Thirsk Hockey Club

UNDER 12 BOYS NATIONAL FINALS DAY

mike — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:15:47 +0000

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.
.

SOWERBY GATEWAY PROJECT

mike — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:03:30 +0000

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.

UNDER 14 BOYS PLAYOFF RESULTS

mike — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:56:27 +0000

Sunday 29th April saw the under 14 boys playing at Halifax in teh top 8 teams playoff in the YYHL.
The team squad consisted of Jack Newman in goal, Ben Bell, Johnny Scaling, Harry Goodall, Louie Watson, Liam Shannon, Joseph Shannon, Will Grainger, Alex Docherty, Jake Bowers, Harry Collinson, Dan Lawson, James Goswell and Jack Holland.
In the first game Louie, Liam and Alex were subs. From the start we put plenty of pressure on the Harrogate goal but when Harrogate did have the breakaway attacks the defence of Jonny, Harry G and Ben defended well with the mid field dropping back to help out. Half way through the game Thirsk broke Harry struck the ball at goal, it hit a defenders foot and Thirsk were awarded a penalty flick. Harry Collinson stepped up to score our first goal. This spurred Thirsk on with the attackers now playing in the Harrogate half of the pitch most of the time. Both Joseph and Jack H having chances to score, striking at goal but to no avail eventually Dan struck the ball into the D, it didn’t quite get to the goal but Johnny managed to get his stick to the ball first and scored. The game ended 2-0.
In the second game we played Doncaster. The team changed slightly Liam came on and into defence along with Alex and Louie going into the right wing position. Will, Jake and Harry G came off. We started well, putting pressure on the Doncaster goal. We forced a couple of short corners and on the second short corner the ball was injected by Liam to Harry C who stepped forward and struck the ball into the Doncaster goal. The team continued to play well with Louie, James and Dan in mid field. Doncaster were obviously rattled as they were questioning every umpire decision. The defence held Doncaster but with a slight lapse of concentration one of the Doncaster players reverse stick hit the ball into the goal. The game ended 1-1.
In the third game we played Slazengers. We started with Ben, Louie and Harry G as subs. We started this game confidently with Jake one on one with the goalie he struck the ball but the goalie saved it. Slazengers were a very skillful team and one attacking move they managed to score. Thirsk players didn’t let their head drop and were determined to fight back and score with Harry G coming into midfield linking up well with Dan and James we continued to attack the Slazenger goal. The game ended 1-0 to Slazengers.
We had to wait for the game between Harrogate and Doncaster to finish, if Harrogate had beaten Doncaster by 3 goals and won we would have been out of the next round but they could only win 2-0 so we were through to the next round.
Going through to the semi-finals we faced Ben Rhydding. In defense we had Alex, Liam and James. In midfield Jack H, Harry G, Louie and Will G. In attack we had Johnny, Jake on the right, Louie on the left. The defence held strong throughout the Ben Rhydding attacks, we worked the ball out from defence to attack. Thirsk had their chances Jack H was passed the ball by Dan, running into the D was tackled at the edge of the D but winning the ball and striking at goal but it was saved. The Ben Rhydding team counter attacked quickly and we conceeded our first goal to a well struck ball. Never giving up we started putting an attacking move together again after their goal, but Rhydding proved too strong and their counter attacks were fast and hard, Jack N kept the ball out of the goal on several occasions along with James G who made fantastic stops on the line. We could not keep Ben Rhydding out and the game ended 3-0.
I would like to thank Harry Collinson, Harry Goodall and Alex Docherty (all under 12′s) for playing today, they were not out of place.
Thanks to all parents who drove and supported the team in bad weather conditions that was to remain at Halifax all day.

UNDER 14 GIRLS PLAYOFF RESULTS

mike — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:46:41 +0000

The under 14 girls came third in their group on Sunday 29th April, very unlucky not to get through to semis.
They drew all 3 games and it was down to last game between Rotherham & Ben Rhydding, we needed them to draw and we went through, but in final 30 seconds of game Ben Rhydding got a short corner and managed to score meaning they beat Rotherham 2-1…………..FINAL 30 SECONDS !!!!!!!
Scores 0-0 Ben Rhydding
1-1 Rotherham
1-1 York A
York A went on to win the day !!!!! Thirsk gave them a real run for their money and probably had the majority of possesion in both the Rotherham & York game. Best hockey I have seen the Thirsk girls play.

UNDER 16 GIRLS PLAYOFF RESULTS

mike — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:07:39 +0000

After a bumpy season Thirsk under 16 girls made it to halifax to be in the finals, finishing 4th in their league table. First game was against wakefield. Thirsk where under pressure a lot but with great defending by the three backs Hope, Lolz and Maizy. Mid-field was controlled by the ever strong partneship of Emma and Ellie. Thirsk created a few chances and were unfortunate on a few occasions. Thirsk where unlucky to lose a 4-0 defeat!
Next game was York (B) after playing these through the season it would be a tough game, York had some new faces and what was an even match York pulled the lead with 1 minute to go! Thirsk 0-1 York (B)
For the last game Thirsk where raring to go against Harrogate. Thirsk pulled an early lead with Emily putting the goal in with help from the mid-field and the defence to get the ball forward,
All I can say is from managing and coaching everyone it has been a great season good luck to those who are going into the women’s senior teams. It has been a pleasure coaching you.

WEDNESDAY TRAINING AFTER EASTER

mike — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:25:15 +0000

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.

END OF SEASON DAY

mike — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:15:05 +0000

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.

LAST GAME IN DIVISION 2

mike — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:30:02 +0000

Thirsk Men’s 1st XI played their final game of the season at the weekend vs. Wakefield. Thirsk started slowly and quite quickly found themselves 3-0 behind as they failed to react first to the Wakefield drilled passes into the D. Thirsk then upped their game and started attacking more with some good runs down both flanks. One of these found Luke Young at the back post who converted to take Thirsk 3-1 down at half time. The second half saw Thirsk start brightly but Wakefield broke again twice to increase their lead. The game was more even than the score suggested and Ben Scaling and Andy Young played their way up the entire field for Ben to strike a second goal for Thirsk. As Thirsk tired, Wakefield finished with two more goals to leave a 7-2 defeat for Thirsk. Thirsk will start next season in division 3, but with the younger players beginning to impress at first team level it should be no surprise to find the team at the top of that division next season.

MEN SECONDS FINISH SEASON SAFE

mike — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:40:38 +0000

Thirsk Mens second’s travelled to Harrogate for the final game of the season. With an inexperienced team, and several players trying new positions for the first time, it was always going to be difficult. But Thirsk did create some nice chances, Dan Lawson firing wide, and Rafe Skippings being denied what looked like a certain penalty flick. Thirsk were 2-0 down at half time despite some good saves from Mason Fenlon in the Thirsk goal.
Thirsk pulled a goal back early in the second half, when Peter Woodward’s cross was met brilliantly by Patrick Jackson, who fired a first time shot into the net. But it was Harrogate who finished off strongest, with four second half goals, despite some valiant work in defence by John Atkinson, Jon Statham, Mike Rushmere, and Ben Irving, who had a great game. Harrogate running out 6-1 winners.
Well done to all who have represented the team this season. We achieved our goal of remaining in Division 5 North, following last season’s promotion, and can look forward to an improving team for next season. Thank you also to Dick Edwards, who has umpired the team so well throughout the season, a key member of the squad. Also to vice captain Trevor Bosomworth who has organised the team for most weeks and even when not able to play for the last four games of the season through injury.

END OF SEASON CLUB DAY

mike — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:27:28 +0000

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.