Thirsk were one of 10 teams that had qualified for the National U16 boy Indoor Club finals on Saturday 23rd January 2016 in Wolverhampton. Thirsk were drawn with Cannock, Surbiton, Ashmoor and Norwich in their pool, with the top two going on to the semi-final stage. Thirsk started out against Cannock, and were quick out of the blocks. Arthur Hunt and Otis Williams looking threatening each time they got the ball. Arthur soon earned a penalty stroke when fouled as he shot on goal. Harry Collinson stepped up and converted for a 1-0 lead. Any mistakes indoors can be quickly capitalized upon, and a weak pass allowed Cannock a chance to equalize. Josh Devlin as stand in goalie made two goods saves. Thirsk took the lead in the second half, Otis scoring to make it 2-1, Cannock then equalized from a penalty corner flick. Otis then regained the lead for Thirsk from Sam Bosomworth’s incisive pass. But Thirsk failed to hang on to the 3-2 lead with Cannock getting a fortunate free hit, and converting with only seconds remaining. A 3-3 draw the result, but a positive start. The second game on Saturday was against Surbiton who looked the strongest team. Thirsk started in the worst possible way, as a defensive mistake, allowed an easy chance for them to take the lead. Thirsk though played with plenty of composure, Harry Goodall, Alex Docherty and Harry C all working well to cut out their opponents. Thirsk earned a penalty corner, and the slick move set Arthur up to fire home the equalizer. Thirsk had two more first half penalty corners but failed to score. Thirsk fought hard with Luke Brownlee responsible for several fine saves in the second half, and Sam and Harry C both strong in defense. Thirsk conceded from a well work PC move, but pushed Surbiton hard throughtout the second half. A third goal was conceded, but a 3-1 defeat was an admirable result. The opening game on day two was to provide the watershed moment of the competition. Thirsk started really well against Ashmoor, with Sam and Harry looking composed in defence, and Harry G working well to cut out their chances. Thirsk went 1-0 up thanks to Arthur’s great solo effort rolling into the circle from the left hand side before confidently firing home. Arthur got a second goal early in the 2nd half, and Thirsk looked to be controlling the match at 2-0. Harry C was then adjudged to ‘spin’ when clearing from defence which earned him a green card, and gave Ashmoor a penalty corner from which they scored. While Harry C was off, they got an equalizer even though the ball never crossed the line, hitting Otis on the line. But worse was to come as the umpire who had by now lost his composure completely, proceeded to send off Harry C for a second time with a yellow card, for a supposed physical challenge (video replays clearly showing that no contact was made). Ashmoor were very fortunate that so much went their way in the second half, and took full advantage of the overload by scoring, giving them a 3-2 win. The boys were extremely disappointed with the outcome of this game, and deserved so much more for the quality of their play. Thirsk had to pick themselves up for the final game with Norwich, and although they knew they could not now get a top 2 finish, by winning they could get 3rd in their pool, meanwhile Norwich were still in contention for a top 2 finish. The lads showed how much they have progressed, with a complete performance. All 12 of the squad got the chance to do their jobs. There were goals for Arthur, Otis and Josh Devlin. A flick from a penalty corner from Josh Fothergill been brilliantly saved by their goalkeeper. Some impressive attacking play from Josh Dale and James Foster, and composed displays in defence from Ben Mcintosh and Alex. Both Harry G in centre pitch, and Luke in goal gave great displays, and the final score of 3-1 to Thirsk was a great way to sign off.
The Thirsk team can be very proud of their 5th/6th place at the National finals, and can also feel that they deserved a semi -final as well. The final was won by Surbiton 4-1 over Marlow, which also backed up the thought that Thirsk were one of the top 4 teams there, having lost earlier 3-1 to the subsequent Champions. This U16 boy’s squad only started playing indoors this season, and have progressed rapidly thanks to all the hard work and commitment they have put in. Thanks also to the parents who supported the team so well, and made for a great weekend in Wolverhampton.