AREA YOUTH GAMES.
Training starts on Wednesday 5th May at 5.45pm for the under 11's, until 7.15. The under 13 training starts at 7.30 and ends at 9. Each age group based on 1st September 2009. The training will continue every Wednesday until 30th June inclusive. Selection for one under 11 mixed squad and one each under 13 boys and girls will be an ongoing process.
The area Youth games will be on 4th July at Queen Margaret's School, Escrick, York.

UNDER 14 GIRLS IN LAST 8 PLAYOFFS.
On 11th April the under 14 girls will be at Halifax to compete in the playoffs of the YYHL finals. The other teams are: Doncaster 1, City of York 1, Wakefield 1, Harrogate 1, Kingston-upon-Hull 1, Ben Rhydding 1, Slazengers 1. All the best girls.

UNDER 16 GIRLS 21ST MARCH.
On Sunday the under 16 girls played the last round of matches in the Yorkshire hockey league with opponents from Hull , Selby and Driffield. Thirsk's first match was to be against Hull . Thirsk started the game well and kept up the pressure completely dominating the play in the Hull half. Immie Pearson, Hannah Moody and Emily Thorpe creating numerous chances on goal but unable to squeeze any past the Hull keeper. A lucky break against the run of play saw Hull force in the winning and only goal of the match. The second match of the morning once again saw Thirsk dominating the game but this time after some strong play from Sophie Maude, Beth Bradbury and Rebecca Wilson to move the ball up the field, Nicky Gill and Rosie Wilson managed to slip one past the Selby keeper to win 1.0. The final match of the day was to prove the toughest. Both Thirsk and their opponents Driffield being very equally matched. The game flowed from end to end with both teams having chances to go ahead, but again some strong defensive play from Goalkeeper Gemma Raynard and Maisy Bradbury meant neither team was able to gain the advantage. Thirsk's task became even more difficult after injury left them one player down, but they managed to hold out for a goal-less draw.

JUNIOR MATCHES 28TH FEB.
The Under 14 boys played their last round of games for this season at Brigshaw school on the 28th Feb. Thirsk were on first against Rotherham , a team expected to do well. However, Thirsk produced some determined hockey with the defence proving stubbonly determined to keep Rotherham out. There was constant pressure and the strikes that did get through came off the post or were saved by Simon Cockerill in goal and backs Andrew McCann and Jo Shuttleworth. It was only after some 20 minutes that Rotherham found the net and Thirsk were unlucky not to score with some good saves forced by strikes from Rafe Skippings and Joe Reynard. 1-0 final score. The next game against a combined Bridlington/Chapeltown team was the best chance of a win. This proved to be the case with goals by Nick Edwards and Rafe Skippings. Further chances by Sam Gardiner and Charlie Whitfield were well saved. 2-0 win. The last game against Halifax proved the hardest and the result a 5-0 loss showed how well the Thirsk team had done in the game against Rothrerham, who beat Halifax 3-1. All the players tried hard, with youngest player Adam Snowden, and especially Dean Porter who worked tirelessly in defence should not be left out from a mention.

Also on Sunday the Thirsk under 12 girls were in action. Thirsk started dominantly against Wakefield , with good formation and strong accurate passing getting the ball into the D easily and managing to score 3 goals. Thirsk v Wakefield 3-1, goal scorer Georgina Watkis (3). The girls continued their form in the 2nd game against Ben Rhydding again holding most of the possession throughout, good team work helped Thirsk double their previous game win and putting 6 goals into the net. Ben Rhydding v Thirsk 0-6 goal scorers Georgina Watkiss (5) Vicky Frost(1). Their 3rd game proved to be end to end with lots of good defensive work keeping Doncaster at bay for most of the game. A couple of short attacking corners just veering wide of the net and a quick drive forward from Doncaster putting Thirsk back on the defensive meant the girls saw their only loss of the day at 1-0. Doncaster v Thirsk 1-0. Some tired legs entered into the final and game against Sheffield Hallam, Thirsk had lost a bit of momentum and what should have been an easy win proved to be a scrappy fight although they managed to work a couple of good passes into the D and scored the deciding goal. Thirsk v Sheffield Hallam 1-0 goal scorer Georgina Watkiss.
On a cold but clear Sunday morning (which was a nice surprise as the weather forecast had advised rain/sleet) Thirsk U12 boy’s team were ready to play their hockey at Halifax.
All the boys throughout the day played some good passing hockey. With youngest member Harry Goodall putting in an extremely impressive days play for one so young. He, as one parent said “was like a whippet” never giving up and constantly battling to win the ball back for Thirsk. New member to the club Keenan also making his debut playing in the U12 boys teams acquitted himself well in some tough games and can only improve as he plays more hockey.
The first game of the morning was against a very in form Bradford team and Thirsk did not settle into the game and were just unable to penetrate the Bradford goal at all. Bradford capitalised early and scored two quick goals. The final result of 2 – 0 to Bradford could have been a lot higher if it were not for Will Grainger and Harry Laking defending well and keeper Liam Shannon making some good saves.
This result seemed to wake Thirsk up and in their second match against Ben Rhydding 3 their game played improved one hundred fold. Jack Holland playing in the centre distributed the ball well out to Joseph and Keenan out on either wing, but again Thirsk just were not able to capitalise on having most of the play in this game. The final result being a 0 – 0 draw.
In their next game against Driffield Thirsk dominated with accurate passing and good communication from all players. The ever battling Harry Goodall finally getting his just rewards scoring Thirsks first goal of the mornings play. This then seemed to gee the team up with Thirsk scoring another quick goal from Jack Holland. With Harry Laking pushing higher up the pitch in support of the midfield and forwards during this game it left Will Grainger on his own at the back and on the quick breaks that Driffield had he remained cool and calm and defended well. Another goal from Jack Holland in the last minute of the game sealed Driffields 3 – 0 defeat.
A buoyant Thirsk squad after their first win were now up for their next game that followed against Leeds. Joseph Shannon having a cracking game scoring Thirsk’s two goals. The first from a Jack Holland first time strike on goal which was deflected off the keepers pads to be picked up by Joseph to slot the ball home. The next from being played out of defence by Will to Joseph out on left wing, running the ball all the way into the Leeds circle slamming the ball, from a strong sweep hit to end up just inside the post. Another solid game from Will in defence and Harry Laking in goal who was not troubled much in this game. Final result of a 2 – 0 win to Thirsk.
After a three match break Thirsk seemed a little jaded in the final game of the day against Sheffield Hallam. The free flowing hockey of the previous games seemed to edge away from them and they went down to a disappointing 1 – 0 defeat. Although this scoreline could have been a lot higher if it wasn’t for the good goalkeeping of Harry Laking.

UNDER 10 BOYS REPORT FOR 14TH FEB.
Thirsk U10 Boys, contested the next round of the Yorkshire Youth Hockey league at Halifax on Sunday 14th February. In sunny conditions Thirsk started brightly against Rotherham , Harry Collinson opening the scoring, Sam Bosomworth then got in on the act with two quick goals as Thirsk overpowered their opponents. Harry C went on to complete his hat-trick in a 5-0 win. The second game was again dominated by Thirsk, Harry C opening the scoring. Chapeltown were denied by a confident save in the Thirsk goal by Reece Johnson, but Thirsk pushed forward with Connor Watson getting the ball to Harry Goodall who made it 2-0, Harry G went on to complete his hat-trick with the final score Thirsk four, Chapeltown nil. The next game with what looked like a strong Doncaster team was a more even affair, and although Harry C gave Thirsk an early lead, the defence of Ben Dalton and Liam Shannon were tested, but Reece again looked assured in the Thirsk goal. Thirsk played well with Harry C finding Liam on the top of the circle, he blasted home to double the lead. Ben Mcintosh came on to bolster the defence, and Thirsk were able to get a third when Harry G squeezed a goal in from the left of the D. A well fought 3-0 win. In the final game with Slazengers, Thirsk looked a little weary. Ben Mcintosh battled hard in defence, and Reece made another fine save. A mix up between defenders left their striker in the clear and he scored. In the second half Thirsk battled hard and did have chances to level the game, but it wasn’t to be. Overall Thirsk topped their division, and will move back up for the final fixture on March 28th at Halifax . Well done to all who took part, and many thanks for the parents for their help and support.

UNDER 12 BOYS 7TH FEB FIXTURE.
The under 12 boys were in action on Sunday playing 4 games in the North Yorkshire Youth League. In the first game against Rotherham the team was Liam Shannon in goal, Harry Laking and Will Grainger in defence, Jack Holland centre mid, Harry Goddall left wing, Joseph Shannon centre forward and Joe Grundy right wing. The team played a very disjointed 1st 5 minutes not clearing the ball from defence, Liam Shannon and the defenders making some excellent saves and clearances when in the last few minutes Rotherham pinched a goal, the game ended 1-0.
In the second game Liam came out of goal and Harry Laking went into goal. It was against Ben Rhydding 1 which proved to be a much harder game than the first. Unfortunately we conceeded two early goals within the first 5 minutes. Joe was injured but carried on playing and went back into defence, Liam went into attack, this gave us a bit more strength. Harry Goodall did some excelent work in the attack but we couldn't score any goals and the game ended 4-0. The third game was against Ben Rhydding 2, Liam went back into goal and Harry came into defence. Joseph moved from centre forward to left wing to give the team a bit more width and Harry G played centre forward. The team battled well with Will and Harry L clearing the ball out of our own D but Ben Rhydding 2 were also too strong for us and the game ended 2-0.
In the fourth game against Bradford, the team appeared to pick their heads up and started passing the ball between each other. Joseph stayed on the left wing and produced some fantastic stick work with 2 strikes on goal which were saved. Harry G also had some shots on goal but the game ended 0-0, but this was a much better effort by the team. In our last game against Airedale, the team finally got their act together, Joe and Jack linking up well and pressuring the Airedale goal. Jack struck the ball to make it 1-0. We had changed goalies and Harry was in goal making some fantastic stops. Then Joseph was injured and came off for a couple of minutes to receive treatment. The team played on well with harry G battling well in the middle and Will and Liam keeping Airedale at bay. Joseph came back on in the dying minutes to score a great goal which made it 2-1.

U10 Boys at Pocklington , Sunday 24th January
Thirsk were up against Harrogate in the opening game. Harry Collinson made his debut, and could possibly have scored in what was a very open game. Sam Bosomworth made a couple of neat saves, and James Ward defended well. Somehow with two minutes left an uncleared ball on the right was put across and Harrogate scored for a 1-0 win.
The second game against Rotherham was equally open, and it was Rotherham who took the lead, Thirsk not fully clearing their lines. But this got the determined Thirsk players going, a well worked passing sequence from Emma Ward and Reece Johnson, put Harry C in the clear and he finished well. Harry C’s second goal quickly followed and Thirsk ran out deserved 2-1 winners.
The penultimate game with Leeds was a hard fought encounter, Harry Goodall was in the thick of the action. Thirsk though were again guilty of not clearing the circle having made the initial save and Leeds were able to score 2 soft goals. A nice pass from Connor Watson put Harry G into a good position and he score with a great shot. Unfortunately Thirsk ran out of time losing 2-1.
The last game was with York who were unbeaten and had only conceded 1 goal. Thirsk started well, battling hard to stop the strong York players. Thirsk took the lead when Harry G burst down the right and seemed to have no room, but he drove in and squeezed the ball between post and goalkeeper. York replied with a well worked move themselves, 1-1. But Thirsk’s determination saw them regain the lead when Connor and Reece set up Harry G again and he put away his third of the day, 2-1 to Thirsk. Thirsk looked like holding out, but unfortunately did not clear properly down the right, York crossed and scored, great game and a hard fought 2-2 draw. Well done to all who took part, and for all the parental support.

The under 14 girls were also in action on Sunday 25th with three games expected away at Darton High School. However, their first game against York was a walkover as York did not provide a team. Thirsk then had a nail bitting game against Driffield, being constantly on the verge of scoring. Thirsk applied pressure from the start, maintaining possession well. Unfortunately Thirsk left in a bit too late in the game to get into their stride and just couldn't find the back of the goal in time. Thirsk played some great hockey, their passing was accurate and demonstrated good tactical awareness however just lacked a little width. Some great play from all players, particularly Emma Frost who was a dominant presence throughout the game, and Vicky Frost who's first match for the U14s was solid and showed great potential.
Result 0-0. The final game against Kirklees had Thirsk playing some good hockey and putting pressure on the opponents. Unfortunately Kirklees managed to slip a lucky goal in and Thirsks heads went down a little. Thirsk stepped back up to the challenge but just couldn't quite manage a goal, despite some near misses from Melody and Emma. Thirsk ending on a 1-0 loss.

UNDER 14 BOYS GET GREAT RESULTS AT DONCASTER
The boys under 14 team were away at Doncaster for a round of 3 matches; playing Harrogate, Slazengers and Adel. With a full squad and two goal keepers the day was set for some strong performances. The first game against Slazengers was a very even game with both sides having many chances but not being able to make goals. It finally came to Thirsk when a short corner was struck in by Sam Gardiner. A 1-0 win in the first game was a great way to start. Simon Cockerill had his first game in goal for the under 14s and Adam Snowden was also making his debut. The next game against Harrogate proved more difficult with the Harrogate forwards finding space behind our defence. Thirsk scored first with a fine follow up shot by Rafe Skippings. Harrogate continued to pressure and finally found the space and equalised despite the efforts of our second goal keeper Liam Shannon. A 1-1 draw. Joe Reynard and Nick Edwards played well on each wing with Anthony Gillard having a few chances as centre forward. The final game of the day against Adel was expected to be the hardest as they had beaten Harrogate 3-0. However Thirsk seemed to have found how to tackle and pass the ball better than before and were soon one up with a strong shot from Sam Gardiner. Then Adel started to attack more positively and notched up two goals even though the defenders Andrew McCann and Joseph Shannon had tried hard to keep the attackers covered. Then with Rafe, Sam, Dean Porter and Charlie Whitfield dominating the mid-field Thirsk built some strong attacks produced goals by Dean and Charlie and so providing a super end to the day with a 3-2 win. Well done to the team for their effort and to the parents who drove and supported. The squad:-

Back row from left: Andrew McCann, Sam Gardiner, Rafe Skippings, Dean Porter, Nick Edwards(hiding), Joe Reynard.
Next row from left: Joseph Shannon, Liam Shannon, Adam Snowden, Charlie Whitfield and Anthony Gillard.
Goal Keeper: Simon Cockerill.

UNDER 10 BOYS 6 DEC.
The U10 Boys travelled to Pocklington to play their third round of matches. Following two successful promotions we started in the top division. Thirsk opened against Wakefield, a team who had also been promoted. A bright start from James Ward in particular, creating chances for Harry Goodall but he was unable to put the ball on target, a stalemate of 0-0. The second game against Ben Rhydding was an equally tight encounter, both sides had chances. Sam Bosomworth cleared off the line when Liam Shannon was beaten in the Thirsk goal. Sam also nearly scored at the other end when narrowly shooting wide in the closing minute following good work by Connor Watson. Another 0-0 draw.
Airedale were our third opponents and were unbeaten so far. Thirsk had to endure a siege on their D, and really struggled to clear their lines well, too many times we gave the ball straight back to their gifted centre half. Thirsk however were kept in the game by some spectacular saves by Liam Shannon in the Thirsk goal. The pressure did pay off for Airedale as their star player slotted home a powerful shot from a penalty corner to give them a 1-0 win. Thirsk suffering their first defeat in 13 matches. Thirsk were giving a debut to Reece Johnson today, and he like all of the team were given a lesson by Hull in the fourth game. They passed the ball well around our players, and Thirsk quickly lost their shape. Hull ran out confident winners, 5-0.
The final game against Harrogate was another close encounter, Ben Dalton looked more assured in defence, and Connor and Liam worked well in midfield. Both Harry, Liam and James had chances to win it for Thirsk, but it ended 0-0. Well done to all who took part, and for the supporting parents. The boys now have a few things to work on, and know what to expect in the top division.

UNDER 16 GIRLS - 22ND NOV
A cold windy morning in Harrogate did not put off the under 16 girls as they took on Slazengers in the first game. Needing to borrow a goalkeeper to bring the team up to 10, Slazengers also with only 10, gave more space on the field. Plenty of good passing kept the Slazengers defence busy but it was a scramble in the Thirsk goal that led to the only score. A good result against the best team on the day. Next against Kirklees, Thirsk showed the same team spirit and ran out deserved winners 2-0 with Imogen Pearson and Rosie Wilson scoring. The last game against Leeds B team produced a 4-0 win with Rosie again scoring and Nicky Gill, the captain, also getting one. The other two were by the guest player. The squad played a great passing game and deserved the two wins. Some of the players also joined other teams and scored a further 7 goals between them.
The squad of 9:

From l to r: Maisy Bradbury, Anna Hunter, Beth Bradbury, Rosie Wilson, Becky Wilson, Hannah Moody, Imogen Pearson, Emily Thorpe.
In front: Nicky Gill.

Thirsk U14 Girls – 15th November 2009
Thirsk v Wakefield- won 2-1
Thirsk started off very confident and strong, having the majority of the possession. Thirsk applied constant pressure and a goal looked sure to come. After about 10 minutes of strong play Melody Swiers managed to score the first goal. Feeling confident, Thirsk got into their stride and a second goal followed from Kate Burrell, sneaking it in at the post. In the last few minutes Thirsk seemed to lose focus and unfortunately conceded a goal.
Thirsk v Brigg- won 1-0
Thirsk stepped up their game applying pressure from the off. Thirsk had the majority of the possession again and had many opportunities to score. It was a very tense match as it seemed like Thirsk weren't going to be able to find the back of the goal. Finally a goal came from Rosie Lyall, after a strategically placed cross in from Emily Ramsden.
Thirsk v Ben Rhydding won 4-0
A convincing victory for Thirsk, Ben Rhydding being unfortunately disadvantaged by not having a goalkeeper. Goals coming from Rebecca Parkinson, from a short corner, Melody Swiers with a great strike from the top of the D, Rosie Lyall from a cross in from Emily Ramsden, and finally Kate again well placed at the post to receive another great cross in from Emily Ramsden.

Thirsk U10 Boys – 15th November 2009
Success Again !!
The U10 Boys travelled to Pocklington to play the second round of matches. Following the double promotion first time out, we started in Division 2.
The first was against Rotherham, and Thirsk were quick to assert their authority. Good work in the midfield by Sam Bosomworth paid off as he eventually put Harry Goodall through to score the winner, just before the final whistle, 1-0 to Thirsk.
The second game was against Bradford, again Thirsk started well, but Bradford came back into it forcing a good save from Liam Shannon in the Thirsk goal. Connor Watson combined well in midfield with Sam Bosomworth, and he again fed Harry Goodall who sped past a defender and slotted the ball into the goal confidently. Result 1-0 win for Thirsk.
Leeds were the next opponents and Thirsk battled well, several chances were created, but none taken until Liam Shannon pressed into the circle and blasted home the winner, 1-0 to Thirsk.
The penultimate game with unbeaten Harrogate was a real test, which Thirsk proved they were up for, a solid defensive platform by Ben McIntosh and Ben Dalton allowed Thirsk to put nearly constant pressure on the Harrogate circle. Twice Harrogate feet prevented what look like certain goals, and Thirsk had a series of penalty corners, but in the end, Thirsk had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate.
The last game was against the other unbeaten team Wakefield. This proved to be Thirsk’s toughest game, and they responded well, Harry Goodall put in some committed tackles, and the two Ben’s in defence were uncompromising to the skilful Wakefield attackers. Thirsk had chances to win it and forced a good save from their goalkeeper, but the 0-0 result was probably fair.
Overall Thirsk won 3 and drew 2, and finished joint division winners with Harrogate and Wakefield. We move onward and upward to Division 1 next time. Well done to everyone, and thanks for all the parents who supported. The team:

Back row: Ben Dalton, Ben McIntosh, Harry Goodall, Sam Bosomworth, Connor Watson
Front row: Liam Shannon

THIRSK U10 GIRLS - Match Report Sunday 08.11.09

Thirsk Vs Wakefield B
This was our second outing of the season There are 3 divisions and we were in Division C. We had not played Wakefield B before as they had been in division B last time. Unfortunately, we had two players stuck in traffic and needed to borrow some unfortunately no one else was ready and so we borrowed from the team we were playing. The two Wakefield players stayed in defence and did a great job. Unfortunately the game did not go our way with a 0-2 loss to Wakefield B.
Thirsk Vs Wakefield C
For the next match against Wakefield C we had our full team. The Wakefield C team had improved a great deal from last time and there was good attacking and defending from both sides. With a lot of hard work from the whole team a well positioned goal from Marianne put Thirsk in the lead. Great performances were also made by Annabel Hill, Rosie Hare, Ella Durkin, Aemelia Crouch and Anna Almond in goal saving a couple of shots. The final score was 1-0 to Thirsk.
Thirsk Vs Leeds
After a well deserved rest and dry off in the club house the girls came out ready for more with a real fighting spirit. Both teams began hard for the battle for the first goal, which came quite early on from Annabel, catching the Leeds goalkeeper off guard. Our confidence was now up and showing resulting in another fantastic goal for Thirsk this time from Rosie who had rescued it before going over the backline and caught the goalkeeper totally unaware and just slipped it into the back of the net. Again great performances from Anna in goal, Marianne whose tackling was fantastic, Ella who had set up Rosie's goal and Annabel in centre midfield and Aemelia in defence. The final score was 2-1 to Thirsk.
Thirsk Vs Ben Rhydding C
This was the match with the greatest anticipation the reputation of Ben Rhydding was known to the girls and they were apprehensive. We all had a team talk and the girls went on saying they were going to win. And win they did. Fantastic teamwork from all the girls with a goal from Aemelia who had got herself into a fantastic position in the circle to score from a rebound after a shot from Marianne and another cheeky goal from Rosie helped by Ella, this time scoring from the top of the circle. Both teams were working hard with Ben Rhydding having a few shots at goal but being brilliantly saved by Anna and cleared away by Annabel playing as sweeper who also stopped a few balls getting to Anna. Unfortunately one made it to the back of the goal. The final result was 2-1 to Thirsk.
Even though the weather was awful the hockey was far from it. Well done Girls! Many thanks for support received from parents.


UNDER 14 BOYS 25TH OCT
The boys under 14 team were in action for the second time this season away at Adel. Playing against teams from Adel, Slazengers and Driffield they provided a mixed set of results with a win, a draw and a loss. Only travelling with 8 members it was necessary to borrow a goal keeper and two players for each game which the other clubs were very happy to do. We even lent one of our players to another team who were short. The first game against Adel showed that the positions were not well understood and the result of a 4-1 loss confirms it. The Thirsk goal being scored by Charlie Whitfield. The next game against Slazengers was a better organised event and goals from Sam Gardiner and Nick Edwards without a reply was a better demonstration of a full team effort. Good work by Dean Porter, Jo Shuttleworth and Andrew McCann in defence ensured the chances for the Slazengers team were kept to a minimum. The last game against Driffield was an even match and after some strong pressure Joe Reynard was able to follow up an attack with a well struck shot. Joe and Anthony Gillard making strong drives down each wing. A late goal by Driffield balanced the game and 1-1 was the final result.

GAMES PLAYED ON 11 OCTOBER
Double Promotion for U10 Boys
Thirsk U10 Boys began their debut appearance in the Yorkshire Youth Hockey League with almost instant promotion. With York C not turning up, the leagues were adjusted, and Thirsk were asked to move up from Division 4 to Division 3. The league of six teams involved 5 games of 10 minutes duration.
The first game was a hard fought 0-0 draw with Kirklees. Thirsk had more of the attacking possession, and Liam Shannon came closest to scoring. The second game with Slazengers was also dominated by Thirsk attacking, Emma Ward opened the scoring, by putting away the rebound from her own shot. Thirsk went on to make it 2-0 when Adam Snowden helped in a close range scramble. The next game was against an unbeaten Wakefield team. Thirsk held their own, and with a hint of things to come Harry Goodall and James Ward battled well in defence. Sam Bosomworth came closest to scoring but was denied by a good save, it ended 0-0. The penultimate game against Bradford saw Thirsk tested, a couple of early chances for Thirsk were followed by some strong attacking play by Bradford, and they took the lead, when a long range effort beat goalkeeper Liam Shannon. At 1-0 down Thirsk then showed their true colours, a ball through by Conner Watson was taken on by Harry Goodall who sprinted clear and beat the keeper, 1-1. Thirsk’s torch paper had been lit and Harry went to complete a hat-trick (and very nearly a fourth), as Thirsk ran out confident 3-1 winners. The final game with Sheffield was a siege upon their goal. Many chances were created as all players contributed to almost continual possession. It was Liam Shannon who finally broke the deadlock for a much deserved 1-0 win.
A great start to our inaugural U10 season, 3 wins, and 2 draws leaving us equal at the top with Wakefield, and a move up to Division 2 for next time. Well done to all those who took part, and thanks also to Ellie Watson for assisting with the team and Umpiring, and all parents who came to support. Next games November 15th at Pocklington.

L – R: Harry Goodall, James Ward, Emma Ward, Liam Shannon (GK), Sam Bosomworth, Adam Snowden, Connor Watson, Young Umpire Ellie Watson

U14 Girls
With only 10 players available Thirsk U14 girls were undeterred. They arrived at Adel Hockey Club eager as ever to give 100%.
Their first game of the day was against Leeds. A good standard of play by all, with Thirsk having the majority of the possession, but not being able to convert into the vital goal required. Thirsk maintained the pressure on the Leeds defence but unfortunately could not manage to get on the score board. Final result 0 – 0.
In the second game against home team Adel saw some excellent defending by the whole team, who were now starting to work well together. As new members had joined the squad this year they took time to settle. Thirsk were put under pressure by a strong opposition but kept their heads, working exhaustively and kept a clean sheet. Again another good result for them of 0 – 0.
Their final game of the day against Kirklees proved to be a decisive victory for Thirsk, playing well again as a team. Constant pressure was applied from the start, eventually resulting in a goal sneaking in from a short corner, despite the goal keeper making a couple of saves first, Rebecca Parkinson managed to secure the goal. Thirsk’s 2nd goal came as a result of some excellent play finishing with a great cross in from the side by Mirander Turner, with Georgina scoring after it was deflected by the keeper. The final goal came from an outstanding run by Emily Ramsden who finished it nicely with a strike from the top right hand side of the D.
Report by Ruth Colston – U14 Girls Team Manager

SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER 2009 Thirsk Match Report – U14 Boys
Ben Rhydding Vs Thirsk
To start the season Thirsk played one of the best teams in the league. Thirsk knew the match would be a hard one as previous encounters with the team had shown. The match started off, and Ben Rhydding’s great teamwork led them to a goal at the start of the game. Thirsk realised the ball was staying in their half so they played defensively for the rest of the match. Great performances by Charlie Whitfield playing in goal and being kept busy and the score would have been much higher if he hadn’t done such a good job, Julia Matyear and Emma Frost defending stoically and an exceptional performance made by Andrew McCann. Unfortunately the score favoured Ben Rhydding with a 8-0 win to them.
Bridlington/Chapeltown Vs Thirsk
The next match was against a team Thirsk had not played before, but by watching this team play in the previous game Thirsk went on with their heads up and feeling positive. Thirsk having first push back making a clear run towards the Brid/Town goal, but to their surprise the team had some amazing defenders and Thirsk were shocked to not have scored. In the second half Thirsk put all into it, and finally a well deserved goal from Nick Edwards put Thirsk in the lead. Great performances were made by Nick Edwards, Dean Porter, Joe Reynard, Charlie Whitfield again in goal and Sam Gardiner. The final score was 1-0 to Thirsk.
Rotherham Vs Thirsk
Thirsk knew at the start of this match they had some good players in the team and that they could win if they tried hard enough. The match started and in the first half the teams were battling it out for the first goal with end to end play. Thirsk tried their hardest, but they unfortunately conceded an excellent goal from the Rotherham team. A determined Thirsk team never gave up trying to get the equaliser, but were just unable to get that all important goal. Great team performances were made by Rafe Skippings, Anthony Gillard and Joe Shuttleworth taking his turn in goal for this game and playing well. The final score was 1-0 to Rotherham.
Thanks must go to Ellie Skippings for umpiring on behalf of Thirsk.
Report by Dean Porter

SUNDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2009
Thirsk Match Report - U10 Girls
Our first season playing a Thirsk U10 girls team began on Sunday 28th September at Pocklington School in York. As we were new starters we entered the league in division D which is a four team league which would mean playing games against Rotherham, Brigg and Slazengers. Unfortunately Brigg were unable to come and two teams had not attended from League C meaning that in a meeting with all the managers there we all decided to merge the teams in league C and D to allow for an exciting tournament. Each team played for 8 minutes one way, with fully kitted up goalkeepers.
Thirsk players were Annabel Hill, Rosie Hare, Ella Durkin, Amelia Crouch, Anna Almond and Marian Morrice.
Our first match was against Slazenger also in league D. Thirsk began tentatively as this was the first match the girls had played together. There were a few opportunities to move forward but even with maximum effort Thirsk could not convert them to a goal. There was some excellent defending by Anna and Amelia and with Ella Durkin putting in a great performance for her first time in goal. The Final score1 -0 to Slazengers.
By the second game we had warmed up a little more and were beginning to work more as a team, however, we just could not get to the end of the ball and unfortunately Rotherham got the better of us. Final score 1-0 to Rotherham.
By the third game the girls had begun to gel together with Marian, Rosie, Amelia and Annabel pushing up together at every opportunity. From a Thirsk free hit at the side of the pitch the team’s perseverance paid off to give Thirsk the lead with a fantastic goal from Marian. This was followed a few minutes later, by another goal, this time from Annabel, after fantastic teamwork up to the circle between Annabel, Rosie, Marian and Amelia. Final score 2-0 to Thirsk.
Unfortunately Marian had to leave us at this point because of other previously arranged commitments so we had arranged beforehand to borrow players from other teams for the last two matches. Helped by Pauline from Leeds, Thirsk had an early chance at goal from Rosie, unfortunately finding the goalkeeper. Thirsk was the stronger team and most of the action was up at the Thirsk end. There were many more chances at goal which were unsuccessful. Then Anna had a shot at goal which was saved giving Annabel the rebound opportunity which went in. The game finished 1-0 to Thirsk
Helped by a Wakefield defender named Gabby; Rosie, Annabel, Anna, Amelia and Ella began their final game. There was a great deal of play at both ends of the pitch with Ella and Gabby working hard together at one end and Rosie, Annabel, Anna and Amelia taking every chance they could to go forward. Thirsk scored with a fantastic team effort between Rosie and Annabel with Annabel touching the ball in. Anna played brilliantly in midfield getting the ball to Amelia on the left who fed it into Rosie and Annabel. Final score 1-0 to Thirsk.
A fantastic start to the season girls, I look forward to the games ahead. Many thanks to young umpire Rafe Skippings for assisting on the day.
Report by Sharon – Team Manager


U16 GIRLS 20TH SEP FIXTURE
The new season of the first round of the Yorkshire Youth Hockey League started with a bang for Thirsk Girls U16 team last Sunday at Doncaster. Doncaster, Wakefield (two of the county’s strongest teams) and Leeds provided the opposition. There was no time to settle in gently as first opponents were a well drilled and skilful Wakefield who boasted several North of England players in their squad. Wakefield applied steady pressure and despite the heroics of Emma Linthwaite and her cohorts in the defence Thirsk succumbed to a 4-0 defeat. The next game against Doncaster was expected to be just as fearsome but the Thirsk players dug deep and worked hard to keep the rampaging Doncaster forwards at bay. Captain Nicky Gill marshalled her troops from the back and with Sophie Maude and Beth Bradbury making many timely tackles they restricted Doncaster to a single goal.

The schedule dictated that Thirsk were straight back into the action against a Leeds side that had also suffered at the hands of the stronger teams. Here the midfield came into their own with Anna Hunter in the centre controlling the game ably assisted by Hannah Moody and the irrepressible Sarah Turner. Nicky Gill was able to foray more forward in this game and it was one of her shots that was deflected by a defender over the stranded goalkeeper to give Thirsk a well deserved lead. Leeds were by no means out of the game as they tried to throw everything forward in an attempt to score the equaliser, but with Ellie Skippings standing firm in goal making several saves they were unable to get on the score sheet. Thirsk didn’t just sit back but continued to attack at every opportunity with the Wilson twins of Becky and Rosie confusing the defence and Immie Pearson a constant threat to the Leeds goal. No further scores resulted in Thirsk achieving a well earned and hard fought for victory.
This was certainly a baptism of fire and the Thirsk girls gave a good account of themselves. They never gave up trying and continued to run for each other even though they were up against it. They will not have a harder day than this in the rest of the season.

Well played girls, keep it up.