2 out of 2 bodes well for the start of League Rugby.

Selection:

Luke Townsend,  Henry Hirst,  Jordan Shaw,  Pete Hampshire, Josh Beck,  Brook Ward,  Will Baxter, Sam Sharp.

Max Rowntree,  Tom Egan, Eddie Sunter,  Ben Hall,  Sam Fletcher (C),  Phil Cadogan,  Jack Bruce.

Huw Bayley,  Harry Granger, Kieran Baldry, Lewis Marshall.

Scorers

Tries: Sunter (2), Bruce, Fletcher, & Hall.
Cons: Fletcher (2).

STAR PLAYER: Tom Egan

Match Report

The Hawks completed their preparation for next week's League opener with a great performance against a strong Wharfedale team.

Heath started well, both Max Rowntree & Tom Egan probing and creating space. The returning Ben Hall pushed a grubber kick behind the visitor's defence, the bounce beat the stranded fullback before Jack Bruce dribbled over the try line and touching down, Sam Fletcher converted (7-0). This was followed up with another well worked try, Rowntree spotted space on the short side before Eddie Sunter collected on the overlap to dot down (12-0). 

Wharfedale began to get into their stride with some powerful bursts from their strong runners, repelled well by some great defence by Will Baxter, Pete Hampshire, Brook Ward, Josh Beck, & Sam Sharp. The away side took advantage of good field position with a well worked catch and drive (12-7). Undeterred, Heath came roaring back with a great score from half way, Hall held up the ball superbly before hitting Fletcher with a great short pass and he did the rest before converting his own score (19-7). However, Wharfedale's elusive fullback took advantage of a poor kick chase to sprint through for an impressive converted try (19-14).

Both teams went at each other at the end of the half with no further score (HT: 19-14).

The Hawks knew they were more than capable of taking the win. Player of the match, Egan kicked well all half, relieving pressure and putting the home side in good positions. The impressive Hall taking advantage of good field position to twist his way over for a deserved score (24-14). Heath's front row were in great form, Luke Townsend, Henry Hirst & Jordan Shaw carrying well and dominating the set piece. Wharfedale looked to attack from deep as they tried to reduce the deficit, a wild cut out pass only found an alert Hampshire out wide who kept his head before finding Sunter who galloped the last 20 metres for his second try (29-14). 

The game turned scrappy as both teams discipline was tested. Beck, Rowntree and Hall made important tackles to disrupt and drive back the onrushing opponents. The Hawks should have added to their tally with three late opportunities missed with the final passes not finding their intended target (FT: 29-14).

This was a great test against opponents who will compete at the same level. The Hawks will look to start life in Counties 2 Yorkshire B with a win away at Wheatley Hills next Saturday.

Photographer

Andy Keighley:  Pics to follow.