Impressive performance against a very competitive home side.

Selection:

Cook, Burbidge, Heron, Patrick, Hampshire, Stansfield, Sharp, Ward (c), Rowntree, Cartwright, Firth, Sunter, Knight, Cadogan, Granger.

Subs: Johnson, Barham, Metcalf, & Wilkinson.

Scorers:

Tries: Knight (2), Firth, Cook, Wilkinson, Hampshire, & Rowntree.
Cons: Cartwright (6).

⭐️Star Player: PETE HAMPSHIRE⭐️

Report:

The Hawks travelled to Keighley expecting a battle but confident of getting the job done.

The away team started brightly and dominated possession and territory. The impressive Harry Granger, made what looked like a try scoring break from half way only thwarted by the deep mud he ran into. Shortly after, Elliot Knight popped the ball up to Jake Firth 50 metres out and he scampered away for a great score, Eddie Cartwright converted. The Hawks forwards were setting a great platform with strong carries from newcomer, Tom Stansfield, Olly Cook, Alex Patrick, & player of the match Pete Hampshire. Sam Sharp and Olly Burbidge looked likely to score but the final passes went to ground. After sustained pressure, Cook peeled off the back of a rolling maul to dot down.

The home team had their best spell, using their abrasive pack to carry hard into Heath’s half. However, the visitors defence stood firm, lead by captain, Brook Ward and Max Rowntree. As it looked like Keighley may score, Matthew Wilkinson stripped the big centre and set off on a 60 metre, lung busting run to the line. Cartwright kicked both conversions to open up a 21 point lead.

As the half time approached, Eddie Sunter released Cartwright who unselfishly drew the fullback and passed back inside for Knight to gallop clear. Cartwright continued his good form with the boot. Half time 0-28.

The Hawks had dominated the half but couldn’t invite the home team’s big pack into the game. Heaths defence was tested immediately with Keighley battering the try line, Matt Barham and Rondene Johnson to the fore with some big hits in midfield. After a number of heroic efforts, the home team’s best runner eventually crashed over from close range.

The Hawks came back strongly with big carries by Stansfield and Hampshire, with the latter crashing over for a deserved score. This was followed by a great try from deep in the Hawk’s half, Cartwright throwing a long miss pass to release Firth who shot down the side line before passing inside to the grateful Knight to score his second.

Keighley scored twice from close range late in the half, this was sandwiched between Rowntree emerging from a pile of bodies to shoot through the gap to score. Cartwright added his sixth conversion of the game. Full time 21-47.

This was an impressive performance against a very competitive home side. The Hawk’s attacking patterns of play and strong defence set the platform for a great win.

UTHH 👊🦅