3 early scores and Hawks never looked back. Fine performance

Selection:

Haigh, Whitworth, Cook, Ward (c), Barham, Sharp, Knight, J.Cole, Rowntree, Brook, Firth, Webb, Spiers, Thomson, Granger.
Subs: Dawes, Cadogan & Burbidge.

Scorers:

Tries: Cook (2), Firth (2), & Rowntree
Cons: Thomson (5).
Pens: Thomson (2).

⭐️STAR PLAYER: OLIVER COOK⭐️

Report:

The Hawks remain unbeaten in 2024, recording their third straight win. This was the home team’s most impressive and dominant display of the season against quality opposition.

After a slow start in their previous outing, Heath focussed on getting out of the blocks quickly. They did just this, racing into a 21 point lead, combining superb ball retention, power and pace. After two minutes, the Hawks pack showed early signs of their dominance with star player, Oliver Cook emerging with the ball after a great catch and drive, Zak Thomson converted from wide left. Jonny Cole, Matt Barham, James Whitworth, and Cook carried hard to set up great field position before the impressive Adam Brook released the returning Gaz Webb who in turn tipped on to top try scorer Jake Firth to finish well in the corner, Thomson converted. The Hawks continued to dominate possession, Elliot Spiers caused problems for the defence all game with his excellent footwork and strength, he was next up to feed Firth for his 11th try of the season, squeezing in at the corner, Thomson continued with his superb conversion rate.

York enjoyed their best spell of the game, capitalising on a number of Heath’s mistakes. This invited them back into the game as they scored two converted tries to reduce the deficit. Elliot Knight, Brook Ward, Sam Sharp and Cole all fronted up with some huge defence as they repelled further attacks. The visiting 10 varied his kicking superbly to test Heath’s defensive reads, keeping Firth and fullback Harry Granger on their toes throughout.

Half time 21-14.

The Hawks knew they needed to tighten up as it was their own doing that had let York back in the game. However, after sustained pressure on the home team’s line, the visitors eventually crashed over from close range to tie the scores.

At this stage of the game, it was a major test of the Hawks character. Captain, Ward rallied his troops as they came back into the game superbly. Carter ‘The Enforcer’ Haigh and Oli Burbidge carried hard, and after a number of dominant scrums, Max Rowntree did well to keep up with the scrum as he collected and dived over for a converted try. Spiers carried superbly under pressure to push through from deep in his own half.

Thomson extended the lead with a well struck penalty as York struggled to contain the rampant Hawks. Brook kicked Heath deep into the corner from a penalty on half way. The catch and drive went close before Cook rolled off the back and powered over for his second. Thomson added the conversion and a penalty to open up a deserved 20-point lead.

York scored the final try as they showed great resilience and never stopped trying to play rugby. The Hawks finished well with Max Dawes, Knight and Cole dominant in defence.

Full time 41-26.

This was an outstanding performance by all 18 players. The Hawks were on fire and look forward to the rest of the season as they rise up the league.

UTHH 👊🦅