Saturday 22nd March was yet another day for breaking records for Thirsk’s U16 girls’ team. They arrived at Halifax and were met uncharacteristically with glorious sunny weather. Thirsk had 3 teams to battle in their first pool matches which consisted of Leeds Adel, Sheffield A and Sheffield B.
First on the agenda were Leeds Adel, and Thirsk dominated play from the outset. A steady reverse goal from forward Lucy Williams secured Thirsk their first victory of the tournament.
Thirsk were set to play Sheffield B team next and with co-ordinated faultless passing from midfield trio Hill, Youmans and Garnett Thirsk emerged victorious from the fray with a punishing 2-0 victory. Special mention should be made of super keeper Louella Gill who made crucial and well timed saves to ensure that Thirsk retained their unsullied goal line.
Lastly on the bill for the pool matches was Sheffield A. It was here Thirsk really found their stride and controlled the game from the get go. Impeccable precision passing between right hand duo Charlotte Hollinrake and Charlotte Roberts caused major problems to Sheffield’s defence and granted Thirsk another impressive 2-0 victory.
Flying through to the semi-finals Thirsk were expecting to face the first significant challenge of the play offs against York. However the match played out somewhat differently. Thirsk pulled together to form the slick unit that hammered against York’s defence from the first whistle. Laura Bosomworth keeping the width for Thirsk on Lt wing and making sure York had something to think about. The first goal of the match was another reverse strike finished yet again from talented forward Lucy Williams. Thirsk wasted not one ball as they teamed together to further slowly pick the York side apart. Ella Durkin and Amalia Watkins formed an impregnable duo in defence, instantly clearing away any threat that entered the Thirsk half of the pitch. Then the second and final goal of the match was earned by Grace Walker earning Thirsk their fourth consecutive victory of the tournament so far.
One match and one team were all that now stood between Thirsk and winning the title. Events on the opposing semi-final pitch however were about to put a twist in days tale. Lower side Sheffield A (or B we aren’t too sure!) miraculously emerged victorious over penalty flicks against old rivals Wakefield ensuring themselves a place in the final two teams.
Thirsk stepped onto the pitch with their heads held high raring to play their final match, nothing was a certainty yet it seemed, due to the oppositions last result. Both teams worked hard vying for dominance in the first five minutes of the game. Yet again true to character Thirsk emerged victorious scoring the first goal of the game which came from forward Alice Foster which was overdue and well deserved. Captain Helena Youmans battled tirelessly in central midfield for the full 25 minutes, not giving the opposition an inch to capitalise on. Thirsk’s second goal was earned when Lucy Williams made a superb run from the halfway line, besting several Sheffield players to link with Grace Walker in the D who netted the goal. Thirsk’s final goal of the game and of the competition was bagged by forward Grace Walker from a well-rehearsed short corner routine. Thirsk emerged victorious from the competition, winning all of their 5 matches whilst not conceding one goal. Each member of the team put 110% into every game thus earning Thirsk U16’s their second well deserved title of the season.
Special mention has to be made to Thirsk’s coach Jo Lightfoot. Through her dedication, coaching ability and determination she has guided this uniquely talented group of U16 girls to not only this playoff victory. What also should be noted is the respect and genuine regard she has rightfully earned from this still up and coming U16 Thirsk side.
Particular thanks also are due to Harry Collinson who has umpired for the girls in the rounds leading up to this, and, all of the parents and followers that show up tirelessly every match in support of this team.