YHA League U14 League Playoffs 2017.

The girls had an early start, first game on at 9.30, the coach and team manager hoping the girls weren’t half asleep. First up were City of York. Games between the 2 sides had been tight all season. After a nervous 5 mins the girls settled into their passing game, chances were made by both sides with both keepers in good form. Thirsk made the breakthrough through Amy Flintoff, a 1 v 1 with keeper, calmly slotting it in at the near post, the girls defended stoutly to get the day off to a great start. 1-0
Next up was Sheffield. Again, always a tight game. Both sides were evenly matched with both keepers making saves. With 10 mins left on the clock Sheffield were awarded a penalty flick, Olivia Barber produced a stunning save down to her right to keep the scores level and this is how it ended. A result which suited both teams. 0-0
Our 3rd game was against Driffield. The girls knew a victory would give them the easier of semi-final games. Thirsk started off like they meant business, creating chances. After 10 mins Thirsk scored a textbook far post finish, calmly slotted away by Sadie Bosomworth. 5 mins later they were awarded a short corner, A well-practiced routine was well finished on the post by Fern Watson. 2 mins later Thirsk got the breathing space needed by scoring a 3rd, with a great hit from the edge of the D by Tabby Cotterill. 3-0
Our semi final pitched us up against Leeds Adel. The girls were really up for this one, Thirsk got an early goal from Amy Flintoff, squeezing it past the Driffield keeper. This was shortly followed by a 2nd goal scored by Fern Watson, a great reverse smash into the top corner. The girls were well on top, so allowing some of the girls a well earned rest, Thirsk continued to press and were rewarded with a well taken shot by Amy Flintoff. This sealed our passage through to the final. The girls were showing signs of fatigue but just 1 more big push was needed. 3-0
The Final was against our biggest rivals and home pitch girls of Wakefield.
The final was a great advert for the game of hockey, Great hockey being played by both sides. Both teams creating the odd chance which both keepers dealt with. The final whistle blew and it was 0-0 so down to penalty flicks. The girls were feeling confident and with Olivia Barber in goal, we had every reason to be, Both teams scored their 1st, then Thirsk scored and Olivia saved down to her right 2-1, Thirsk scored again and Wakefield scored 3-2, Thirsk missed their next but again Olivia saved when needed, So it was down to Hannah Slater to score the winning flick, which she did with no problem, So Thirsk were the League Playoff Champions, A thoroughly deserved piece of silverware, not only for themselves but for Trevor and all the parents who have traveled and supported all year long. Its been a long old season.
It would be unfair to pick out any single player from today because every player contributed greatly, Probably the best team performance of the season.
Todays Squad
Olivia Barber,Molly Disbury, Jaimee Irvine, Helena De Costa, Alexa Westgarth, Penny Baker, Holly Riddell, Millie Smith, Olivia Borchard, Fern Watson, Tabby Cotterill, Tilly Hall, Sadie Bosomworth, Amy Flintoff and Hannah Slater.

Hope you all have a great summer and come back nice and refreshed.

Updated 19:50 - 2 Sep 2019 by Mike Rushmere