Men’s 2nds extend unbeaten run

Halifax 2nds 3 – 0 Thirsk 1sts

Scorers : Horsley (2), Willis

The second string outfit stretched their unbeaten run to three matches with a compact, clinical yet never totally comfortable victory against Thirsk.

For the first ten minutes the home side rarely ventured further than their own 22 metre line. Thirsk’s five man midfield pressed high up the pitch and Halifax could barely string more than two passes together.

Immaculate goalkeeping from James Smith kept the scoresheet blank. He blocked, smothered and kicked superbly to deny the visitors from taking the lead. Gradually the home side managed to get a toe hold on the match with sweeper Stephen Fawkes once again a massive influence. He was able to link play from the back bringing the home midfield more into the fray. David Spencer tackled well but also cleverly introduced Peter Balmforth and Simon Arch into the game.

Having weathered the early storm, Halifax were able to strike the ball further upfield where Cameron Hellowell was demonstrating just how much he has improved in two seasons of senior hockey. His blistering pace and total commitment became the key to unlocking the Thirsk defence. Chances were created from open play and it was no surprise when top scorer John Horsley honed in on a centre to tap the ball into the net.

The narrow lead was taken into the second period but it was obvious that one goal was not enough. The home defence became even more assured after the break and Trevor Love, Graham Rodgers and Nick Barker all stuck doggedly to their tasks. Knowing that super stopper Smith was behind them made their jobs all the more easy.

Skipper for the day David Willis extended the lead finishing a sweeping move and Horsley clipped a cute third for his second of the game.

Thirsk were not a spent force and they won more short corners than the home side, even clipping the cross bar with one effort. Generally their set play routines were rather rusty and ineffective though.

Sub Bryn Hans brought some much needed vim to the procedings in the second half and in the end the visitors fell away rather tamely. Next week sees the visit of high flying Leeds Carnegie which will be a real test of just how far Halifax have improved