Leeds Hammerheads kicked-off their 2016/17 BWPL W3 campaign with a clean sheet thanks to a weekend of rock solid defensive displays and a goal-scoring master class from Lisa Marshall, Leanne Pochin and Lauren Richardson.

Despite a valiant rally by the English Roses that helped them score four unanswered goals in as many minutes during the opening game, the 9-7 final score line was a triumph for the Leeds ladies’ tenacity and resilience.

Day two kicked-off with a one-sided Polytechnic encounter. Whenever Leeds moved forward to attack the beleaguered Poly side, they did so with evidence of a clearly understood game plan. First quarter goals for Selene Chew, Shevonne Lowth, Grace Balmforth and captain Lisa Marshall left Poly in disarray and completely unprepared for even more pressure in the second quarter that left them 7-1 adrift by the halfway mark.

It was a relatively lacklustre Leeds that took to the water to begin the second half, and the 8-2 score line at the close of the third quarter matched the lack of focus from both sides.

The final quarter saw a resurgent Leeds – spurred on by an end-to-end solo effort from Selene Chew that would have snatched the ‘inspired play of the weekend’ trophy, had there been one.

Some villainous stealing by Ellie Sowerby, Holly Short and Terri Millington, great defensive work from Lauren Richardson - and goal-fests for Leanne Pochin, Lisa Marshall and Grace Balmforth allowed Leeds to ease to a 14-2 final score with plenty to spare. In fact, only a handful of unforced errors and some mistimed shots saved the Londoners from an even bigger deficit.

And that was just as well, because Sheffield burst out of the traps like women possessed at the start of the weekend’s third and final game. Leeds would have reached the end of the first quarter even more than three goals down had it not been for some inspired saves from goalkeeper Rachel Thompson.

A couple of well-judged time-out calls by Andy Wilson both produced goals and some excellent solo efforts by Lauren Richardson and Lisa Marshall took Leeds to within one point of Sheffield by half time.

Leeds continued to maintain their shape and discipline despite some ferocious encounters and gradually edged ahead to reach 11-9 by the close of the penultimate quarter.

Final quarter goals for Lauren Richardson, Lisa Marshall and Holly Short, and a well-taken penalty by Terri Millington helped the Hammerheads  cruise to a comfortable 15-10 victory.