JUNIOR players from Easi-RockIts VX club were thrilled to have Ugandan head coach Kanyesigye Gerald and Hasindihe James, head of the national governing body, take part in a club training session.

The pair joined in drills and games and also worked alongside senior members of the club as part of their one-month stay in North Yorkshire to learn advanced techniques to develop the sport formerly known as rock-it-ball in their African homeland.

Visits to clubs in Stillington, York, Ripon and Kirkbymoorside also formed part of the itinerary.

 

Stalemate blow to title challenge

TITLE-CHASING Thorpe United Under-16s were held to a 0-0 draw at home by mid-table Leeds City Juniors in division one of the Garforth Junior Football League.

Thorpe are in third place, one point behind leaders Farsley Celtic, who have four games in hand on their championship rivals.

The hosts dominated possession from beginning to end, but could find no way past a Leeds keeper in superb form.

Alex Ward was a spectator in the Thorpe goal, but his counterpart made a number of first-class saves.

Danny McCarthy tormented the Leeds defence with his pace and direct style in the first half, creating an opening for James Arnold and Corey Littlefield to test the keeper.

Thorpe went close to scoring in the second half when Arnold created space for Jordan Emery, who struck a post, and Ben Clowes putting a follow-up effort wide.

Man-of-the-match David Melling was tireless in midfield and kept his team on top.

Dominik Stankiwicz, Littlefield and Richard Buckthorpe all went close in the latter stages, but Thorpe were unable to conjure a winner.

Thorpe travel to Garforth Villa tomorrow.

 

Awards joy

TALENTED youngsters at Whixley and District Community Cricket Club have celebrated a season of success at their awards night.

A host of parents and volunteers attended the presentation at the Anchor Inn in Whixley to see Yorkshire Cricket Board official Richard Wilkinson hand out shields, silver cups, commendation certificates and other trophies.

The junior trophy winners were: Under-9 best batting: Charlotte Munns; U9 best bowling: Lee Swann; U9 best fielding: Evan Hines; U9 most improved player: William Harvey; U11 best batting: Oliver Bartlett; U11 best bowling: James Harvey; U11 best fielding: Noah Doyle; U11 most improved player: Ennis McKenzie; U11 elected players’ player: Noah Doyle; U13 best batting: Elliott Green; U13 best bowling: William Backhouse; U13 best fielding: Alex Sheldon; U13 most improved player: Robbie Martin; U13 players’ player: Jonathan Richardson; most promising young player: Joe Baines; most promising newcomer: Will Harvey; outstanding junior clubman of the year: Katie Baines; Yorkshire’s Gold Pathway winner: Hannah Greenwood.

Coaches Charles Baines, Gary Bartlett, Jordan Webster and Jimmie Martin were presented with a bag of Kwik Cricket equipment to be used during junior training sessions.

 

Final ambition

STAMFORD Bridge Primary School are one step away from the national final of the Danone Nations Cup.

The school’s girls’ team are celebrating after reaching the regional finals of the competition, the world’s biggest football tournament for ten to 12 year olds.

Having successfully progressed through the county knockout rounds of the tournament, they will now compete in the regional finals on March 14.

Fledglings taking flight THIRSK Falcons Junior Football Club are joining forces with North Yorkshire Soccer Academy to relaunch the successful mini soccer fledglings programme in the town.

Fledglings was set up four years ago by Thirsk Falcons after feedback from parents and volunteers highlighted a need for fun, energetic, football related activity sessions for the three to six age group.

Sessions will be held weekly from Friday, February 27 from 5pm to 6pm at Thirsk High School’s indoor sports hall.

The cost is £5 on a pay as you go basis, but booking is essential.

To book, or for more information, phone Rich Darcy on 07920 469082 or email info@nysocceracademy.com