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Thirsk Development Team playoff final.
Mike Rushmere31 Mar 2014 - 19:48
Thirsk Tornados play the North/South Development League Winners Play Off on Saturday 29th March
The two teams line up, Lincoln in blue against Thirsk.
Thirsk Tornados travelled to Doncaster to play Lincoln Hockey Club in the North/South Final, and the game was played in beautiful sunshine. The Lincoln team was made up mainly of U15’s, whereas the Tornados played with the squad of U14’s that have proved so strong throughout the season.
The Tornados had the better of the early exchanges, Annabel Hill, Harry Goodall and Harry Collinson passing well in midfield, and Oliver Houseman and Arthur Hunt causing difficulties for their experienced defenders. Thirsk forced two early penalty corners, but were not able to get shots off quickly enough with their lightning fast runners. In defence Sam Bosomworth snubbed out most of their threat down the left, while Alex Docherty did well to limit their very speedy right wing. Lucy Williams came on at left midfield and was straight into the action, feeding the ball through to Otis Williams, he cut into their circle, dancing past two defenders, before lifting the ball beyond their goalie and into the net to take the lead. Thirsk continued to play fast attacking hockey, and Arthur maybe should have done better when beating the last defender, only to put his shot wide. Lincoln were threatening, particularly down their right, and their right wing got around the back, his miss-timed cross bobbled over Jon Statham’s stick, before coming off Nick Lane’s foot, and in turn wrong footing Luke Brownlee in the Tornados goal, and the scores were level.
The second half saw Lincoln dominate the first 15 minutes, with the Tornados struggling to clear the ball and keep possession. The Tornados defence was stretched at times, but Sue Houseman, Nick, Sam and Harry C in particular did well, and limited their possession to few shooting chances. Luke did make one save, and they shot wide when maybe they should have done better. As the half went on, the Tornados attacking breaks became more frequent. Otis and Lucy combining well, and Harry G supplying Arthur with through balls, one of which he shot wide with a reverse hit, when he did not realize how much time he had. From a penalty corner Harry C’s flick was saved, and Arthur unlucky as he tried to latch onto the rebound. The Tornados finished the strongest, but as the final whistle went, it was clear to see that both teams were keen to congratulate each other, and a draw was a fair result.
Congratulations to everyone involved in what was a high class game of development team hockey, and rounded off a fine season for the Tornados, as North Champions, and sharing this playoff with Lincoln, who had won all their games this season. Thanks to Neil Collinson for his quality umpiring, and the parents who have supported this group so well.
Thirsk Tornados travelled to Doncaster to play Lincoln Hockey Club in the North/South Final, and the game was played in beautiful sunshine. The Lincoln team was made up mainly of U15’s, whereas the Tornados played with the squad of U14’s that have proved so strong throughout the season.
The Tornados had the better of the early exchanges, Annabel Hill, Harry Goodall and Harry Collinson passing well in midfield, and Oliver Houseman and Arthur Hunt causing difficulties for their experienced defenders. Thirsk forced two early penalty corners, but were not able to get shots off quickly enough with their lightning fast runners. In defence Sam Bosomworth snubbed out most of their threat down the left, while Alex Docherty did well to limit their very speedy right wing. Lucy Williams came on at left midfield and was straight into the action, feeding the ball through to Otis Williams, he cut into their circle, dancing past two defenders, before lifting the ball beyond their goalie and into the net to take the lead. Thirsk continued to play fast attacking hockey, and Arthur maybe should have done better when beating the last defender, only to put his shot wide. Lincoln were threatening, particularly down their right, and their right wing got around the back, his miss-timed cross bobbled over Jon Statham’s stick, before coming off Nick Lane’s foot, and in turn wrong footing Luke Brownlee in the Tornados goal, and the scores were level.
The second half saw Lincoln dominate the first 15 minutes, with the Tornados struggling to clear the ball and keep possession. The Tornados defence was stretched at times, but Sue Houseman, Nick, Sam and Harry C in particular did well, and limited their possession to few shooting chances. Luke did make one save, and they shot wide when maybe they should have done better. As the half went on, the Tornados attacking breaks became more frequent. Otis and Lucy combining well, and Harry G supplying Arthur with through balls, one of which he shot wide with a reverse hit, when he did not realize how much time he had. From a penalty corner Harry C’s flick was saved, and Arthur unlucky as he tried to latch onto the rebound. The Tornados finished the strongest, but as the final whistle went, it was clear to see that both teams were keen to congratulate each other, and a draw was a fair result.
Congratulations to everyone involved in what was a high class game of development team hockey, and rounded off a fine season for the Tornados, as North Champions, and sharing this playoff with Lincoln, who had won all their games this season. Thanks to Neil Collinson for his quality umpiring, and the parents who have supported this group so well.
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