York's Men's Lacrosse 2s side secured promotion to the Northern 2B League with an emphatic 7-3 victory over Newcastle Men's 2s.
With winds of over 40mph at the Sports Village as Storm Gareth battered most of the country, conditions were far from tropical for a match like this. Regardless, a decent crowd had assembled around the 3G pitch, to watch what was for many of the side, their final ever game in the famous black and gold.
The home side couldn’t have got off to a much better start, taking the lead after just four minutes. The lead was short lived to say the least though, as Newcastle instantly responded from the face-off to draw level, in a move much resembling a FIFA 19 'kick-off glitch'.
Number 0 Jack Simpson put York back in front midway through the first quarter, shrugging off several Newcastle players before exquisitely placing the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. It was three and then four shortly after, as York ended the opening period in brilliant style, and with a significant 4-1 lead over their northern rivals.
Simpson was proving to be a real handful for the away team, almost making it five for York early into the second period. Picking the ball up some way out, he flattened several Newcastle players, but unfortunately faced the same fate just short of the goal, turning over possession.
After a frantic opening quarter, the game quietened down, the assembled crowd being treated to plenty of big hits but few clear-cut chances. York were unable to see the second quarter out
though, and Newcastle pulled one back to make it 4-2 just as the whistle went.
Having been solid in the opening period of the game, York’s defence looked nervous as the third quarter got underway.
With Luke Tang now off the pitch with a suspected calf injury, there was a silent fear throughout the team, as they knew his destructive nature was not lurking in defence, ready to pounce on any Newcastle attack.
Those watching did begin to worry even more when Newcastle pulled yet another back to bring the score to 4-3, which set up an exciting final twenty-five minutes nicely.
York soon proved why they are worthy of their promotion.
In spite of Newcastle having all of the momentum going into the final quarter, the home side rallied themselves up and played with the ferocity they had shown in the first fifteen minutes. They went on to score a further three goals, rounding off a brilliant season with a 7-3 win.
As the celebrations (pictured above) raged on, the graduating Luke Tang and Hamish Veitch took time out of their victorious prosecco supping to tell Nouse exclusively that they both "f***ing love the 2s!"
After finishing sixth in the Northern 2B League two years ago, York have returned at the second time of asking. When the BUCS leagues eventually resume next year, they will be facing off against the likes of Bradford 1s, Leeds 1s and Hull 1s.
