Lancaster 4 – York 3
The Lancaster Ladies Indoor Hockey 2nd team had much to prove, playing in one of the first games of Roses. The atmosphere was electrifying; the crowd’s support for Lancaster gave the team the confidence to win right from the very start.
As the play began, Lancaster immediately gained possession and paced ahead to York’s half. Two minutes in and Lancaster had their first short corner and was converted into an amazing goal at lightning speed by Emma Bull, who was easily one of the best players in the game.
As York hit off after the goal, Lancaster regained possession as Bull displayed more skill by intercepting the York pass. Lancaster raced down the pitch and great passing from all the team set up a shot at goal by the captain Jeanna Naylor saved well by the York Goalkeeper.
No sooner did Bull score another formidable goal just three minutes after her first. The crowd erupted with roars and chants, the atmosphere just got better and better as more Lancaster goals were scored.
York had their turn at goal when they received a free hit outside the Lancaster D, and Claire Hockaday saved what could have been an amazing goal for the York side. Rebounding of the attempted goal Lancaster stormed through York’s attack and defense yet again Emma Bull scored another goal, the crowd erupting at the hat-trick.
The Lancaster defense was formidable, with Sasha Duchars making brilliant interceptions from the York team. Lancaster’s passing was accurate and well placed. All of York’s attempts to bring the ball up to Lancaster half and attempts score were in vain. They were passing aimlessly and clumsily, giving the ball away at many opportune moments.
Lancaster received yet another short corner and Sasha Duchars scored for the team, making the score 4-0 to Lancaster. The mood quickly changed as York had an open net with just the goalkeeper standing in their way, but missed the shot to Lancaster’s relief.
As the second half began, there was dynamic change as York received a short corner and scored a goal as a result. Another shock occurred as Sasha Duchars was sin-binned. This placed Lancaster at a disadvantage with less players and York scored again with a new confidence in their team.
Lancaster were beginning to show cracks as York received another short corner. The next few minutes would prove tense and York had two great attempts at goals but Hockaday made two spectacular saves. Finally after many attempts York scored again to the dismay of the crowd.
Lancaster would not go without a fight and gave the final few minutes with every effort they had. Aveline Cruickshank produced many amazing opportunities and even had a goal disallowed.
After what ended up being a very close game, Lancaster won the match 4-3 and gained a valuable point for the Roses. Lancaster ladies gave it their all and it paid off; it was a well deserved victory.
Speaking to SCAN, Lancaster captain Jeanne Naylor said: “I’m ecstatic about the win, it was a great effort from the whole team. What a brilliant game!”
