Thirsk U10 Boys competed in the final Yorkshire Youth Hockey league fixtures of the season at Weetwood, Leeds on Sunday 17th April. Thirsk were in Division 2 of 4, having twice played in Division 1 over the season.
The day started with a game against Airedale, and Thirsk were quick to take the lead as Ben McIntosh scored his first goal of the season, having being put through by Connor Watson. Ben returned the favour for the second Thirsk goal supplying Connor who slotted it into the corner. The rout was completed when William Wilson broke free down the right and again Connor was able to score from William’s cross. A fine 3-0 win to start the day.
The next game with Doncaster was again dominated by Thirsk. James Houseman controlled the game from deep centre field, and he found William, and Mathew Newman on the flanks with regularity. Mathew threaded a pass through to Ben for Thirsk’s first goal, and William was able to set up Connor for the second goal. Doncaster did put Henry Housman in defence under pressure, and Ryan Tempest in goal had a save to make, but it was Thirsk who powered on with Ben grabbing a second, and securing another 3-0 win.
Rotherham were the next opponents, and had yet to concede a goal, they gave James and Henry plenty to do in the early part of the game, but Thirsk defended well. As the game wore on, Thirsk were able to get their attacking play going. Ben’s great cross field pass picked out William in space, and he strode confidently into their circle before firing home. The result was soon assured when William met another cross from Ben at the back post, a fine 2-0 win.
The penultimate game with York was very end to end from the start. Thirsk had early chances, with Connor shooting just wide, and Mathew also going close. At the other end Ryan again made a good clearance. Thirsk seemed to be getting the better of the game and William was unlucky to have his good shot saved, the York keeper making several more good saves, and Thirsk could not find the net. In the end all the chances counted for nothing as a 0-0 draw was all there was to show for it.
To end the season as Division 2 champions, Thirsk had to win the final game against Ben Rhydding, who to this point also had three wins and a draw. It was not an easy game, and the quality passing of Ben Rhydding put Thirsk’s defence under a lot of pressure. Henry had his best game for Thirsk making many important clearances, and James worked hard to set Thirsk from defence to attack. Ryan managed another good save, and from one of his kicks Thirsk were able to break out, and Ben passed forward to Connor who guided his shot into the corner for a 1-0 lead (and his 20^th goal of the season). Thirsk gained confidence from the goal, and although Ben Rhydding pressed, they were not able to force another shooting chance. Thirsk nearly made it 2-0, as William had another shot saved, but the 1-0 scoreline ensured that Thirsk were crowned champions.
Well done to all who played so well, and many thanks to all the parents, and grandparents who have supported so well throughout the season.             

Sunday 3^rd April 2011

U10 Boys

The first game with Sheffield was quite an equal encounter. Ollie Dale in the Thirsk goal had a couple of saves to make, and Flynn Mullins did well in defence. At the other end Connor Watson, and Ben Collinson went closest to opening the scoring. Thirsk really should have won but had to settle for a 0-0 draw. Against Bridlington in the next game Thirsk were soon in the lead when some fine passing hockey involving 5 players, culminated in Ben McIntosh’s cross been met at the back post by Ben Collinson. Ben got his second goal soon after when Connor’s clever cross was deftly deflected past their goalkeeper. Thirsk had more chances but failed to add to the 2-0 scoreline.The final pool game was with unbeaten Wakefield and Thirsk battled really well. Sam Nichols played brilliantly, confidently defending before setting several great plays off down the right. Matthew Newman set Connor away but his effort was saved. Wakefield broke clear and opened the scoring from close range, but Thirsk did not give up, and both Ben’s had efforts saved. A hope full clearance by Wakefield drew a mistake from Ollie and they capitalized to score again and win 2-0.

Thirsk’s semi final was with Ben Rhydding who were unbeaten thus far. Thirsk were under pressure from the start, and despite great defending from Henry Houseman, and Sam, and some fine saves from Ollie, Thirsk went 1-0 down. Thirsk nearly replied at the other end but Connor’s effort was well saved. Ben McIntosh worked so hard to close down the Ben Rhydding midfield, but his efforts were not enough and Thirsk ended up 3-0 losers.

The 3^rd/4^th place game was against Wakefield and Thirsk took the lead this time when Ben M’s through ball was taken on by Ben C, and his shot beat their keeper. Thirsk in this game were the better team, and were unlucky to concede an equalizer. Confusion over an umpiring decision meant that the Thirsk players stopped playing, allowing an easy put away. Thirsk battled on and so nearly won it as Connor shot inches wide. The 1-1 draw meant that Thirsk finished in joint 3^rd place, and qualified for next week’s North of England Club mini hockey Championships. Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who gave such great support.

L-R: Flynn Mullins, Ben McIntosh, Ben Collinson, Ollie Dale, Oliver Houseman, Connor Watson, Matthew Newman, Sam Nicholls

UNDER 10 BOYS RESULTS.
The Yorkshire Youth Hockey league continued at Leeds with Thirsk back up to Division 1. The first match was with Harrogate, and Thirsk started well with debutant Lewis Bendelow doing well in the left of midfield. It was however Harrogate who took the lead with a great strike from their penalty corner. Thirsk’s heads did not go down and they responded with a lot of possession, James Houseman set up Connor Watson, and he neatly beat the keeper to bring the scores level. Thirsk, despite more nice moves, were unable to find a winner, so a 1-1 draw had to be settled for.
The second game with Ben Rhydding was equally contested, and Thirsk created well with William Wilson down the right and Henry Houseman helping to put pressure on their goal. A lapse at the back gifted a goal to Ben Rhydding, despite Ryan Tempest’s attempt in goal. Thirsk had two penalty corners but could not make them count. Ben McIntosh was outstanding and constantly closed down the Ben Rhydding players, but he was unable to prevent a second goal.
Chapletown were the next team to benefit from a lack of concentration in defence, and took an early lead. But Thirsk played well and with Sam Nichols clearing well, William found more space on the right, he made several crosses, but Thirsk were unable to convert them. A second goal for Chapeltown killed off the game, though Thirsk fought to the end.
The last game was with unbeaten Wakefield, but Thirsk were not afraid to take them on. Flynn Mullins look more assured in defence and Ben was again outstanding , winning the ball and finding William well, Connor shot narrowly wide. Thirsk conceded another soft goal allowing Wakefield a 1-0 lead, and despite James and Ben’s best efforts Thirsk could not find an equaliser. Wakefield managed a second goal in the dying seconds.
Well done to all who took part, despite the score lines, Thirsk played some great hockey. Thank you to all the parents for the great support, in the rain !

From left to right: Ryan Tempest, Connor Watson, Sam Nichols, Ben McIntosh, William Wilson, Lewis Bendelow, James Houseman, Henry Houseman, Flynn Mullins

Thirsk were promoted at the last session to Division 1, so were in the top flight for only the second time ever. The first game with Harrogate was very competitive, and Ryan Tempest on his debut play well at sweeper, confidently clearing to the midfield. Henry Houseman attacked their circle, and William Wilson had his shot blocked. Harrogate broke away, and a good cross was met and they took a 1-0 lead. Thirsk fought on, forcing two penalty corners, but failed to convert them , 1-0 the final score.
The second game with Ben Rhydding B was dominated by Thirsk, with Flynn Mullins on his debut doing well in midfield. Thirsk got their rewards from a penalty corner, as Connor Watson swept in to open the scoring at the near post. Jordan Hollywood saved well in goal, and Thirsk looked for a second goal, with Connor going close again, but had to settle for a 1-0 win.
The next game with Hull was a battle from start to finish. Sam Nichols was solid in defence, and Thirsk created chances for William and Connor, but good goalkeeping kept Thirsk out. Ryan pushed forward and created the chance for Connor to open the scoring, 1-0 to Thirsk. Hull had one exceptional player, but Ryan and William made it difficult for him and Jordan saved well again. Hull forced a goal to equalise. But Thirsk kept going, and were unlucky not to get the winner as Sam B penalty corner strike hit the post, and Ryan’s rebound effort was cleared off the line. 1-1 the final score.
The last match with Ben Rhydding A was a game to far, and although Thirsk battled well, they were unable to stem the opposition onslaught. Ryan doing his best and Jordan with several good saves tried hard but in the end Thirsk were well beaten 6-0.
Well done to all who took part, and for maintaining their place in Division 1. Thank you to all the parents for their continuing support.

Thirsk U10’s played their first fixtures in the Yorkshire Youth Hockey league on Sunday 10th Oct. The team included 3 new players, Henry Houseman, Samuel Nichols and James Houseman. During Thirsk’s 1st game against Rotherham William Wilson started well and helped to create chances. Rotherham kept pressing making Thirsk’s defence work hard. Jordan Hollywood made a great save in goal, and the game ended goalless, 0-0.
Thirsk’s 2nd game was against a strong Sheffield side. There were some good runs down the flanks, but it was Sam Bosomworth who set up William Wilson for Thirsk to take the lead. Sheffield fought back and came back with a well struck shot from the edge of the circle. Thirsk did not give up and were rewarded with a 2-1 win.
Thirsk’s 3rd game against Bradford. Thirsk attacked strongly through the centre, Connor Watson sliding the first past the keeper. Following some strong running down the left, William crossed in and Connor smashed away his second. Bradford had quite a lot of possession, but Thirsk maintained the game resulting in a 2-0 win.
Thirsk dominated the final game against Leeds. Connor Watson scored the first followed by Sam Bosomworth pushing past the second making it 2-0. Thirsk kept pushing with Connor Watson scoring another making it 3-0. Well done to all who took part, we will be playing in Division 1 next time. Thank you to all the parents for their support.

Thirsk competed with the best teams in the North, starting with a first game against Ben Rhydding. The game was equally contested, and Thirsk’s defence of Flynn Mullins and Samuel Nichols working hard, and Ollie Dale making a good early save. Thirsk struggled a little to break out, and conceded when a cross from the right was met at the back post. Thirsk however got straight back into the game when a through ball from Ben McIntosh was taken on by Connor Watson, and he confidently finished to make it 1-1. Thirsk looked to be holding out for a draw, until a mistake in the final minute left an easy tap in, and a slightly unfortunate 2-1 defeat.
The second game with Alderly Edge was a more open affair. Matthew Newman and Ben Collinson on the flanks were much more in this game, and Ben had an early chance saved. Ben M was again working tirelessly to thwart the Alderly Edge midfield, and also created more chances for Thirsk going forward. Ben M himself had a shot saved, and Connor fired wide. Thirsk’s defence also had work to do, and Henry Houseman and Samuel cleared well on several occasions. Another good break by Thirsk, with Connor and Ben C inter-passing well, led to Connor shooting just wide. Alderly Edge broke down their right, and a good cross was met at the back post, and Thirsk could do nothing about it, unlucky to lose 1-0.
Thirsk were straight on again, with a tough match with Harrogate. Early pressure from Harrogate led to a series of penalty corners, and two were scored from. The Thirsk players were a little shell shocked, and were not able to get out of their half much, and conceded two more despite an initial good save from Ollie. At 4-0 down Thirsk actually started taking the game to Harrogate, with Ben M and Connor working well together, and Connor forcing two fine saves from their goalkeeper, but it ended 4-0.
The final match with Wakefield, saw Thirsk play some of their most determined hockey of the day. Flynn in defence again cleared well, and Ben M and Ben C were always putting Wakefield under intense pressure. Sam pushed further forward and Thirsk forced a penalty corner, Ben M’s shot was saved. Thirsk certainly had the better of the game but despite this were not able to find the elusive winner. Wakefield themselves nearly snatched a goal as Thirsk were indebted to Ollie who made a great double save. The game ended with Thirsk on the attack, but a 0-0 draw was the end score.
Thirsk U10’s have got as far as any Junior team in the clubs history, and this is only the second year we have had an U10 Boys team, so being 5th best in the North of England, they can be very proud of themselves. Thank you to all the parents and grandparents for their wonderful support.

Back Row L-R:
Henry Houseman, Matthew Newman, Ben McIntosh, Ben Collinson, Connor Watson

Front Row L-R:
Flynn Mullins, Ollie Dale, Samual Nichols