A Great Performance and a Fine Win.

Selection:  

C Haigh,  H Hirst. G Heron,  P Hampshire,  F Marsden,  J Beck,  S Sharp,  B Ward
H Granger,  B Hall,  P Cadogen,  M Thornton,  E Knight,  A Ring,  J Bruce
W Baxter,  O Burbidge,  R Dance,  H Freeth,  C Keighley-Payne,  N Payne,  O Starkey,  E Sunter,  J Thorne.

Scorers:

Tries:  Hampshire x 2.  Haigh x 1.  Keighley-Payne x 1.  Bruce, x 3. Starkey, x 1. Thornton x 1.  Hall, x 1.  Knight, x 1.

Conversions:  Hall, x 3.  Sunter, x 3.

Report:

Heath travelled to Baildon looking to kick start a weather hit 2026.  They did not disappoint scoring 11 tries in a comprehensive defeat of their hosts.  Baildon, to their credit, did not give up and competed to the end, ultimately Heath were just too good across all areas.

The front row of Haigh, Hirst and Heron demolished a few early scrums, having senior second rows Hampshire and Marsden behind you certainly helps, both were outstanding, Hampshire all over the pitch and picking up 2 tries as well as numerous assists. Haigh also picked up a try as he crashed over, following another good performance.

When Burbridge and Dance entered the fray, very little changed - Dance continuing his fine pre Xmas form with numerous barn storming runs.
Captain Ward led from 8, Josh Beck scattered bodies galore on numerous gallops. Keighley-Payne supplemented the pack at half time and once he’d found his catching gloves he proved his all action self.  Payne played his part, scoring his first try of the season following excellent support. Sam Sharp epitomises the machine that he is, chopping and stopping the opposition whenever they got the ball.

With the forwards dominating at will, Harry Granger dragged himself off the sick bed to put in a sterling effort at scrum half, constantly probing and prodding.  Outside the backs profited, Ben Hall’s exquisite pass choice released a potent back line. Jack Bruce returning from the Ones picked up 3 tries and a man of the match performance. Phil Cadogan outside just unable to pick off the killer ball following numerous Bruce breaks. Hall scored himself, Knight another getting reward for his hard work and contribution across the field.

Starkey’s back row experiment is off, he came on to play outside returning yachtsman Eddie Sunter, scoring with what must have been his first touch. Back rowers, come wingers Freeth and Ring provided all action performances and Matt Thornton, scorer of the first try, was devastating in midfield.

6 conversions were shared between Sunter and Hall to finish the day off at 67-0.

Good discipline, powerful and skillful set piece with an enterprising back line. The games will get tougher but the Hawks did what they needed to do.

Photos:

Andey Keighley was with the Hawks, at Baildon.  Accompanying photos are all his.