Leeds women’s 2nd team and their Beckett counterparts, the red brick side was disappointed to be on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat that left them scratching their heads and licking their wounds.

The girls in green began well, displaying a ferocious intent that bullied Beckett into a brief state of submission. The initial centre pass was aggressively pressurised by the Gryphons, and fairly soon they had turned over possession, which allowed for their first scoring opportunity of the match. Caitlin Tiemessen managed to effectively dribble her way up-field, before linking up with Jess Brisley, who fired a powerful shot towards the opposing goalkeeper. The subsequent penalty corner further increased the pressure, but Beckett coped well and were soon able to make their way into the Uni half, winning a penalty corner of their own. It was clear from the off that both sides knew how to create and apply pressure, but it seemed as though Beckett were just that little more threatening when they had possession. This was partially down to some unfortunate instances of miscommunication amongst the Gryphons (who would occasionally pass the ball to a player who was simply not in the right part of the field) but also the result of their infrequent but damaging lapses in defence. The first goal of the match came from a Beckett penalty corner that arose from a sustained period of pressure. The corner was whipped in with lightning speed before being slammed into the back of the net. The University of Leeds did hit back impressively and at one point a goal was nearly scored by midfielder Georgia Burley, who executed a beautiful challenge down the left wing, before hurtling the ball towards the Beckett goal. Alas, despite the pressure that was built and the many penalty corners won, the half ended with the visiting rivals 1- 0 up.

The second half saw Beckett increase their stranglehold on the match. The half began with an initial surge in energy from both sides, with a number of balls turned over and fouls penalised, demonstrating the significance of these opening minutes of the second half. The introduction of Anna Sibley (who delivered a tremendous performance) did inject some much-needed pace and creative spark to proceedings, but still the same problems seemed to persist for the Gryphons. The home side expended much energy creating pressure and chances that unfortunately went awry, whereas Beckett seemed to bide their time before pouncing on any opportunities that came their way. The next goal game from a Beckett counter, as Leeds were unable to turn quickly enough and impede Beckett from making their way upfield. Although goalkeeper Fran Smith parried the first shot, the subsequent penalty corner ensured the goal. A mere two minutes later and the visiting side made yet another breakaway counter, scoring a third goal and thereby sealing the fate of the match.

The Gryphon was fortunate enough to catch up with head coach Gawaine Mackenzie-Hogg, who gave his two cents on the match. The coach highlighted as the key areas in which his team must improve, their success at converting chances into points, swell as their one on one defending. The coach admitted that having 16 shots on goal and coming away with no points is simply not good enough and that this is what they will primarily focus on the preparation for future matches. The girls in green will certainly hope to prove resilient in the face of defeat.

James Candler 

Featured image: James Candler