Thirsk under 16 boys had an excellent set of games at Hull on Sunday 19th February. The first game was against Wakefield, and the sides were closely matched, but through very good team work and commitment, Thirsk won 2-1 with two goals both scored by Anthony Gillard after sustained pressure from Charlie Whitfield and Sam Gardiner. The defensive work in this game was very solid, with some good play from Ben Scaling, Ben Irving, Patrick Winstanley and Matthew Glegg. This victory gave the team some self belief and spurred them to work hard to get a second victory against Sheffield; the result was 2-0 with good poacher’s goals from Nick Edwards and Charlie Whitfield. Simon Cockerill in goal made some very good clearances to keep a clean sheet, and once again the defence played well, with some good marking and clearing play from Oliver Hill. The final game was against Driffield, a team known to be much stronger than Thirsk. Despite losing 2-1 in this game, this was an excellent team performance in which the boys never gave up working hard. Rafe Skippings put in a fantastic performance, chasing all loose balls and inspiring those around him. The goal from Sam Gardiner was first class, and put Driffield under real pressure. Overall, this was an excellent team performance and showed what the under 16s are really capable of. This would have ensured their promotion to division 1, but none of the other divisions played so they are to stay in division 2 for the next round.

The under 16 boys played at Pocklington school on Sunday 20th and achieved two wins, two draws and a loss. They lost to York 3-0 but beat Doncaster 2-0 and Harrogate 2-1 with draws against Huddersfield and Driffield. All the boys played well and the winning game against Doncaster was the best of the day with strong defence by Andrew McCann, Ben Irving and Ben Scaling making sure very few attempts were made on goal where Simon Cockerill ensured a clean sheet. Goals by Sam Gardiner and Nick Edwards provided the win.
The game against York was the first of the day and proved again that York are the strongest team in the league with a 3-0 loss, just as in the previous two meetings. The win over Harrogate was particularly sweet as they are a robust team but the goals from Sam and Joe Shuttleworth made the difference. Again great midfield control by Dean Porter with Patrick Winstanley and Rafe Skippings moving the ball well. Charlie Whitfield was his usual energetic self but despite several attempts was not able to score. The draws were 0-0 and so at the end the boys secured 8 points in the day and are beginning to show great commitment and maturity. A pleasure to coach. Thanks to the parents who drove and supported.

The under 16 boys were playing their second round of games on Sundsay 16th at Halifax H C. The team had only the minimum 11 players and were due to play five 17 minute games starting at 10am. One of the teams did not show so it went to four 25 minute games with a 10 minute break between each. One player, Charlie Whitfield, arrived late as he had broken down on the way so the for first game against Ben Rhydding we borrowed a player. The team settled in quickly and with strong control in the centre with Sam Gardiner and Oliver Hill the game was very even for the first 10 minutes. Ben Rhydding then scored following a loose clearance in the D. At this point Charlie arrived so he went on for the borrowed player and within 5 minutes had scored a cracking reverse stick goal from a very narrow angle. This saw the game out to a 1-1 draw. Next came Bradford and with a move of players seeing Patrick Winstanley move to right back to support Ben Irving and Andrew McCann, and Matthew Glegg moving up to right half, the team showed better control in defence and with good passing up to the forwards, forced several good saves from the Bradford keeper. It seemed unlikely he would be beaten by a direct strike and it was a follow up to a defended strike that Sam was able to collect and then score. Despite several more chances the game finished 1-0 to Thirsk. Next came the strongest team on the day, York, who took some time to break down the defence but then scored 3 goals in the last 10 minutes of play. The score was kept to this respectable level by some determined saves from keeper Simon Cockerill. The team was now showing signs of exhaustion having played three games, and so going into the last one against Wakefield tackling was less positive and marking slacker. The result a 3-0 loss which again was kept respectable by the defence led by Ben Scaling who covered most ground on the day. Nick Edwards played at left half and Antony Gillard at centre forward and they completed the squad. A hard days hockey but a determined effort by them all. Many thanks to Dick Edwards who umpired each game making life for the team manager much easier. Also to all parents who travelled and supported.

The under 16 boys played their first series of matches at Pocklington School on Sunday 18th September. Their results were:-
Ben Rhydding 2      Thirsk    1-2
Nordest                  Thirsk    2-2
Thirsk           City of York 1   0-3
Thirsk           Leeds & Adel   3-0
With two wins, a draw and a loss this puts them 9th in a league of 17 teams. A very good start to the season.