Driffield L2’s stepped out excitedly, despite the weather, to play Hull University 1’s this weekend. Hull, sat comfortably mid-table, were bound to be a young, fit team and having lost just 2 of their 10 matches so far they were not going to be taken down easily.

The home side started with the pushback immediately highlighting their key player, number 7. Skilful and fast paced, the midfielder made ground straight into the Driffield 23 allowing her side to test the away teams defence; Sophie Watson, Lucy Welburn, Mags Purnell and Co-Captain Charlotte Smith kept this initial wave at bay, rapidly redistributing the ball to their forwards; however, this advantage was short lived and strong play from the Hull side quickly found the pressure back on the Driffield defenders.

Hull continued their unrelenting attack but solid defending and some spectacular saves from goal keeper Becks Lalor ensured that when the half time whistle blew the score board remained clear.

Into the second half; the Driffield team, essentially removing Hull’s number 7 from play, found their rhythm, Di Levitt confirming this making the first goal of the match just 4 minutes into the second half. Midfielders, Nicola Guthrie, Alice Walker and Bry Sykes were really putting in the miles distributing the ball wide to wingers Lauren Dinsdale-Young and Lauren Johnstone keeping the width to the game. This tactic was capitalised on by the forwards as Chloe Rhodes picked up a high ball and offloaded to Kathryn Bumby top-D. A quick strike from Bumby was on target, finished with a deflection by Levitt rattling the backboard once again.

Confirming who now commanded the game, the Driffield substitutions, coordinated by injured Co-Captain Jenny Dawson, and the interchangeability of the Driffield attackers, ensured they kept their edge as the bare eleven of the Hull side began to tire.

Hull had not given up, despite their dampened spirits, they attempted to breach the Driffield wall but were out of luck; a counter attack from the away team saw Bumby take the chance and steal a third and final goal for the blues in the last two minutes of the game, cementing victory for Driffield.

The final whistle and a score of 3-0 to the away side showed the resilience of the Driffield ladies. Excellent passing and communication across the whole team made for a truly commendable performance making them to be unstoppable. The ladies, deservedly, move back up to 3rd in the league. However, hot on their heels, Pocklington 1’s remain just two points behind so the ladies in blue will have to keep up the good work as they face Leeds L3’s away next week, 15.00pb, Weetwood Sports Park.

Final Score: Hull University 1’s 0 - 3 Driffield L2’s

Scorers: Di Levitt (2), Kathryn Bumby

Driffield Hockey Club

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