The nomination details read as follows:
The hockey season for Thirsk H C has been another round of successes. The one most "surprising" was our under 16 boys team who decided to enter the England under 16 boys indoor cup. By strong commitment and dedication to a rigorous training schedule they entered into the Yorkshire round. Having won this without conceding a goal, they went into the North of England playoffs. Again they were declared champions and although goals were conceded they did not lose any games. And so to the National finals in Wolverhampton on a weekend in January. Thirsk were one of 10 teams that had qualified and 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 although having led three times, Cannock equalized with only seconds remaining. A 3-3 draw the result, but a positive start. The second game was against Surbiton who looked the strongest team. Thirsk started in the worst possible way, as a defensive mistake, allowed an easy chance for Surbiton to take the lead. Thirsk though played with plenty of composure, earning a penalty corner, providing the equalizer. Despite several close chances two goals were conceded, but a 3-1 defeat was an admirable result. The opening game on day two was against Ashmoor. Thirsk went 1-0 up in the first half and got a second goal early in the 2nd half. With Thirsk looking to be controlling the match at 2-0 a series of unfortunate umpiring decisions allowed Ashmoor to take full advantage of having superior player numbers by scoring, giving them a 3-2 win. 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. 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.
I believe that as this was the first time they have played indoor and then reaching the national finals deserves the recognition that the Major Bell trophy would provide. I would therefor like to nominate the under 16 boys indoor hockey team.