YORK Under-12s girls 'A' team progressed to the Yorkshire stage of the In2 Hockey championships - the small-sided version of the game - after reaching the North Yorkshire final.

They beat Thirsk 'B' 6-0 and Northallerton 6-0 in the pool stages and then Thirsk 'C' in the semi-finals before losing 4-1 to Thirsk 'A' in the final.

York got off to a flier in their opener, going 4-0 up by half-time. Excellent passing and movement was great to watch and strong play in the 'D' brought four goals from Tasha Collins and two from Alex Amsden.

They started slower against Northallerton, ending the first half only 2-0 up after poachers goals from Collins. The second half, though, featured some outstanding play from Poppy Doddsworth, driving from the midfield, and from Sabyn Maude and Amsden on the flanks.

York were slow out of the blocks in the semi-final too, but two well-taken goals from Ellie Broadbent at the start of the second period got them up and running and Collins (2), Doddsworth and Amsden (2) added to the scoreline.

At the back, Poopy Courtis and Fran Wilson repelled attacks well, and Annie Emmott in goal ensure three clean sheets whenever the defence was breached.

However, they paid for a slow start in the final against the favourites Thirsk 'A’, going 3-0 in as many minutes, and it could have been more but for Emmott's good saves.

When York woke up, they took the game to Thirsk and pulled a goal back before half-time through Amsden. They produced a better display in the second half but were unlucky not to get a second while Thirsk snatched a late goal to seal victory.

York 'B’s finished joint fifth after a 0-0 draw with Northallerton in the fifth/sixth place play-off.

The inexperienced side fought well in their group but lost 8-0 to champions Thirsk 'A’ and 2-1 to Thirsk 'C'. Ruby Johnson, in her first competitive outing as a goalkeeper, was outstanding.