On Sunday 22nd January 2012 in he morning saw the next round of the U14 girls Yorkshire Youth League. The first two games were very easy for Thirsk U14’s, they had all the play in both games, needing to play the ball around a little more to create even more chance’s. Final goal in first game against Slazengers was from a lovely run down the wing with a great pass to the penalty spot where the ball could be easily pushed past the goal keeper. In their second game, against Hull, Thirsk played with 11 outfield players passing the ball better and using all the players to move the ball around, playing mostly in Hull’s attacking 23. In the final game Thirsk again had most of the play, unfortunately they started to stand off from Harrogate and allowed them to run forward into the D and score with a well struck hit from the top, goal keeper standing no chance as it went high into top corner. A good day for the girls. Deserved winners of the first 2 games and unlucky in final game. Thirsk 4-0 Slazengers; Thirsk 3-0 Hull B; Thirsk 0-1 Harrogate.

On 20th November at their next YYHL round, Thirsk U14 Girls had all the play in their 1st match, pushing forward from midfield, the defence having very little to do. Lots of great strikes from both Holly Oldham and Frances Houseman, both keeping the team on the attack. Wakefield C defended well, but Thirsk managed to sneak one past the goalie resulting in a 1-0 win. 2nd game against Sheffield proved harder work and the ball getting past the half way line and Sheffield quick on the break scoring 1st. A lovely cross into the D saw Thirsk pull back to 1-1, unfortunately, Thirsk were not quite quick enough with the ball from a hit out resulting in Sheffield scoring their 2nd leaving final score at 2-1 to Sheffield. Final game for Thirsk saw them with 10 players, this did not dampen their game and again Thirsk had all the play pushing forward constantly and Northallertons defence unable to cope with the continuous attacking. Thirsk scoring 3 goals for a 3-0 win. A good day for the girls and an unfortunate loss as they played well together with good support play around the pitch.

Thirsk U14 Girls played their first set of matches in the Yorkshire Youth Hockey league at Thirsk on Sunday. The first match was against Sheffield who started well putting some pressure on the Thirsk defence. However Izzy Da Costa and Helena Youmans did well to clear the ball, and Alex Elvidge and Georgina Watkiss worked hard in midfield. As the first half went on the Thirsk team started to grow in confidence. The second half was much more even, and with Holly Oldham distributing well in midfield, Thirsk created chances for Frances Houseman, and Verity Pern, but neither were converted. Sheffield broke away with slick passing to set up a one on one, but Laura Bosomworth in the Thirsk goal closed down the angle well, forcing the shot wide. Thirsk could well have sealed the game with a winner in the last few minutes, Frances’s shot was well saved, but Anna Durkin failed to put away the rebound. Result 0-0.
The second match with Wakefield was a game which Thirsk dominated from the start. It wasn’t long before they broke the deadlock when Holly thundered home her strike from a penalty corner. Frances was creating havoc for the Wakefield defence forcing another penalty corner, from which Holly doubled her and Thirsk’s tally. Frances herself was next on the scoresheet with a great shot from the circle edge. Hannah Foster set up Holly for her Hat-trick before half time with another long range strike. In the second half, Thirsk continued to press and were rewarded with further goals for Anna Durkin and Donna Castle-Ward , final score 6-0.
The final game was against York, and Thirsk had more of the possession in the first half. Vicky Frost and Frances combining well and forcing a fine save in the York goal. Thirsk created well down both flanks, but the York keeper denied them again on three more occasions. In the second half the game became quite stretched with both teams looking for a winner, but Izzy and Helena dealt with their threats well. Thirsk again attacked down the flanks, and finally good work down the right from Kiera Morgan-Williams, combining with Vicky led to a penalty corner, and it was Holly who was able to smash home her strike. Thirsk continued to press but failed to increase the lead and settled for the 1-0 win.

From L to R:- Hannah Foster, Verity Pern, Donna Castle-Ward, Alex Elvidge, Anna Durkin, Laura Bosomworth, Georgina Watkiss, Vicky Frost, Izzy Da Costa, Helena Youmans, Frances Houseman, Holly Oldham & Kiera Morgan-Williams.
Well done to all for a good start to the season, with a draw and two wins. Thanks to all the parents who supported, and also to Ben Scaling for umpiring.

A tough challenge for Thirsk u14s today playing some teams above them in the table. Thirsk borrowing a goal keeper for 1st game. The girls came out on top form against Doncaster and it was end to end with a cracking strike from Maddie Phillips just getting tipped wide by the goalkepper this stayed even throughout and the score 0-0 was well worked from both teams
Annabel Blot stepped into the goal keepers pads for the girls 2nd game, having not really played in goal much before this was a brave move. Again this was a tough game against Harrogate, Thirsk finding themselves defending through most of the game. Fantastic defense from Maisy Bradbury, Esther Walpole and Frances Houseman, all looking after their goal keeper well and keeping the score to 0–0 draw again.
Final game against Ben Rhydding2 gave Thirsk plenty of opportunities to score they pushed forward well and followed in all rebound balls brilliantly, defense getting a rest and being able to push forward to half way line meaning ball never really went into Thirsk defensive end..all good attacking play. Final score 10-0 win.

Brilliant hockey played throughout the morning, good strong passing and lots of movement in all games.
1st game Thirsk v Slazengers 3-1 win to Thirsk, this was a very good win for the girls and very well deserved. 2nd game Thirsk v Halifax 0-1 to Halifax, the score going against the run of play, Thirsk having most of the play all the way through getting into there attacking D on several occasions just not able to connect with the back of the net.
3rd game Thirsk v Northallerton, Thirsk lost formation a little through this game but managed to reorganise themselves well, pushing forward with again lots of forward play, passing and moving with good skill.
THirsk won 3-0.
A good day for the girls today and well deserved wins.

Thirsk played York B in 1st game and won 2-1, good strong game play throughout, next game against York A team, Thirsk played good team hockey passing the ball around and getting ball into attacking D several times. Also good defending gave Thirsk another good win 3-1. Last game against Kingston-upon-Hull saw a tired Thirsk team plenty of good spirit and determination kept score to just 1-0 loss to Thirsk.
All in all another very positive day for the Thirsk girls.

(left to right)
Back Row: Team Manager/Coach Jo Lightfoot, Holly Oldham, Anna Durkin, Hope Hagen, Esther Walpole, Kerry McCormack, Ellie Watson, Illana Bartlett, Emilly Martin.
Front Row: Maisy Bradbury, Vicky Frost, Holly Oldham, Gemma Reynard, Georgina Watkiss, Melody Swires, Izzy de Costa.