Huddersfield Falcons 7-48 Heath Hawks
Turner, Burbidge, Heron, Cook, Ward (c), N.Payne, Sharp, Garrity, Rowntree, Cartwright, Cadogan, Hinchliffe, J.Payne, Ring, Thomson.
Subs: Fletcher, Metcalf, Wilkinson, & Ashton.
Tries: Hinchliffe (2), Ring (2), Rowntree, Garrity, Fletcher, & Sharp.
Cons: Cook (4)
STAR PLAYER: EZRA HINCHLIFFE
The Hawks made the short trip to Lockwood Park to take on Huddersfield Falcons. Heath dominated the battle of the birds of prey from the start, Jonny Garrity and Nick Payne carrying hard. From an attacking lineout, the home team turned the ball over only for their centre to fumble the ball over his own try line, with the grateful birthday boy, Ezra Hinchliffe dotting down. Garrity surged 50 metres upfield, only stopped by a last ditch tackle. Max Rowntree spotted space behind and kicked a superb 50/22. From the successful lineout, Paul Turner and a couple of home forwards discussed the rules, Rowntree nipped in behind the scuffle for a great individual score.
The home team hit back with some prolonged possession & territory. However, Heath’s defence was excellent with James Payne holding up a certain scorer. A monstrous Hinchliffe dropout set up the position for Eddie Cartwright to work space for the outstanding Alastair Ring to finish well in the corner. With match ending injuries to Oli Burbidge and Zak Thomson, Matthew Wilkinson & Sam Fletcher entered the fray. Huddersfield hit back with a converted try of their own before Garrity carried hard and dragged players over with him for a deserved score, Oliver Cook converted. HT 7-22.
After a slow start to the second half, Heath defended well under pressure for the first 15 minutes. Eventually, Heath managed to control possession, attacking from deep, with Hinchliffe and Fletcher prominent. After a couple of strong surges from Brook Ward and Sam Sharp, Cartwright put in a great cross field kick which Ring followed up, collecting the ball at pace before passing inside to Fletcher to scamper home for a brilliant converted try.
The visitors finished the game well on top, with Sharp next to score, following great hands by Cartwright & Hinchliffe. The latter scored his second, pressuring the fullbacks attempted clearance, charging down the kick before collecting the bouncing ball to score, Cook converted. Ring doubled his tally, backing up Fletchers break before finishing powerfully in the corner, Cook completed the scoring with a superb touch line conversion. FT 7-48.
This was an excellent win against a good home side. The Hawks turn their attention to league action at Wharfedale next Saturday.
UTHH