Sunday 11th December saw the Thirsk veterans team travelling to Leeds for a cup game against Ramgarhia. The squad of 12 looked strong and as a mix of first and second team players with a couple of determined occasionals the game started well with Thirsk passing the ball about and tackling firmly. After several runs down the right by Richard Taylor and another strong cross found Patrick Hunt racing in from the left to open the scoring with a solid strike. Thirsk continued to dominate in the mid field and the defensive back line of Nick Lane, Don Petty, Jonathan Statham and Mike Rushmere kept goalkeeper Richard Skippings well protected. It was about now that we suffered the departure of Trevor Bosomworth with a badly smashed hand from his position as right half. Substitute Ken Shannon stepped into the breach while Trevor departed for the local A&E. 1-0 at half time to Thirsk.
Ramgarhia came out for the second half with more determination and actually were passing the ball about with more accuracy. On one of there attacks they won a short corner which resulted in a lifted strike being saved and the ball going high to the side of the goal, a Ramgarhia player used his stick above his shoulder to bring the ball back into play and struck it home. Despite protests that the ball had gone over the back line and he had used a high stick the goal was still allowed. This seemed to affect the Thirsk play and their concentration and position play became slack and it provided Ramgarhia with the opportunities they had previously been denied. Continued work in mid field by Andrew Jackson, Dave Wilson and Andrew Young at centre forward could not provide the chances Thirsk had enjoyed in the first half. Ramgarhia ran out 4-1 winners, as much caused by a questionable goal, and an injury as the loss of positional play. Next game in January is at home and this time we will win.

From left to right, back row: David Goswell, David Wilson, Jonathan Statham, Andrew Jackson,Richard Skippings, Richard Taylor, Mike Rushmere.

Front row: Nick Lane, Don Petty, Andrew Young, Ken Shannon, Patrick Hunt. In absence was Trevor Bosomworth (capt), in hospital with a smashed hand!!!!

Thirsk HC are intending to enter a Mens vet’s team into this season’s cup competition. Would all players past and potential please contact Trevor Bosomworth on 07834 987521(m) or at
trevorbosomworth@yahoo.com The age criteria is over 40 as at 1 Sep 2011.