Semi-final goes to flicks for Ladies 3s

Halifax 3s 3-3 Leeds 3/4s (Leeds win 2-1 after penalty flicks)

After losing 3-1 to Leeds in the league on Saturday, Halifax had another chance on Sunday to try and defeat the in form Leeds side in the Yvonne Horner Shield semi final.

Both teams started brightly and created chances, but it was the home side who struck first. Captain Nicola Boulton slotted home a shot from the top of the 'D' from a penalty corner. Leeds came at Halifax with some great skill and pace, but Halifax managed to keep the away side at bay with some gutsy defending from Jessica Stott and Alison McManus, both saving goals off the line.

Goalkeeper Kiera Hayman was also called into action and some acrobatic saves saw Halifax go into the half time break with the lead.

Zoe Ribchester, Margaret Bottomley and Vicki Ferdinando were tenacious in midfield, pushing Halifax on to score more goals. Ribchester defended a ball on the Halifax goal line and within 4 passes Halifax scored at the other end through Emma Clarkson.

Halifax pressed and were awarded a penalty corner. Stott came forward from the back and fired a ball into the 'D' which Clarkson dispatched from short range. Halifax thought the game was won and sat back which allowed Leeds to take advantage.

They clawed one back and then were awarded two controversial penalty corner decisions. They converted them both to draw the game, leaving the game to be decided on penalty flicks.

Both goalkeepers were outstanding and after 9 flicks it was 1-1. Leeds had to score the 10th to win. Leeds converted their final flick and won 2-1 on penalties. They advance to the final to be played in April.