Thirsk Hockey Club

THE Ladies second team battled against a tough York side, who were defensively very strong.

Thirsk created a few chances in the first half via Bev Petty and Gina Garnett but York defended them all. Amailia Watkins drove down the right in the second half and crossed perfectly for Izzy Dwyer to open the scoring.

Ella Durkin then struck a reserve-stick shot to double the lead just before the game finished 2-0 to Thirsk.

The Men’s second team played the third team in a determined encounter.

The seconds had the most chances but found keeper Will Mitchell in inspired form.

The thirds had several dangerous counter-attacks with Mason Fenlon called into making a crucial save from a deflection and it was honours even at half-time.

The second team started to control the game after the break especially cutting out the through balls to the ever-dangerous Shannon Brothers and the very quick Jake Bowers.

The seconds’ improved attacking width found Arthur Hunt, who converted a rebound to take the lead. This was followed by a sublime pass from Harry Goodall which found Hunt again who rounded the defender and keeper to fire home from a tight angle.

Finally after successfully defending countless short-corners, a slip-pass found Goodall, who struck the third in a 3-0 victory.

The U16 Girls A were in action and were in dominant form as they pressed teams into mistakes and topped the division with victories against Sheffield, Wakefield and Leeds.

The U12 Girls A were also in action and were straight into promotion form with a 4-0 victory against Sheffield thanks to goals from Izzy Saxby, Olivia Turner and Amy Flintoff (2). Leeds were next and this time two strikes from Turner and one from Flintoff gave them a 3-0 victory. After another 1-0 victory from Connie Gill, Thirsk had a 1-0 set-back against Halifax before turning on the skill again to beat Ben Rhydding 2-0 thanks to goals from Saxby and Flintoff.

The U12 Girls D were also in excellent form. Harriet Strachen scored to secure victory against Ben Rhydding, and two more against Chapeltown in a 2-0 win. Then a goalless draw against Halifax was followed by a 1-1 draw against Harrogate thanks to a Alice Simmerson’s goal – helping them gain promotion. Finally, Thirsk Men’s Veterans were in action against Leeds.

Leeds started the stronger but stout defending kept them out until a back-post goal.

Thirsk were soon level as Ian Foxley fired them home. Then a Ken Shannon stunner put Thirsk into the lead. Alas as they tired they could not hold on with Leeds scoring four to win 5-2.