Leeds put their bad run of form in the league behind them as they eased past Sheffield Hallam in the last 16 of the Northern Conference Cup. Although struggling for form in the league at present the Gryphons looked high on confidence with this moral boosting win. With the visitors’ team bus breaking down en route the home side enjoyed an extended warm up whilst the visitors were stranded on the hard shoulder of the M1.

They soon took advantage of their added freshness once the match eventually started; breaking into an early 6-0 lead with Natasha Scott excelling as Goal Shooter. Scott was the spearhead in the dangerous attacking trio giving Hallam constant threats, with Jess Garrington in Goal Attack and Lucinda Swayne in Wing attack all combining well.

The Gryphons were playing a fluid passing game that was a treat to watch, with defence being turned into attack within seconds, with Olivia Ellis controlling the middle of the court. Once they had the lead the Gryphons never looked like giving it up and the gulf in class between the two sides was clear to see; Hallam lacked imagination and creativity in the final third with Harriet Higby and Georgia Blessed dealing with many attacks with ease.

With the score at 24-10 at half time the match was all but over as a contest and the second half followed suit with overall Gryphon domination. With the tie sewn up Leeds wrung the changes including the introduction of Claudia Cardinali and Issy Mcneile, who were both impressive in the ending quarter of the game.

The Gryphons can take great heart from this victory, and hope to take the form into the league next time out for their crunch match against Hull.

 Adam LeRoux

Photos: Sam Broadley