Hawks edge a tough encounter

Selection:

Haigh, Cook, Heron, Hampshire, Beck, Freeth, Sharp, Ward (c), Rowntree, Hall, Cadogan, Thornton, Knight, West, Ring. 
Subs: D.Cole, C.Keighley-Payne, Marsden, Granger, & Burbidge. 

Scorers

Tries: Cook, Thornton & Sharp. 
Cons: Cook (2).

⭐️STAR PLAYER - Matty Thornton⭐️

Report

The Hawks entertained local rivals Old Brods at West Vale, looking to bounce back after their first defeat. 

The visitors started brightly, dominating possession and territory. Heath’s well organised defence repelled numerous attacks with Josh Beck and Harry Freeth hitting hard. Unfortunately, both players had to leave the field with injuries. Eventually, Heath started to control possession and put pressure on the Brods.

After a couple of near misses, Olly Cook scored a trademark try to open the scoring after 20 minutes (5-0). Star player Matthew Thornton, George West & Carter Haigh made powerful breaks but with no end product as the Hawks struggled to control the ball. The home side didn’t help themselves - with poor discipline 'piggy backing' the Brods up field.  After some heroic defence by halfbacks Max Rowntree and Ben Hall, the Brods eventually crashed over next to the posts for a converted try (5-7).

5-7 HT. 

The Hawks needed to regroup and concentrate on the basics to get the job done.

After a slow start to the second half, the Brods extended their lead with a penalty (5-10). Heath came straight back and looked lively, but ball control and wrong decisions in attack delayed their fight back. However, Thornton ran a strong, unstoppable line off Rowntree, direct from a scrum, to score a great try. Cook converted to retake the lead (12-10). 

Fergus Marsden and Dan Cole made welcome returns from long term injuries, with the latter adding much needed calmness and leadership to the team. However, the visitors went back in front after another penalty was conceded within kicking distance (12-13).

With 16 minutes remaining Heath had to up the pace. Ollie Burbidge looked a certain scorer but last gasp defence loosened the ball as he went over. Undeterred, great defence and scrummaging resulted in a 5-metre scrum for the Hawks. The pack powered forward and Sharp controlled before picking and scoring, Cook converted (19-13).

As Heath looked to put the game to bed and score a bonus point try, Pete Hampshire and Elliot Knight pushed their noses through, the theme of the game continued as the Hawks weren’t able to capitalise on good field position. After a couple of penalties, the Brods put pressure on the Hawks line and eventually, from a tap penalty, squeezed over in the right corner (19-18).

This set up a nervy last 5 minutes but Heath were able to see out the game and finish on top.

19-18 FT.

The squad know this wasn’t a great performance but they got the job done and earned local bragging rights. The team will regroup and look forward to a top of the table clash with more local rivals, Huddersfield RUFC on Friday 21st November at Heath.

UTHH 👊🦅