Another outstanding performance by the squad

Selection:

Johnson, Haigh, Heron, Barham, Ward (c), Dawes, Sharp, Clough, Rowntree, Brook, Firth, J.Morrison, Bloem, Harriott-Brown, Granger.
Subs: Cartwright, F.Morrison, Cadogan, & Bloem (snr).

Scorers:

Tries: Morrison (2) & Firth (2).
Cons: Brook (3).

⭐️Star Player - Joe Morrison⭐️

Report:

The Hawks travelled to Abbeydale determined to secure vital league points.

On a bright afternoon, the stage was set for fast flowing rugby and both teams didn’t disappoint. After a frantic start, player of the match, Joe Morrison, shrugged off a number of attempted tackles to open the scoring from 30 metres out, Adam Brook converted. Sheffield hit back strongly with some powerful drives and quick hands testing Heath's defence. The home side equalised with a well worked try. The Hawks flying wingers, Jake Firth and Callum Harriott-Brown were released out wide but desperate cover halted their progress. Tom Clough carried hard and made valuable metres in possession.

Rondene Johnson was dispatched to the sin bin for a high shot and Harry Granger was forced off through injury after a brave tackle brought down Sheffield’s rampaging second row forward. The home side utilised their numerical advantage, scoring two converted tries. However, Heath continued to play some outstanding rugby with Brook looking to release his backline. Matt Barham, Brook Ward, Sam Sharp, Max Dawes, and later debutant Fraser Morrison toiled all game in attack and in defence, forcing a number of errors. Firth broke clear from a great Eddie Cartwright pass, kicking into space and with an outrageous bounce, Joe Morrison gleefully collected and ran in unopposed. Half time 21-12.

The Hawks needed to speed up play and tighten up at the break down. The change in pace brought Max Rowntree’s running into the game to great effect. The Hawks scored next, Jordan Bloem, Harriott Brown, and Cartwright combined superbly to release Firth who used his outstanding pace to finish well from just inside his own half, Brook converted.

Front-rowers, Carter Haigh, George Heron, and Johnson were dominant at scrum time and were now punching holes in the tiring defence. Brook hit the post from a penalty attempt, before Sheffield scored a breakaway converted try against the run of play. Undeterred, the Hawks hit back with another great score, Jamie Bloem carried well before brilliant link up play by the backs sent Firth over for his second try, Brook converted.

With 12 minutes remaining the Hawks could sense a victory as they dominated the final stages. Brook’s chip through almost released Harriott-Brown only for desperate defence to deny him. Rowntree made another long break and Johnson almost bundled his way over from a clever line-out call. On the last play, Heath kept the ball alive and when Cartwright drew his man and popped the ball up to Firth. It looked like this was the end the Hawks deserved only to see the ball ricochet off the winger and into touch. Full time 28-26.

This was another outstanding performance by the squad, playing some breathtaking rugby at times against quality opposition. We regather and look forward to our homecoming against Alnwick next week. UTHH 👊🦅