First loss of season.

Selection:

Haigh, Whitworth, Heron, Patrick, Ward, Dawes, Sharp, Stansfield, Granger, Cartwright, Firth, Sunter, Thomson, Cadogan, Scrimshaw.

Subs: Metcalf, Barnes, Burbidge, & Ashton.

Scorer:  Try Burbidge.

⭐️STAR PLAYER: HARRY GRANGER⭐️

Report:

The Hawks went into the game on the back of a 6-game winning streak. Driffield arrived determined to complete the double, combining patient rugby and powerful runners to dominate large parts of the game.

The visitors started well, keeping possession only denied by strong defence led by Alex Patrick, Sam Sharp and Tom Stansfield. Driffield finally got the game's first try from a well worked catch and drive, following this up with a penalty for an 8-nil lead. Heath came back strongly with George Heron, Patrick and Stansfield leading the charge. The Hawks went close, being held up over the line and losing possession at vital times. Eddie Sunter intercepted twice and surged up the field, with Jake Firth more involved as he battled hard to get away. Stansfield hit a great line off Eddie Cartwright to sprint clear before kicking over the fullback but he couldn’t control the bobbling ball and the chance was lost.

Driffield finished the half strongly, recording two further tries. Max Dawes, James Whitworth and Brook Ward put in massive defensive shifts against powerful, abrasive runners.

Half time 0-20.

The Hawks needed to regroup and improve their ball retention and patience when in possession. The home team started well, Carter Haigh to the fore with some great carries and Firth, now at centre, threatening to break free. Martyn Barnes made a welcome return to the squad, putting in a massive defensive stint, leaving his mark on a number of the visitors. Player of the match, Harry Granger directed play and linked forwards and backs well, often under pressure. The same player found himself free on the outside before Chris Metcalf made a superb break only to be denied by good scrambling defence.

After 20 minutes of the half Driffield recorded their fourth try. Undeterred, Heath came back strongly with the pack getting the reward it deserved, Oli Burbidge emerging with the ball from under a pile of bodies to record Heath’s only points. Phil Cadogan and Oli Scrimshaw made breaks from inside their own half but as the game went on Driffield finished strongly and in control of the contest, scoring two further tries. Full time 5-41.

The Hawks will regroup as they look to finish their season strongly.

UTHH 👊🦅

League results here.

League table here.

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