Match Report - Leeds Athletic 30 vs Huddersfield Giants 23
We were expecting a tough match, and that is exactly what we got. This was a case of holding your nerve under pressure and we passed the test to ensure qualification for the regionals. It was a ‘must win’ game for both teams and there were some nerves. The day did not start well when Georgia unfortunately injured her hand in a school match. Many thanks to Lindsay for stepping in at the last minute. We also had Molly and Ailsa unavailable on cross country duty.
We managed a slight edge in the first quarter with a 2 goal lead but there was little in it. Huddersfield’s defence was tight and made it hard for us to play our normal fast feeds into the circle. Their attack was unerring when they got a chance. The second quarter was just as tight. The opposition were also very physical and we resolved to give as good as we got. In the third quarter Beth replaced Lindsay at WD and Katy came on for Gaby at WA. In the third we took a real grip and began to open up a lead with some excellent attacking and tight defence. The mark of good players is they can work out a way to get the better of their opponents, and that is exactly what our team did, varying the interchanges between Hannah, Lexy, Katie and Immy in attack. Our defence (Beth, Lucy B and Lucy S) started to make telling interceptions.
We went into the fourth with enough of a lead to really relax a little and the body language of the opposition suggested they were beaten, but we must pay tribute to their shooters who missed little opportunity, whereas I felt we squandered chances.
However, overall a great game and we proved we have what it takes to win when it gets tough –well done everyone and thanks to parents for your great support.
John Hipshon
We managed a slight edge in the first quarter with a 2 goal lead but there was little in it. Huddersfield’s defence was tight and made it hard for us to play our normal fast feeds into the circle. Their attack was unerring when they got a chance. The second quarter was just as tight. The opposition were also very physical and we resolved to give as good as we got. In the third quarter Beth replaced Lindsay at WD and Katy came on for Gaby at WA. In the third we took a real grip and began to open up a lead with some excellent attacking and tight defence. The mark of good players is they can work out a way to get the better of their opponents, and that is exactly what our team did, varying the interchanges between Hannah, Lexy, Katie and Immy in attack. Our defence (Beth, Lucy B and Lucy S) started to make telling interceptions.
We went into the fourth with enough of a lead to really relax a little and the body language of the opposition suggested they were beaten, but we must pay tribute to their shooters who missed little opportunity, whereas I felt we squandered chances.
However, overall a great game and we proved we have what it takes to win when it gets tough –well done everyone and thanks to parents for your great support.
John Hipshon
