Our first team produced a stunning performance against Leeds Adel seconds on Saturday, March 23 to win division two of the Yorkshire League in style.
Going into the final match of the season level on points with second-placed Pocklington and with a goal difference better by just one, North knew the importance of a healthy winning margin, and went on the attack from the first whistle.
Captain Becky Day settled any nerves when she opened the scoring after ten minutes, slotting the ball home powerfully from the centre of the circle. The strike gave North confidence, and in a remarkable 15-minute spell, the home side, cheered on by sizeable crowd of supporters beside the Thirsk School pitch, hit four more goals to take full control of the match.
Player of the match Brooke Hodgson ran the Adel defence ragged from the right wing, crossing superbly for Lucy Robinson to power the ball in with an incredible first time finish, before sister Sadie Robinson got on the scoresheet from close range. In a carbon copy of her first goal Lucy Robinson then smashed in another from a Hodgson cross, and centre forward Carla Luck, who has hit 25 goals this season, made it 5-0 with a well-timed finish at the far post.
North let their intensity drop a little in the second half, and Adel upped their game, pulling a goal back from a penalty corner. But determined not to let them back into the match, North restored their five-goal advantage when Hodgson rolled a pin-point shot into the corner of the Adel goal.
As the final whistle went, news came in from the sidelines that Pocklington had won their game against Chesterfield 1-0, meaning both teams were tied on 50 points, but North were champions thanks to a goal difference of 35 compared to Pocklington's 30. Northallerton have scored a remarkable 79 goals in 2023-24.
Captain Becky Day said: "What a fantastic season we have had. I’m so incredibly proud of every single player who has contributed to this season's success. We have played with true grit and determination and it finally paid off with us being division two champions.
"It’s amazing to think our little town has finished above clubs such as Leeds and Sheffield who have numerous women’s teams. I'm very excited for what the future holds for our club – bring on next season."
North's second team has also had a strong season, finishing sixth in Moor and Dale division two, having seen several new players and many juniors making their debuts. On the evening of Wednesday, March 20, after two previous cancellations, the side finally got their match against Bradford underway, and ran out 2-0 winners.
Beth Luck made her first appearance for the seconds and was a great addition to the team. North had the majority of possession throughout the game, with the first goal coming from Georgia Robinson, who beat the goalie in a one-on-one. Abby Robinson got the second when she flicked in a rebound from a penalty corner. The player of the match award was shared by Luck, Lottie Robinson and Florrie Rayfield.
On the following Saturday, the side put out a very different line-up away to City of York fifths with several regulars missing due to a school ski trip, welcoming back Sandra Horner and Rachel Holden to the team. It took the team a while to gel, but North got their stride in the second half and were unlucky to not to find the back of the net. The York team took their chances however, and the game finished 4-0. Player of the match was Northallerton goalkeeper Millie Luck, who made some incredible saves.
Saturday's games marked the end of the senior hockey season, which has been an emotional one for the club, following the sudden death of long-standing member Vicki Wonders in November. All members were keen to honour her memory by playing positive, committed hockey in a Northallerton shirt.
Next season the club faces a new challenge, transferring into the North East league to try and cut down on the travel time and costs associated with the wide geographical spread of the Yorkshire League, with recent away fixtures including trips to Skegness and Chesterfield.