A great win against tough opposition.

Selection:

Burbidge, Hirst, Heron, Ward (c), C.Keighley-Payne, Starkey, Freeth, Sharp, Rowntree, Fletcher, Ring, Thornton, Cadogan, Granger, Bruce.
Subs: Myers, N.Payne, Downsborough, Boothroyd, & C.O’Connor. 

Scorers

Tries: Bruce (2), Ring, Hirst, Fletcher, & Cadogan.
Cons: Fletcher (2).
Pen: Fletcher.

Star Player - ⭐️SAM SHARP⭐️

Report

The Hawks welcomed third place Wath to North Dean, expecting a tough contest. 

Both sides started well with both sets of forwards going at each other. The heavy Wath pack looking to carry over Heath but were met by strong defence led by Sam Sharp, Oliver Starkey and Harry Freeth. After 8 minutes, Henry Hirst and Oli Burbidge carried hard before the backline handled well for Alistair Ring to finish in the corner (5-0). This was quickly followed by Hirst notching his try from close range, Sam Fletcher converted (12-0). 

November’s player of the month, Matty Thornton continued his fine form with a great break, before Fletcher dummied his way through for a converted try (19-0). 

The last 15 minutes of the half brought Wath’s best spell as they hammered away at the home line. Heath repelled numerous attacks, with Nicholas Payne, Carrick Keighley-Payne, and Brook Ward defending superbly. The Hawks looked to have survived but a harsh yellow card for Phil Cadogan eventually led to a Wath try from close range (19-5). Heath finished the half under pressure but held out with no further score. HT 19-5. 

Heath started the second half well, controlling possession and playing in the right areas. Fletcher adding 3 points from the tee to extend Heath’s lead (22-5). Props, George Heron and James Myers carried well as Heath looked to turn the screw. However, it was Wath who scored next, reducing the deficit to 10 points (22-12). 

Undeterred, Max Rowntree, Fletcher and Thornton combined to release Jack Bruce who stepped his way over the line (27-12). Bruce scored his second after the same players combined again to release him (32-12).

Mark Boothroyd was unlucky not to score after a powerful break from thirty metres out, only denied by the ref who adjudged him held up. Ian Downsborough made his seasonal debut, steadying the ship as both teams showed fatigue in tough conditions. Cadogan scored the final try, streaking away past a floundering defence (37-12).

Wath finished well but couldn’t add to their tally. FT 37-12.

This was a great win against tough opposition. The squad will regroup this week and look forward to a local derby at Old Brodleians on Friday night.

Photography.  Despite poor weather conditions, Andy Keighley took some great photos.  All pics with this Report are his.

UTHH 👊🦅