Thirsk U12 Boys at the National IN2Hockey Mini Hockey Championships 12.5.2012
On a bright sunny Saturday morning, Thirsk HC arrived at Cannock to take their place in the finals. The format for the day was 10 teams, split into two pools with therefore 4 pool games each, to be followed by a classification match.

Thirsk opened up against Guildford, who were quickest into their stride and with their first shot cannoning into a Thirsk foot on the line, and were awarded a penalty stroke in the opening minutes. It was converted, but Thirsk came straight back at them. Nice attacking play down the right from Oliver Houseman whose cross found Sam Bosomworth in space in their circle, his shot was well saved, but he lifted the rebound over the sprawling goalkeeper only to see it go inches wide of the left post. Thirsk worked hard to get their own passing game going, but Guildford were good at closing down the space, and their movement when attacking was very assured. Guildford made it 2-0 just before half time, though Thirsk had gone close just before that when Harry Collinson fired just wide. Thirsk fought determinedly in the second half, but were up against it. Luke Brownlee in goal pulled off a couple of fine saves, and Thirsk nearly scored as Arthur Hunt fired wide. But a third goal for Guildford rounded off a tough opening, and a 3-0 defeat.
Thirsk started well in the next game with Leicester, and forced an early penalty corner, unfortunately Harry C shot wide. Leicester had a particularly skillful centre half, and Thirsk struggled to cope with his silky one on one skills. Luke again on hand to make a couple of early fine saves. But Thirsk had their chances, Sam flicking his shot against the post. Arthur Hunt doing well at holding up the ball, and he and Oliver also had chances. But it was Leicester who took the lead when their centre half had a maizy run into the Thirsk circle before setting up their man at the back post. Thirsk continued to be the dominant team in the game, forcing two penalty corners, but each going wide. It looked like the equalizer would come, and when Toby Hussel meandered his way past two defenders, and slotted the ball under their goalkeeper, it was tough luck to see it rebound off the post and to safety. Thirsk continued to press, while Harry Goodall and Alex Docherty got to grips with their attackers, and Luke made another fine diving save. Thirsk could not find the net, and were undeserved 1-0 losers in a great game.

The third game was against Bath Buccanneers, and they were quite a physical side. They got an early penalty corner, as the ball clipped Alexander Docherty’s foot following a save by Luke. But their fine shot was well saved by Luke. Arthur broke clear, but could not get a powerful shot away. James Houseman in defence had a difficult game but did well to restrict Bath to long range efforts which went wide. Thirsk also earned a penalty corner, but could not score from it. Bath opened the scoring when they drove into the circle down the left, and evaded Thirsk’s tackles, and managed to lift the ball in over Luke. The second half was end to end, Harry C shooting wide, and Harry G making a couple of thrusting runs. But Bath had the final say, they were awarded a penalty corner, and scored from the resulting shot, although the ball never hit the backboard. Bath winners 2-0.
The final pool game was with the Norfolk side of Harleston Magpies. Thirsk set out determined to score, and sure enough they opened the scoring following great work from Toby, pinching the ball in a tackle and driving into the circle, his shot was saved, but Harry C followed up and put away the rebound. The boys now had belief, although unfortunately the lead did not last long. Thirsk had an attacking free hit, Harry C took it and drove forward, only to lose the ball in contact, though their player was only 2-3m away, they broke away, and scored with a clinical finish. Thirsk determinedly strode on though, and took the lead again, nearly a repeat of the first, as a rampant Toby drove in again, his cross was half cleared, and Harry C pounced again, for a 2-1 lead. Harry C could have scored again soon after, but his fired over the bar. Harleston still had a potential 2nd place in the pool to play for and did not give up. They equalized again just before half time, as Thirsk were slow to close them down on the right, Luke made a fine initial save, but they were first to the rebound. The second half was just as close fought, both Toby and Arthur doing well, and forcing saves from their goalkeeper. Harleston though went into the lead, again pouncing on the rebound from Luke’s initial save. Thirsk could have scored, with a penalty corner chance, but Arthur was unable to deflect it in. Harleston ended 4-2 winners when a thunderous strike from their winger beat Luke in the near post top corner, quite a strike !

The final game was the 9th/10th Classification game, with Thirsk coming up against Old Loughtonians. It was yet another tough assignment, with Thirsk conceding two early goals despite Luke, James and Alexander’s best efforts. Thirsk had chances of their own with both Toby and Harry C going close. Old Loughtonians got a third just before half time. Thirsk battled hard in the second half, and despite an injury to Arthur, and two poor umpiring decisions awarding penalty corners against them, it was Thirsk who had the last word, with a well taken consolation goal from Harry C, following neat inter passing between Sam and Toby. Final score was a 3-1 defeat.

Overall I would sum up by saying the Nationals finals as expected were a tough assignment, if Thirsk could have got a goal or two in the first game I think it would have inspired confidence, and there really wasn’t that much between all the teams. The team can now appreciate what is required to compete at the highest level, and this hopefully will drive them on both individually and as a team. The Boys played with great heart and can be proud of all their efforts. Luke Brownlee in the Thirsk goal was noticed by many at the competition, despite conceding goals, some of his saves were quite brilliant.
It should be remembered that this U12 team were the first from Thirsk to be crowned Yorkshire Youth Hockey League Champions, and also the first to reach a National final, really an astonishing achievement when you consider the size of the club.
A big thank you to all involved in their efforts this season, for all the messages of support, and finally to all the parents who made it such a great experience for them all.
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Many of you will be aware of the developement that is planned for the west side of Thirsk over the next few years. There have been several meetings held to discuss the sports and recreation facilities that will be part of this project. Thirsk hockey, rugby, football and “The Clock” along with Thirsk Senior School, are involved in seeing what each sport can achieve in the provision of new and additional facilities.
At a recent meeting the following notes were made of the position so far:-
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We were shown a briefing paper which is going to form the basis of the tender document that HDC are putting out to companies to quote for phase one of the project. Phase one is the planning stage, including pulling in funding grants, physical planning, with the idea that by the end of 2012 we would have a blueprint together showing the scale of the project both physically and financially. Then for stage two, which will include the tender stage for works and management of the build over a period.
We were asked for any comments, and hockey made one or two regarding any club house facilities (it seems, a rebuild of the current changing rooms is the preferred option). We also asked that we should not close off the possibility of another artificial pitch into the future, especially as over time surfaces may improve to be useable by a wider range of sports. We also tried to tease out exactly what HDC involvement will be with regard to it and community facilities in Thirsk in the longer term.
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As further infomation is provided this will be reported here.

The Wednesday training sessions will continue after Easter, starting on 18th April. Due to the large number of under 10 and under 12 who would like to take part it will be alternating weeks for boys and girls. On the 18th it will be the girls turn, so boys on the 25th, and so on.

The other age groups will be for both boys and girls together.

The programme will be:

6 – 7   U10 and U12 (Girls only on 18th then alternative weeks for boys, then girls.)

7 – 8   U14 and Back to hockey group.

8 – 9   U16 and seniors.

The 21st April saw the end of season day on the club astro with the formal re-opening of the surface and lights after a major refurbishment. With under 10 and under 12 games in the morning, presentations, lunch, the formal opening at 1.30 and then under 14 and senior games in the afternoon it was a full day. Lunch was donated by all the parents and provided as much food as would be needed for twice as many people than the 200 that took part. Under 14, under 16 and senior presentations took place at the end of the day. Sales of hot dogs and drinks, and the tombola raised a few hundred pounds for the club funds. A great effort by all who took part, played, organised, umpired and managed. Thank you to you all.

The 21st April will be the official opening of the refurbished pitch and lighting. We will be having junior games in the morning for under 10 and under 12, with under 14, under 16 and seniors in the afternoon. We are intending to have food on sale and the team and club awards will be made. This is the last chance for all to get together this season before the summer break, so please would all members, young and old make the effort to be there.

Both England Hockey and the National Hockey Foundation will be represented as major financial contributers. It would be good to show them that we appreciate their support by attending the day.

Details are available from the club officials, and notices will be desplayed at the pitch.

For the second consecutive year Thirsk U12 boy’s had qualified for the North in2 Hockey Mini Hockey Championships, held again at Weetwood, Leeds on 1^st April 2012. Teams from Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Isle of Man, the North-east, and of course Yorkshire had qualified for the season’s finale.

Thirsk opened their group with a game against Triton, the Champions of Cheshire, and were caught a little cold in the opening minutes. Luke Brownlee in goal forced into a fine early save, and Alex Docherty and Harry Goodall busy in defence. But Thirsk grew in confidence as the game went on with their passing game getting going, Sam Bosomworth chased down a long pass, and pulled the ball back across the D, and Harry Collinson was there to smash in the opening goal. Triton came back strongly, and were thwarted from scoring by a fine triple save from Luke Brownlee. Thirsk pushed down the right through Oliver Houseman, and he set up Arthur Hunt to score, and give Thirsk a fine 2-0 win.

Next up were Baccalanalians from the Isle of Man (2011 North Champions), and Thirsk again started tentatively, James Houseman now on in defence had early tackles to make, and Luke made a fine clearing kick. Thirsk started to build pressure on their circle, and after Harry G passed to Sam down the left, his pass inside was helped on by Toby Hussel  to Harry C, and his long range effort squeezed in the corner of the goal for 1-0. But within minutes the scores were level, as a speculative long range shot was deflected off both Alex’s foot, and an attackers stick to wrong foot Luke in the Thirsk goal. In the second half Thirsk took the lead for the second time, with Arthur having been put through saw his effort saved by their goalkeeper, but Oliver pounced and fired home. But it was not all over and Thirsk were under pressure, Baccalanalians attacked down the left, and as the ball came across, James only managed to half clear the ball, and the resulting shot sneaked into the corner. Time up and a 2-2 draw.

The final group game was with Thameside Hawks from Lancashire, and Thirsk knew that with a high scoring win they should win the group. Thirsk slowly got into their stride, and played the attractive hockey that has been their trademark all season.  Arthur squandered an early chance, before opening the scoring, and with Oliver running riot down the right he was able to set up Arthur to complete a first half hat-trick. The second half was more one way traffic, Arthur bagging a fourth, though maybe should have got two more. Sam who had missed a first half chance scored the next, Harry C got a sixth, and Sam added a seventh. It could have been more as Oliver’s flick hit the crossbar, and Sam’s rebound went narrowly wide, but 7-0 was enough to top the group, and set up a semi-final with Timperley from Cheshire.

Thirsk were again caught off guard early in their semi-final. Timperley played good passing hockey, choosing to come down the middle, a little hesitancy allowed them a shot on goal, Luke saved, but they were fastest to gather the rebound, and fired home. Thirsk needed to get back into the game quickly, and earned a penalty corner through Oliver’s run down the right. Harry C was able to make his strike count, bringing the scores level at half time. The second half was fiercely contested, Alex and Harry G, in determined fashion denied them any clear-cut chances, and a surging run from Harry C into the D set up Arthur, and he fired home for a 2-1 lead. But it was not all over, Timperley forced a penalty corner, and an ambitious flick looped over Luke, only for Harry G to pop up behind him with a stick above his head to stop the ball, and Luke recovered to kick clear. It was tense until the end, but Thirsk ran out winners, and set up an all Yorkshire final with rivals Airedale.

Thirsk at the end of a long afternoon, were feeling a little jaded, but marched out to take on Yorkshire Champions Airedale. But no sooner had they started, than they found themselves 1-0 down, as a mix up in defence allowed Airedale to score a ‘soft’ goal. Thirsk’s heads could have gone down, but not this time, and despite having to defend two penalty corners, Luke making a fine save for one of them, they came back strongly, forcing two penalty corners of their own, with Harry C firing just wide with one of the them. The second half became a little frantic at times but Alex and James were able to defend higher up the pitch, as Thirsk pressed their circle. Oliver came down the left, and crossed, it found its way through to Toby, but his first time effort went just wide. Thirsk forced a last minute penalty corner, Harry’s shot was saved, but the Airedale defenders had gone too early, and so it was reset. Thirsk this time tried a move, it was blocked, it was cleared, and the final whistle blew. A very competitive game was lost 1-0.

The Thirsk U12 Boys in finishing runners up, have qualified for the National  In2Hockey  Mini Hockey Championships to be held at Cannock in May.  As a squad, they have just gone on improving all season long, and through their endless determination, individual flare, and fantastic fast passing hockey, have developed into a thoroughly competitive team. They should be hugely proud of their achievement in this competition, and deserve the chance to represent the North of England in the National finals. Well done.

Thanks to all the support they received, it’s amazing how much noise a small crowd can generate.

from left, James Houseman, Oliver Houseman, Toby Hussel, Luke Brownlee, Alexander Docherty, Harry Collinson, Sam Bosomworth, Arthur Hunt, Harry Goodall.

The under 12 boys team played on 1st April in the North of England Regional finals and came second to Airedale. They will therefore, with Airedale, be representing the North of England in the EH National In2Hockey finals at Cannock on 13th May. Congratulations to all the players and coaches.

This is a fantastic achievement for a small rural hockey club.

THIRSK HOCKEY CLUB AGM

THE AGM WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY 19th APRIL 2012

THIRSK ATHLETIC CLUB 6.45 PM FOR A PROMPT 7PM START.

THE CLUB WOULD LIKE TO SEE A GOOD ATTENDANCE

The agenda will be: AGM_AGENDA_2012-1

Nominations are required for all club committee, team captains and junior team managers.

Full list is: HOCKEY CLUB OFFICERS BLANK 2012 -13

On Sunday 18^th March at Weetwood, Leeds, the final round of matches took place with Thirsk ‘A’ team playing in the top division and going for the title.

Harrogate were Thirsk’s first opponents, and were as usual a tough team to break down. Arthur Hunt and Harry Collinson in the centre worked hard gaining possession, but could not create many clear cut opportunities. James Houseman, and Alex Docherty in defence carefully contained their skillful players. Sam Bosomworth and Toby Hussel came on halfway through and helped gain two penalty corners, but still we could not score, and the game ended 0-0.

In the second game with Hull, we had a lot of early possession, and managed to open the scoring when Arthur’s pass to Oliver Houseman allowed him to penetrate the circle on the right, he slipped the ball back towards Arthur, but the ball found the net off the Hull defender’s leg. At 1-0 it looked like Thirsk would settle better, but in no time Hull equalized when a little hesitancy at the back allowed them a long range effort which beat Luke Brownlee in the Thirsk goal. Thirsk had to start again, and thanks to Sam, Thirsk managed to get a penalty corner, and Harry C fired home for a 2-1 lead, and it wasn’t long before Oliver wrapped things up with another burst into the circle from Harry Goodall’s  through ball, and he then lifted the ball into the roof of the net, a great 3-1 win.

Ben Rhydding were next up, in a most open encounter. Thirsk opened the scoring with Harry C latching onto a rebounded effort from Arthur. Ben Rhydding played some nice hockey and James, Sam, and Alex all made some important tackles, and from one of Sam’s tackles on the left a great counter attack developed, with Oliver putting away Toby’s cross. Thirsk made it 3-0 when Harry G was able to sprint clear on the right, and neatly beat the goalkeeper. Thirsk did have to do a lot of defending as Ben Rhydding did not give up, and Luke made several confident saves to keep them out. But Thirsk wrapped up a 4-0 win when Harry C spotted the chance to burst into the circle from a long corner, and squeeze the ball in at the near post.

The final game of the league season was with Bradford, and with all the other games played, Thirsk now knew that they had to win in order to secure the League title. Thirsk started brightly with Toby, Oliver and Sam all pressing  the Bradford defence. Sam set Harry C away but he was unable to get his return pass away as the very good Bradford goalkeeper closed him down.  Harry G in the sweeper role kept Bradford’s attack well away from our defensive circle, and his pass to Oliver set him away down the right, Oliver drew the goalkeeper before laying off to Toby to open the scoring, 1-0 to Thirsk. Thirsk did not have it all their own way at all, Luke made a fine sliding save. Then Bradford were awarded a penalty corner, Arthur sprinted out , the attacker dumied him, then shot, beating Luke in the goal, but not Harry G on the line, and Thirsk cleared away. Thirsk attacked themselves and should have wrapped it up but for another fine save. The game was tense to the end, but Thirsk held out for a 1-0 win.

Final League table: Thirsk 10 points, Hull 9 pts, Harrogate 6pts, Bradford 4 pts and Ben Rhydding 2 pts.

On Saturday 21st April the club will hold a full day of hockey with awards for all age groups. Please mark this in your diaries now. Junior games will be in the morning and seniors in the afternoon. Junior awards will be done at the end of the morning session. The senior club members trophies will be at the end of the day. This will also be the official opening of the astro pitch following its refurbishment and the installation of the upgraded lights.

As more complete details are made they will appear here.