuck in a stalemate, the play went backwards and forwards between the teams, but there were hardly any goals to show for it. Lancaster’s steady substitutions kept the team fresh, where a smaller York team had to work hard to match the pace. A foul from a Lancaster player left a Yorkie on the floor in front of the red bench. From then on it was just point after point for Lancaster, with York having passes intercepted then suffering against quick counters. Every York goal was met with a Lancaster one within the last 10 minutes.
A goal for Lancaster with one second left on the clock solidifies the win for the reds, with a 33-21 scoreline demonstrating a strong win from Lancaster. The game itself was much closer than the scoreline reflects, with some incredible precision from the Lancaster side.
Overall it was a physical game, with players tumbling to the floor constantly, players being lifted in the air and in general bodies being flung about. A good 4 points for Lancaster.
