Gallagher’s last minute shakermaker gets the points.

Heath Hawks 22

Hull Ionians 19

Tries: Cadogan, J Cole, Gallagher 
Cons: Gallagher (2) & Pen Gallagher

The Hawks put in a huge effort to take the spoils against a rugged Ionians outfit.  A number of absentees led to a vastly changed lineup, with Richard Cole away at a yoga retreat Leon Ashton decided to take over as caretaker coach.  On seeing the size of the Ionians side Ashton decided to change the starting lineup putting himself on the bench, then during the warm up Oli Cook pulled up with a strain to something, not sure what exactly but he did say it hurt.

There was nothing much to write home about in the opening exchanges with Ionians choosing to repeatedly kick possession away whilst the Hawks tried chucking the ball around a bit too much.  On 15 mins there was finally a breakthrough.  Following a superb clearance by Joe Gallagher Ionians decided to take a quick line out which resulted in a mix up between the full back and winger, as they stood pointing and shouting at each other they didn’t spot Phil Cadogan lurking behind the posts and he reacted quickly pouncing on the ball to score.  Oli Cook in his new role as “kicking tee supervisor” talked Gally through adding the conversion.

Following the restart Hawks gave away a penalty gifting Ionians field position which they capitalised on to get a converted try. Hawks battled back with captain Brook Ward, Jonny Cole and Matthew Wilkinson taking it to the Ionians pack but Ionian’s were now looking more settled into the game and capitalised on some weak defence to take the lead but missed the conversion.

Hawks finished the half the stronger side launching an onslaught on the Ionians line,  Al Ring was just beaten by the bounce in the corner then Ed Cartwright was held up short after a mazy run then Ward made it over the line but the ref ruled the flick pass from Max Rowntree was forward.  Turning down the chance for a kickable penalty the forwards drove towards the line through Wilkinson and Sharp. Then in the final play George Heron powered through the defence but was just help up over the line by a scrum half.  HT 7-12

Hawks started the 2nd half in sensational fashion. Harry Granger made good ground then Cartwright and Wilkinson combined to send Jonny Cole storming over to level the scores. Ionians couldn’t find a way through the resolute Hawks defence with Sam Sharp and Jonny Cole frustrating the opposition forwards. 

Against the run of play Ionians took the lead following a set play from a scrum putting the centre through a gap to race away and score a converted try. 

But Hawks battled back with Gallagher pinning back the opposition with some well placed kicks. Jimbo Brooks made a great break and sent his centre towards the line but was just held up short. The game was then soured when Sam Sharp suffered a facial injury after having a disagreement with an opponents boot.  Emlyn James returned to the field to help take the tiring pack forwards.  From a scrum Jonny Cole picked the ball up and timed a great pass to Joe Gallagher who danced through the defence to score, following expert advice from Cook he levelled the scores.

Hawks could now sniff victory and played some intelligent rugby unlike their opponents whose discipline was starting to let them down.  After a period of pressure in the 22 the ref awarded the Hawks a penalty,  Cookie's 'pulled thing' instantly cleared up as he sprinted-on with the kicking tee, screaming "3 points". Gallagher kept his nerve and secured the victory with only seconds remaining 22-19 final score.

This was a superb performance with the team showing real grit to get the win.  Unfair to name 1 person as man of the match as all 17 players put in a huge shift. UTHH!