22 Acre was witness to a chilling breeze but also a large crown who were engrossed by the always exciting match. Early on, Thomas got York off to a good start with a near post finish. His lead was soon doubled after scored, shooting high into the net. Despite being clouted on his way through to goal Siddall closed the gap for Lancaster before ball scored once more. Ball was a constant threat, his six foot plus frame towering over Lancaster’s defence. However, Ryan Roman scored a quality long range effort shortly before the end of the quarter to keep Lancaster in touching distance. Another superb shot from Ryan Roman, a shot from outside of the D into the roof of the net, destroyed York’s slender lead. A brace of goals for each team soon made it 5 apiece as the tension started to build significantly towards half-time. Despite a frenetic pace, the intensity barely dwindled with one of lacrosse’s key characteristics (violence) becoming more apparent. A Lancaster player in fact hit his opponent so aggressively as to snap his metal stick in two. The pace was maintained throughout the third quarter, with York gaining the lead before Lancaster immediately retook it. Ryan Roman then proved himself to be a real dangerman for Lancaster, scoring again by breaking through the York defence to score. A good team move soon after then led to Connor Thomson putting Lancaster in front. A nightmare for the York goalkeeper then put Lancaster in a commanding position, as Ryan’s shot rebounded of the goal frame towards the keeper who then knocked the ball back into his net. However, the two goal lead was not enough. York soon pulled themselves back into the tie, with Ball getting the all important equalizer to make it nine each. Henry Farr then turned it around completely. York led, but not for long as Tom Amundsen then gave Lancaster a much deserved share of the points. Both teams deserved to take something from the match, and either could have won so Lancaster’s celebrations afterwards were certainly justified. A hard-fought and well deserved draw. A draw for Lancaster’s men seemed an even greater achievement after the Women’s fixture which swiftly followed on 22 Acre. York were dominant throughout, and despite a persistent Lancaster effort they struggled to compete with a York team who had performed strongly this season in the tier above Lancaster. York could not have got off to a better start. After gaining possession deep in the Lancaster half, York dispatched their first good opportunity setting the wheels in motion for a heavy win. After about five minutes York were winning 5-0 and looking comfortable despite the bleak weather conditions which achieved in depleting the sideline support. The first quarter ended with Lancaster 7-0 behind and an unenviable mountain to attempt to climb. Inevitably Lancaster never looked able to gain a foothold in the fixture. York’s attack seemed both more clinical and more physical pushing ahead 11-0. For Lancaster the aim was clearly not to put in a winning performance but a respectable one, and they achieved that late into the second quarter. A break down the right hand side resulted in a rare Lancaster attack which was expertly finished low into the net. The third quarter continued in much the same way as the previous two. York stormed to 15-0 lead as the impressive Searle picked up her fourth goal of the tie. Good play by Galgut and Morris could not however provide Lancaster with more goalscoring chances as they continued to hold their ground. In the fourth and final quarter, York solidified their lead with three goals in quick succession. The match looked like it would end 18-1, but Lancaster Ladies managed to claw another goal back, which was celebrated like a winner. 18-2 it finished.
