All eyes were on the pool on the first BUCS Wednesday of the term as York Women’s Water Polo took on their northern rivals Durham in a clash of the titans.
The match had all the makings of a classic – York were undefeated in BUCS so far this season and at the top of the league, but Durham were seeking to avenge an 18-1 loss last term. With YUSU President Samara Jones on the sidelines, the stage was set.
As soon as the starting whistle sounded, York were like sharks sniffing out blood, and managed to score a goal in the first thirty seconds of play. Would this be a sign of things to come? Turns out, the answer was yes. Soon enough, despite putting up an impressive fight, the Durham goalkeeper was taking a beating.
With York having the majority of possession against a tenacious Durham side, the ladies in black and yellow quickly racked up the goals. York’s no.3 cap worked tirelessly and made some great interceptions, slicing through the water like a knife through butter, and her efforts helped York fight their way to a dominant 8-0 lead in the first quarter.
Durham started the second quarter strong, but York kept the pressure on, and despite some close shaves for both sides and excellent work by the goalies, York managed to sneak one more goal in before the half-time whistle to lead 9-0 at the change of ends. The strength of the York team meant that Durham weren’t getting any opportunities, and this would be a theme throughout the fixture.
York continued to dominate throughout the final two quarters, with seamless teamwork and communication throughout the team and intense physicality. As the minutes ticked down towards the full-time whistle, both teams went all out – York running with opportunities to score, and Durham with some ambitious goal attempts.
Sadly, these attempts proved fruitless, and the final score was an exquisite 23-0 win for the girls in black and yellow, with some stunning offensive play all round and the passion for the sport shining through. Next up for the ladies is a trip up the east coast to play away at Newcastle. With York providing a 21-0 masterclass last time they played, we’ll be hoping for more of the same.