SHEFFIELD HILLSBOROUGH HAWKS JUNIOR ARLFC

Under 15

Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks U15s are grateful to the following for sponsoring them for the 2006 - 2007 Season :  - TARGET EXPRESS  -  HARTLEY’S TRANSPORT  -  Capital Tower - SME Financial Services Ltd - Chapeltown Electrical Services - Carter Smith Ltd -  Trident Scaffolding Ltd - Peter Akers at Elektrix

2006-2007

Click on the image below to see the Hawks in at different setting

Kick-off times may vary : Please check with the Arena

South Yorkshire Service Area Training U15’s: Lewis Abakodwicz - Josh Barton - Adam Brook - Jono Burns - Corey Hanson - Daniel Horsfield - Ryan Matthews - Liam O’Leary - Patrick O’Leary - Grant Ripley - Richard Spink -Jack Ward - Reece Williams - Nathanial Pearce (Hawks U16’s)

Details correct as of 16 March 2007

Michael Ashton - Joshua Barton - Adam Brook - Jono Burns - Liam Hamre - Corey Hanson - Thomas Haycox - Daniel Horsfield - Ryan Mathews - Dale Mulligan - Patrick O’Leary - Liam O’Leary - Simon Town - Jack Ward - Reece Williams - Richard Spink - Grant Ripley - Damien McColl - Romone Robinson - Lewis Abakadwicz

Match Reports (by Rob Burns unless otherwise stated)

Newsome U15's 18 Hillsborough Hawks U15's 0 .... 10th September 2006

and now the real report "warts and all".............

The 2006/07 season got underway on Sunday 10th September with the Hawks U15’s decimated by a lack of numbers. With five registration still ‘pending’ and three registered players unavailable, it was left to band of SEVEN ‘men’ to travel to Newsome for the opening fixture.

The MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
As Hawks could only field seven players we had to forfeit the points (need to play with a minimum of eight players), so the official result was NEWSOME U15’s 18 HAWKS U15’s 0. However, as both teams wanted a competitive game we agreed to play against Newsome’s seventeen-man squad as they dropped to nine players in the first half and eight in the second.

Playing uphill the seven Hawks took the game to Newsome from the start with Corey Hanson getting straight into the action with typical gusto, taking on the whole world with his powerful aggressive
running. In attack the Hawks always looked dangerous but with Newsome’s two man overlap they were always going to suffer when opposition had the ball. Liam Hamre made countless covering tackles (marking three men is a bit tricky) but inevitably Newsome started to run-in the tries. The hardest task facing the Hawks was how to defend at the kick off; covering half the pitch with seven men was an impossible task and so Newsome had wave after wave of attacks. To their credit on half a dozen occasions Hawks, with Ryan Matthews controlling the play, got within inches of the line just failing to register a score.
Hawks showed their metal in the second half; instead of flagging against constantly fresh players, they grew in confidence as Simon Town started to run the ball-in with real intent. Playing with great freedom Hawks set up some adventurous attacking plays including a spectacular back handed flick out of the tackle from Jon Burns. In defence Patrick O’Leary was putting-in tackle after tackle (Simon Lomas would have been impressed). The fitness of the Hawks was exemplary as they put Newsome on the back foot. After a period of pressure Thomas Haycox went in to score from close range in the corner. A further try from Liam, converted by Ryan who went on to slot over a penalty kick as the Hawks severely rattled Newsome. The opposition heeded the wake-up call and started to use their big men (I mean BIG MEN) running in at the Hawks with purpose. One Newsome player ran over three Hawks players and was about to crash through for a certain try when Thomas made the BIGGEST HIT EVER—when the dust settled, Thomas jumped up leaving the man-mountain on his back. What a hit!

At the final whistle all of the Newsome players, coaches and crowd warmly congratulated the Hawks players for such a fine display of rugby skill, determination and spirit of the highest order. Even the referee (who had an impeccable game) took the time to chat to the MAGNIFICENT SEVEN and offer his praise for their performance and character.

So, we start with no points BUT we have set a very high standard, all down to the resolve and attitude of the players on the pitch. It was the ATTITUDE, COMMITMENT and TEAM ethic that scared Newsome to death. With a full squad and that level of commitment no one will stop the HAWKS.
Hawks: Corey Hanson, Jono Burns, Liam Hamre, Patrick O’Leary, Ryan Matthews, Simon Town, Thomas Haycox.
Scorers: Tries, Thomas Haycox, Liam Hamre
Conversion & Goals: Ryan Matthews (1 converted, 1 penalty)
Joint Man of the Match - COREY, JONO, LIAM, PATRICK, RYAN, SIMON, THOMAS
 

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Hillsborough Hawks U15’s 38 (24) Queensbury 4 (4)...17th September 2006 (Short report)

Man of the Match Reece Williams

set the tone in the first minute as he powered through the Queensbury defence to open the scoring in what was a one sided game. With Corey Hanson grabbing a hat-trick and further tries from Daniel Horsfield, Dale Mulligan, and a try each from the O’Leary brothers (Patrick and Liam) Hawks dominated the game. With two conversions from Ryan Matthews

and one from Corey Hanson Hawks deservedly won 38 to 4. From the outset it was a bruising encounter as Hawks made every tackle count hitting the opposition with some ferocious tackling and enterprising attacking play.

and your favourite reporter RB (or Mr Burns to you  has done it again!!

Firstly a big thank you to Ecclesfield based Accountants CARTER SMITH for being our first home MATCH SPONSOR of the season.

In the first minute of the game Hawks had Queensbury on the back foot. After some quick hands along the Queensbury 20 yard line, Reece Williams burst through the defence with a nicely angled run to open the scoring. Ryan ‘Sunshine’ Matthews comfortably took the additional two points. Queensbury were again under pressure from the Hawks restart as a pack of chasers took man and ball into touch. Queensbury were penned into their own half and the pressure took its toll as Hawks were awarded a penalty tap. Daniel Horsfield was on hand to hit a pop pass from Adam Brook at pace; his power took him through the Queensbury line and no one could stop him as he stretched his legs over to score in the corner. On fifteen minutes Hawks were again back on the opposition ten yard line. Liam O’Leary took a big drive into the heart of the defence and a neat off-load saw Dale Mulligan race through the gapping hole for a nicely worked try. At 14 to 0 up Hawks relaxed and Queensbury took advantage to score on the break. However from their return kick off, Liam O’Leary caught the ball in his own in-goal, thundered towards the advancing defensive line and burst through leaving an empty pitch to run into; a magnificent full length of the pitch try. Corey Hanson converted. Just before half time pressure from Thomas Haycox caused Queensbury to fumble the ball on their own 20 yard line. Debutante, Michael Ashton was quick enough to pick-up the loose ball and a swift pass to Corey Hanson saw another try in the corner.
Half time 24 : 4.
The second half started well with a wonderfully executed kick through from Adam Brook for the leaping Hanson to score a magnificent try in the corner. Hanson was not finished as he powered in from 10 yards to complete his hat-trick and then set-up Patrick O’Leary to score in the corner. With a conversion from Ryan, Hawks had a comfortable lead of 34 : 4. Throughout the match Hawks had been hitting their tackles hard and this disrupted the opposition’s plans. As tempers frayed and Queensbury were reduced to 11 men following injuries, the opposition conceded the game.

A good start to the season against a team that last year won our league. Well done boys; next time just maintain discipline throughout the TEAM.

Hawks Team: Jack Ward, Corey Hanson, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Josh Barton, Jono Burns, Thomas Haycox, Dale Mulligan, Reece Williams, Daniel Horsfield, Michael Ashton, Patrick O’Leary, Liam O’Leary, Liam Hamre
Scorers:Tries—Reece Williams, Daniel Horsfield, Dale Mulligan, Liam O’Leary, Corey Hanson (3), Patrick O’Leary
Conversions: Ryan Matthews (2), Corey Hanson
Man of the Match; Reece Williams. 3,2,1: Liam O’Leary, Josh Barton, Corey Hanson
 

WIBSEY U15’s 16, Hillsborough Hawks 20 (after Extra Time) ...24th September 2006

West Riding Youth Cup

The game was played in impeccable fashion as both sides displayed a level of skill and endeavour that would put many a professional side to shame. Hawks put the opposition under intense pressure for the first ten minutes as Daniel Horsfield and Joshua Barton were both held-up just short of the line. Wibsey did well to keep the Hawks at bay and their resolve was rewarded on the twelfth minute when they broke the Hawks defensive line to score under the posts. Many teams would have been demoralised by dominating the play only to find themselves 6:0 down, however the Hawks are made of sterner stuff. Within five minutes a nicely placed kick from Ryan Matthews put the opposition defence under pressure on their ten yard line as a knock-on gave Hawks good possession. A drive from Barton and a quick ball out to Reece Williams who took advantage of the gaps to run in by the uprights. Matthews took the additional two points to level the score. Hawks players, with just the one sub to interchange were working hard against a seventeen man Wibsey squad and their commitment was exemplified by a big try-saving tackle from Simon Town taking the teams in level 6:6 at half time.

Hawks started the second half at breakneck speed taking the game to Wibsey. Matthews put the defence under pressure with a bomb into the corner with Richard Spink forcing the fullback to kick the ball death. From the resulting drop-out Liam O’Leary drove the ball in from the half way line. Two more drives and Hawks were back on the Wibsey 20 yard line; Matthew’s saw the opportunity to put in another perfectly executed kick into the corner for Liam O’Leary to use every inch of his 6 foot 3 inch frame to rise like the Eiffel Tower, clutch the ball and give the Hawks a well deserved lead. HAWKS WERE FLYING. From the restart Hawks pressure forced Wisbey into a penalty on their 20 yard line and Williams collected the tap at pace to surge through the defensive line for his second try of the game. The conversion gave Hawks a 16 to 6 lead. To their credit Wibsey were by no means beaten and they came back with assured purpose running-in two unconverted tries to trail by two points with ten minutes left on the clock. Great defensive work from Patrick O’Leary, Thomas Haycox and Liam Hamre kept the talented Wibsey team at bay. With three minutes of normal time remaining Wibsey break through and go over in the corner, but pressure from wingers Michael Ashton and Jack Ward force a knock on. Hawks had the game won until unbelievably, in the SEVENTH minute of ‘injury’ time a dubious penalty for a voluntary tackle was awarded to Wibsey in front of the posts 25 yard out. With nerves of steel the Wibsey kicker put the ball safely through the middle of the uprights and took the game into 5 minutes each way of extra time.

Both sides kept up the intensity in a nail-biting period of extra time with defensive work rate, guts and determination snuffing out any attack. The second period of extra time continued with no break in the deadlock. Into the LAST MINUTE and Hawks get into the opposition half with quick ball from hooker Jono Burns’ Hawks half back Adam Brook attacks the defensive line with Liam O’Leary and Spink supporting on the outside. Brook dummies the wide pass, Liam offers the inside run taking the defence with him and Brook finds Spink in space on the wing. With his pace and strength Spink, playing his first game in a Hawks shirt, touched down in the corner under a pile of desperate defenders. Celebrations start as the only threat to victory is the referees watch. Thankfully, on the restart the final whistle is blown, and the BEST match that I have seen from a Hawks team is settled. Wibsey 16, Hawks 20

It must be said that it does take two teams to make a great match and Wibsey more than played their part. The sportsmanship shown by both teams during and after the game is a credit to their clubs and makes getting up for a 9.00 am meet on a misty Sunday morning an absolute pleasure.

Man of the Match: Liam O’Leary (not stop action-man, spectacular try and top tackler!)

3,2,1 (points awarded for outstanding performance) – ALL OF THE TEAM AWARDED 2 POINTS EACH

Hawks: Liam Hamre, Jack Ward, Michael Ashton, Patrick O’Leary, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Josh Barton, Jono Burns, Simon Town, Reece Williams, Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Liam O’Leary, Richard Spink
Scorers: Tries; Reece Williams (2), Liam O’Leary, Richard Spink.Goals: Ryan Matthews (2)
 

Great praise and thanks:

My name is Michael Hirst from Wibsey Juniors U15's. We played your under 15's side on Sunday in the West riding cup at Northfield road (our home ground).As head coach of Wibsey juniors under 15's i would like to commend your parents / coaching staff  and most of all your players on what was one of the best rugby league games i have been involved in whilst coaching at Wibsey. The way that everyone associated with your club handled themselves (in what i think all your team will agree) was a very nail biting affair makes it worthwhile to be involved in our great game.All my parents / staff and players would like to say a big thanks for making the day such a memorable one and they can't wait for the next time we play. On a personal note could you firstly pass my thanks onto Rob and his staff for their conduct both on and off the pitch (exemplary) to the parents the same ( we all get a little het up in these kind of matches) but lastly to your players.....they were outstanding. it is rare that in our league you come across the kind of lads that I  witnessed on Sunday, both sets off players were phenomenal ( yours more so ) as you were the away side.Could you please say a massive massive thank you to everyone and I hope they enjoyed their day at Wibsey and I wish you success in the remaining rounds of the competition.

Cheers Michael Hirst Under 15's head coach.
 

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West Bowling U15 6 Hillsborough Hawks  U15 25

West Riding Youth Cup

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Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks U15's (4) 14 Hull Wyke U15s (8) 32 (Hull-West Riding Cup)...22nd October 2006

are pleased to Sponsor Hillsborough Hawks U15s v Wyke

Hawks U15's came up against a powerful Hull Wyke team in a thrilling cup encounter at Hillsborough Arena. Hawks Man of the Match, Richard Spink put-in a stirling defensive performance as the Hawks finished the first half the stronger team but still six point downs. Early in the second half Corey Hanson brought the Hawks to within two points as he collected a nicely weighted chip through from Adam Brook. However Hull's greater experience saw them take control of the game as they ran-in three quick tries. Hawks fought back with tries through Reece Williams and Liam O'Leary and in the last ten minutes the game could have gone either way. The rub of the green, and a few refereeing decisions, went Hulls way and they were good enough to take full advantage as Hawks went down bravely to a 14:32 defeat.

Our boys must remember this was one of the BEST teams in the Hull league who have been playing at a high level for a number of years. The Hull coach was very complimentary about the way we played so I think we can take heart in our performance after all for the majority of our team this is only the second season that they have been playing rugby league.

West Riding Cup

Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks U15s (22) 34, Brighouse U15s (8) 8 .....,29th October 2006

Match Gallery ................. CLICK HERE

A Hawks victory was never in doubt as Liam O'Leary and then Corey Hanson cut through the Brighouse defence in the opening five minutes to secure a 16 points to nil lead. Hanson went onto bag a four-try haul (and two conversions) with Man of the Match, Richard Spink, using his pace to complete the Hawks try scoring. Ryan Matthews put-in a perfect kicking game with three out three converted.

The whole story..................

Hawks stamped their authority on this game from the opening whistle. With just two minutes on the clock, Brighouse were desperately trying to get out of their own twenty when they made one pass too many and Richard Spink neatly intercepted to open the scoring. Within five minutes Corey Hanson added two further tries both bursting through a ragged defence from the half way line. At 16 to nil to the good and with Brighouse struggling to gain possession in the Hawks half the home team switched off and sank into a scrappy period of play gifting the initiative back to the opposition. Brighouse exploited the lack of focus in the Hawks play as they came back with two well worked tries in the corner to half the deficit. Hawks had to pull together as a team to get the match back on track and with a renewed vigour they re-established control before the interval as Corey Hanson picked-up a loose ball to score under the posts.

 HT:-Hillsborough 22 Brighouse 8

The second half was a messy affair as Hawks nearly got suckered into silly hand bag ‘macho-boy’ stuff. It was an effective stale mate for the first quarter of an hour as several penalties interrupted any flow and tempers were stretched on both sides. On a personal note I must say that I thought the Hawks team did tremendously well to maintain a high level of discipline under some trying circumstances. The rugby seemed to improve when the aggressive noises from pitch-side finally died down following positive action from the referee. Liam O’Leary made the break through in the second half as he stormed through from the Brighouse 20 yard line. Hanson finished off the game with his fourth try of the game. With Ryan Matthews putting-in a perfect kicking performance (3 out of 3) and Hanson converting two of his tries Hawks ran-out comfortable winners, 34 to 8 and progress to the later rounds of the West Riding League Cup.

Grant Ripley put in a fine performance in his first game at this level and we expect some big things in the future from the likeable little lad from Ecclesfield.

 Man of the Match   Richard Spink

 3,2,1   Ryan Matthews, Thomas Haycox, Adam Brook,

Hawks: Liam Hamre, Michael Ashton, Patrick O’Leary, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Grant Ripley, Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Liam O’Leary, Corey Hanson, Richard Spink, Jack Ward

Scorers: Tries: Richard Spink, Liam O’Leary, Corey Hanson (4) : Goals: Corey Hanson (2), Ryan Matthews (3)

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Queens Knights U15s (6) 6, Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks U15s (10) 26.... 5th November 2006

 Playing uphill in the first half with the grass up to the managers knees; this was going to be a tough 25 minutes (well 35 as it turned put). Thankfully, Hawks took command in their first set of six as Patrick O’Leary made significant ground up the middle to set up good field position. Three tackles latter and Corey Hanson used his pace to cut through the defence to open the scoring in the corner. Ryan Matthews doing superbly well to convert. Hawks had the ascendancy and were putting the opposition defence under intense pressure as Hanson again took the team to with two yards; Jono moved in quickly to scoot for his first try of the season. Whether it was Hawks relaxing or just the severe slope taking its toll, Queens Knights started to come back into the game and had Hawks on the back foot for the remainder of the half. The opposition seemed to get an additional boost when Hanson went off injured. On the 25^th minute a smart cross field kick into the Hawks in-goal had the defence in turmoil as the opposition grounded the ball for a converted try. Hawks were put under intense pressure and required big defence from Daniel Horsfield and debutante, Damien McColl during the ten minutes of injury time to retain a lead at half time. 6 : 10 to the Hawks.

Hawks went out in the second period determined to pin Queens Knights back in their own half. Both teams were putting-in the hard work with Tom Haycox leading the way with numerous monster tackles. After ten minutes O’Leary found the space to penetrate deep into the opposition half and Daniel Horsfield was on hand to take advantage of the disorganised defence to open the second half scoring (Matthews converting). Five minutes latter and Matthews puts in a high kick to the corner where Adam Brook and Liam Hamre fought each other for the honour of the try; Liam Hamre’s hands got the verdict. Queens Knight were finding it hard to run the ball out of their half and were limited to a couple of minor breaks and a few kicks into the Hawks territory. In the tackle Hawks did well, but as a defensive unit there was a distinct lack of unity across the line (looks like its back to basics at training!). Hawks finished the match in real style as the second debutante, Romone Robinson, picked up the ball in his own half and sped away down the slope leaving defenders in his wake; under the posts, a bow to the crowd and a try on his debut. With Matthews’ third conversion Hawks ran out winners by a clear 20 points.  

Hawks Man of the Match: Romone Robinson

3,2,1   Patrick O’Leary, Thomas Haycox, Daniel Horsfield

Hawks: Liam Hamre, Michael Ashton, Patrick O’Leary, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Grant Ripley, Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Corey Hanson, Jack Ward, Simon Town, Reece Williams, Damien McColl, Romone Robinson

Scorers: Tries: Corey Hanson, Jono Burns, Daniel Horsfield, Liam Hamre, Romone Robinson: Conversions: Ryan Matthews (3)

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 Hillsborough Hawks U15's (38) 56, Wyke U15's  (6) 6  12th November 2006

 Hawks dominated the first half playing despite playing into a strong wind. On the fourth minute Romone Robinson took the ball-in from 30 yards out and jinked through the tackles to open the scoring in the corner. From the restart Hawks kept Wyke pinned into their own 20 yard line and a nice training ground move from Jono Burns released Thomas Haycox for a well executed try converted by Ryan Matthews. Hawks were hungry for tries and Reece Williams was put through a gap by Adam Brook stretching the lead to 16 to nil. It was not until the 20th minute that Wyke ventured into the Hawks half, but they did so in style as they kicked a loose ball deep behind the  advancing Hawks and won the foot race to score under the posts. This galvanised the Hawks into action as they ran-in four tries in the space of five minutes. Liam O’Leary powered over from 20 yards and then Corey Hanson’s pace took him round the defence to score in the corner. From the restart Richard Spink was first to the bouncing ball and quickly fed Liam O’Leary to complete his brace. Spink finished the half with a fine try as Liam O’Leary returned the compliment with a neat passing move.

Half time Hawks 38  Wyke 6.

With the wind at their backs Hawks were confident of running up a big score. However, Wyke showed great spirit as the defence withstood the initial pounding. After 10 minutes the constant pressure finally took its toll as Williams collected his second try of the game. Five minutes latter and Hanson cut through the heart of the defence to score under the posts. At 50:6 most teams would have thrown in the towel, but all credit to the Wyke team as they took the game to the Hawks and spent a good 5 minutes camped on the try line. Only desperate defence kept Wyke from scoring a deserved second try. Once the storm had been weathered it was back to Mr consistency, Daniel Horsfield, to restore the Hawks confidence as he muscled his way through the tiring opposition for Hawks tenth and final try of the game. With Man-of-the-Match Ryan Matthews putting-in a tremendous kicking performance converting eight out of ten, Hawks ran-out 56 to 6, winners.

 Our thanks to John Champion of Chapeltown Electrical Services for their kind sponsorship

(It’s much better than that round ball game John!).

 Hawks Man of the Match: Ryan Matthews

3,2,1   Romone Robinson, Daniel Horsfield, Corey Hanson

Hawks: Liam Hamre, Michael Ashton, Patrick O’Leary, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Corey Hanson, Jack Ward, Simon Town, Reece Williams, Richard Spink, Romone Robinson, Liam O’Leary, Josh Barton

Scorers: Tries: Romone Robinson, Thomas Haycox, Reece Williams (2), Liam O’Leary (2), Corey Hanson (2), Richard Spink, Daniel Horsfield: Conversions: Ryan Matthews (8)

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Hillsborough Hawks U15's (12) 34, Keighley U15's (0) 0 .....19th November 2006

After a close first half Hawks led by two Reece Williams tries (both converted by Ryan Matthews). In the second half Hawks totally dominated the opposition as Man-of-the-match Reece Williams completed his hat-trick and further tries from Daniel Horsfield, Liam O'Leary and Corey Hanson completed a much deserved 34:0 victory. That's seven league win's on the trot for the powerful Hawks U15's squad.
 

The long awaited "long" report.....

Hillsborough Hawks (12) 34, Keighley (0) 0 

In the first five minutes both defences were dominant and it looked like this was going to be a close low scoring game. Keighley’s defence of their goal line was impeccable with some big hits stopping both Liam O’Leary and then Corey Hanson just short of the line. On five minutes Reece Williams diagonal run from 20 yards out broke the tight line and opened the scoring under the posts. Ryan Matthews converted. The next fifteen minutes saw both sides exchange possession on a wet slippery surface where every yard had to be earned. On twenty minutes, after some consistent Hawks pressure, Williams was again released to go over out wide; Matthews comfortably converting to give Hawks a well earned twelve point lead. This seemed to give the home team that extra touch of confidence as they started to try and use the ball; an excellent cross field passing movement saw Liam Hamre go close in the corner as the Hawks finished the half on top. Although Keighley always looked strong and dangerous they had not had possession in the Hawks twenty. Half time Hawks 12, Keighley 0.

Like the first half big defences kept the ball out of any dangerous areas with most of the play being kept between the opposition’s twenty and the halfway line. Hawks grabbed their first sniff of try when a penalty on the Keighley twenty yard line was popped to the rampant Williams to complete his hat-trick in the corner. Hanson’s big boot converting superbly. With an eighteen point advantage Hawk’s confidence was high and they never let Keighley get back into their stride, constantly keeping them penned into their own half. The territorial dominance was bound to be converted into more points and in the last seven minutes first Daniel Horsfield burst through with power and pace under the sticks, followed by a Liam O’Leary try as his cross field run finding the gap out wide. Hanson finally got on the score sheet with the final play of the game as he cut back inside the drifting defence. Keighley were always game and put in some great defensive work throughout, however Hawks on the day, were too powerful and ran-out deserved winners.

 The game was played in excellent spirit and both teams should be congratulated for their attitude both on and off the pitch.

 Hawks Man of the Match: Reece Williams : 3,2,1:   Patrick O’Leary, Adam Brook, Michael Ashton

Hawks: Liam Hamre, Michael Ashton, Patrick O’Leary, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Corey Hanson, Jack Ward, Simon Town, Reece Williams, Damien McColl, Romone Robinson, Liam O’Leary, Richard Spink

Scorers: Tries:Reece Williams (3), Daniel Horsfield, Liam O’Leary, Corey Hanson. Goals: Ryan Matthews (3), Corey Hanson (2)

 Grant Ripley (unavailable), Josh Barton (injured knee), Dale Mulligan (broken thumb)

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West Riding Cup - Semi Final

Hillsborough Hawks U15's(6) 22, Queensbury U15's (0) 6 ...26th November

 

Ryan Matthews opened the scoring as Hawks overcame a hard working Queensbury team. Man of the Match, Jack Ward put in some tremendous tackles before having to be carried off the pitch with an extremely painful knee injury. Second half tries from Patrick O'Leary, Corey Hanson and Liam O'Leary made sure that the Hawks U15's booked their place in the final.

The full report:

With a cup final place at stake this was always going to be a close encounter with both sides desperate for victory. Hawk’s early pressure pushed Queensbury deep into their own half but a combination of excellent defensive work and some poor attacking play kept the scores blank. When Queensbury were in possession they played some neat and tidy rugby with quick hands moving the ball out to the wings. However their efforts were constantly snuffed out by wingers Jack Ward and Michael Ashton who both put in impressive defensive performances. Hawks eventually broke the deadlock as Ryan Matthews picked up the ball ten yards short of the line and with a smart diagonal run he bust the solid Queensbury defence for a try out wide. Corey Hanson neatly converted. As the half drew near to a close, Jack Ward went down with a serious knee injury making spectators wince with pain; thankfully he returned from hospital (just in time for the after match FOOD – how typical!) with knee well braced and a smile on his face. Hawks went into half time with a slender 6:0 lead.

Hawks came out for the second period desperate to impose their game on Queensbury. But the team constantly relied on the big drives and didn’t use the ball smartly enough to create any real momentum or penetration. Having said that, the Queensbury team deserve immense credit for a solid defence that never gave an inch. Hawks eventually made their possession pay as Patrick O’Leary saw a gap from five yards out and diving over the last defender grounded the ball by the posts (Matthews converting). With a couple of scores ahead Hawks tried to use the ball more but still the flowing moves were just not clicking. It took a typical run from Corey Hanson to break the oppositions defence with a try out wide. At 16 :0 we all expected the home team to go onto finish with a comfortable victory, but this Queensbury team were full of vigour and they came at Hawks with purpose, intent on making a match of it. Hawks were put under intense pressure as Queensbury pulled the defence left then right, eventually creating the gap for a well worked converted try. Queensbury started to believe that they could win the game as Hawks scrambled in defence to keep them at bay. Hawks weathered the storm and when Liam O’Leary surged through for a final converted try Hawks knew they were safely through to their first ever CUP FINAL.

The Hawks victory was well deserved although the 22:6 score-line was flattering as Queensbury left with nothing but praise and a great deal of pride.

Again we saw a game played in excellent spirit and the referee should be congratulated for his part in an enthralling game.

Hawks Man of the Match: Jack Ward: 3,2,1:   Ryan Matthews, Grant Ripley, Michael Ashton

Hawks: Liam Hamre, Michael Ashton, Patrick O’Leary, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Corey Hanson, Jack Ward, Simon Town, Damien McColl, Romone Robinson, Liam O’Leary, Richard Spink

Scorers: Tries:Ryan Matthews, Patrick O’Leary, Corey Hanson, Liam O’Leary: Conversions: Ryan Matthews (2), Corey Hanson

Not available: Josh Barton (injured knee), Dale Mulligan (broken thumb), Reece Williams (Eye infection)

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West Riding League 

Hawks claim their eighth league win on the trot with a physically bruising 10:4 victory away to Clayton

Clayton U15's (0) 4, Hillsborough Hawks U15's  (10) 10 ..3rd December

With a heavy muddy pitch and a freezing wind gusting straight down the ground, both teams had to battle against the elements as well as compete with each other; and compete they certainly did. Right from the first whistle with the wind at their backs Hawks penned Clayton back into their own half and after three minutes Hawks made the initial breakthrough as Ryan Matthews found a gap through the formidable defence to score out wide. Matthews, used the wind perfectly to slide the ball through the middle of the posts to take the additional two points. With a slippery ball it was always a struggle to get any ‘moves-on’ in the middle of park and neither team gave the opposition an inch with both defences quickly up to the gain line stemming any progressive rugby. For the next 20 minutes the game was dominated by the solid defensive play and a naturally a number of mistakes crept in as the conditions started to worsen. Just before half time, a bit of class shone out of the gloom as Adam Brook attacked the Clayton twenty yard line and put-in a perfectly weighted chip into the corner for Corey Hanson to take on the full without breaking his stride; a superb try in the corner. Hawks went into the break with a 10:0 lead.

The second half saw Hawks playing directly into the strengthening wind, so it was always going to be a battle defending their first half margin. Clayton put Hawks under pressure and after seven minutes they were rewarded with an unconverted try in the corner. With a six point margin both teams could have gone onto win the game. Big tackles from Thomas Haycox and Daniel Horsfield along with a superb display by full back Liam Hamre, kept a spirited Clayton team at bay. Apart form the single try, Clayton never looked like getting within the Hawks twenty. Most of the second half was a forgettable stalemate as the game became bogged down in the middle third of the pitch. Patrick O’Leary was unfortunate to receive a red card for his immediate reaction to a kick at play the ball, although it must be said that the discipline shown by the TEAM was an example for ALL. Hawks dogged second half performance ensured that they extended their winning league run to eight on the trot. With Wibsey and Newsome, both at home before Christmas, this U15 squad could have much to celebrate.

Hawks Man of the Match: Adam Brook : 3,2,1:   Liam Hamre, Thomas Haycox, Daniel Horsfield

Hawks: Liam Hamre, Michael Ashton, Patrick O’Leary, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Corey Hanson, Simon Town, Damien McColl, Liam O’Leary, Grant Ripley

Scorers: Tries: Ryan Matthews, Corey Hanson: Conversions: Ryan Matthews  

Not available: - Josh Barton (injured knee), Dale Mulligan (broken thumb), Reece Williams (sickness), Romone Robinson (sickness), Jack Ward (knee), Richard Spink (unavailable)

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Hillsborough Hawks (4) 5, Wibsey (0) 4...10th December 2006

Match Gallery can be seen HERE
 

A superb game of hard hitting rugby with both teams giving an outstanding display of skill and controlled aggression. Hawks weathered the early pressure and soon started to gain the upper as every member of the Hawks squad put-in the big tackles and ran the ball-in hard. With both defences on top it took a bit of quick thinking to break the deadlock; on the 20th minute Jono Burns spotted a gap to scoot through for a try in the corner. Wibsey struck back midway through the second half to level the scores and there followed a pulsating period of intense rugby. With two minutes left on the clock man-of-the-match, Corey Hanson, looked up at the uprights from 30 yards out and calmly struck a perfect drop kick through the middle to seal a one point victory. Credit must be given to both teams as this tough match was played in quite an outstanding spirit that was a credit to both clubs.

The full story:

This table topping clash was always going to be a close affair judging by the early season cup game that Hawks won in the final minute of extra time. Wibsey had the better of the early play as they tried to impose their game on the Hawks, keeping them penned into their own twenty. Hawks manfully withstood the opening five minutes of pressure and a commanding run from Liam O’Leary took the play deep into the opposition territory. Reece Williams was held up just short of the line and then a deft kick into the corner only just evaded the grasp of the Hawks winger Michael Ashton. Big Hawks tackling from Thomas Haycox, Daniel Horsfield and Grant Ripley kept Wibsey under the cosh, but the Wibsey defence was equally solid as Hawks could not find an opening. It took a bit of quick thinking on the twentieth minute to break the deadlock as Jono Burns spotted a gap to dart through and score out wide. Hawks went into the break with a slender four points to nil lead.

 Wibsey came out for the second half desperate to put points on the board, but again some excellent defensive work from Romone Robinson, Damien McColl and Simon Town kept the play out of the Hawks danger zone. In attack, Hawks half backs Ryan Matthews and Adam Brook were quick in getting the ball through their hands out to the speedy Richard Spink, but his efforts were snuffed out by the hard working Wibsey defence. Midway through the second half Wibsey chipped over the defence and got the break with a kick and chase to score in the corner levelling the score at four all. This seemed to spur the Hawks team on, determined to keep their winning league run going, they attacked with purpose through Patrick O’Leary and Liam Hamre darting into the oppositions twenty. The break through came as ten yards out a well timed pass out to the wing saw Hawks cross the line only for the referee to call a forward pass. Hawks maintained their discipline and kept the pressure on the Wibsey defence as they probed for any weakness. Wibsey were by no means out of the game and they had several breaks into the Hawks half as the tension mounted and the game went into the last two minutes. Hawks again attacked the strong Wibsey defence; the ball came out to Corey Hanson, thirty yards out and just to the right of the sticks, a quick look up from Hanson and a perfectly executed drop goal gave the Hawks the one point victory. Hawks 5, Wibsey 4.

A fantastic display of fully committed rugby from both sides played in impeccably good spirit. The respect that the teams had for reach other was evident during and after the match and any neutral would have to say that neither team deserved to loose.

 Hawks Man of the Match: Corey Hanson : 3,2,1:   Jono Burns, Grant Ripley, Romone Robinson

Hawks: Liam Hamre, Michael Ashton, Patrick O’Leary, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Corey Hanson, Simon Town, Damien McColl, Liam O’Leary, Grant Ripley, Reece Williams, Romone Robinson, Richard Spink

Scorers: Tries:Ryan Matthews, Corey Hanson : Conversions: Ryan Matthews  

Not available: Josh Barton (injured knee), Dale Mulligan (broken thumb), Jack Ward (knee)

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Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks U15's (4) 10 Newsome U15's (18) 20 ..... 17th December 2006

Queensbury U15's (10) 12 Hillsborough Hawks U15's (8) 8 ....... 7th January 2007
 

Queensbury just deserved to take both points as Hawks failed to break down their well organised defence. Tries from Corey Hanson and Richard Spink were all that the Hawks could muster despite all the efforts of Man of the Match, Daniel Horsfield who worked tirelessly throughout.

The full report:

West Riding League : Queensbury (10) 12, Hillsborough Hawks (0) 8

Turkey breast, roast potatoes, mince pies, late night parties, long lie-ins, nice warm beds……...seven minutes gone and Queensbury are 10 : 0 up with Hawks still on their Christmas holidays. When will these lads wake-up!

It took a good ten minutes before the Hawks started to take some interest in the game, although Queensbury deserve credit for coming out of the blocks with all guns blazing. In the first serious attacking phase, on twelve minutes, Hawks kept the ball alive on the Queensbury 20 yard line from where Corey Hanson attacked, jinking across the field to score out wide bringing the score to 10:4.  

Now that Hawks had a taste for the action they started to put some possession together and some fine passing from Adam Brook in the centre of the park found Richard Spink with space to exploit as he goes over for the Hawks second. Liam Hamre had to make a try saving last man tackle as Queensbury got free on a breakaway taking the half time scores in at Queensbury 10, Hawks 8. 

The second half started even with both side putting in some good attacking sets; Queensbury consistently used the ball quicker compared to Hawks more laboured approach. Queensbury put Hawks under pressure on their twenty yard line and were fortunate to draw a penalty for a high tackle (as if Jono could ever reach someone’s head!). Queensbury took the two points on offer.

 Hawks just needed a converted try to take the game and they went all out to get the vital score. After excellent drives from Daniel Horsfield and Reece Williams, Jono scooted over in front of the posts, game won! For some reason the try was disallowed and Hawks had to win back possession yet again. Hawks were putting Queensbury under relentless pressure when the ball came out to Hanson on the half way line; he burst past the defensive line only for the full back and the retreating defence to stop him just inches short of the line. Queensbury’s defence stood strong in the final five minutes against desperate attacks from the Hawks.  Final score Queensbury 12, Hawks 8.  

Queensbury deserved the victory for their quick start to the game, quick play the ball and quick into the tackle. Hawks shouldn’t be too downhearted, the effort, once they woke-up form the Christmas hangover, was always present but they just couldn’t execute the telling play on the day. 

Hawks Man of the Match: Daniel Horsfield : 3,2,1:   Thomas Haycox, Liam Hamre, Simon Town

Hawks: Liam Hamre, Michael Ashton, Patrick O’Leary, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Corey Hanson, Simon Town, Damien McColl, Grant Ripley, Reece Williams, Jack Ward, Richard Spink, Dale Mulligan

Scorers: Tries: Corey Hanson, Richard Spink : Conversions: none  

 Not available: Josh Barton, Romone Robinson, Liam O’Leary

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Brighouse U15's (0) 0, Hillsborough Hawks U15's (8) 24 .... 21st January 2007

On a mud wrestler’s pitch both sides displayed commendable skill as they tried to overcome the elements as well as each other. The first opposition tackle of the game saw knees into the face of the Hawks attacker; the lack of action by the referee would be indicative of his own very personal approach to the game. Hawks soon got on top as they dominated the middle of the park with Thomas Haycox, Grant Ripley and Daniel Horsfield leading the way in both defence and attack. On six minutes Reece Williams saw half a gap and took full advantage to end just yards short in the far corner. Hawks used the ball well pulling across the full width of the pitch to the opposite centre, Corey Hanson to score an unconverted try in the bottom corner. Hawks continued to dominate possession, although it was by no means easy as every yard was well won and every contact was full of intent. Debutante, Lewis Abakadwicz made an outstanding first impression with some impressive drives and good defensive work. Just before the half time whistle Hawks were rewarded with their second try of the game when Adam Brook spotted a gap following a penalty tap on Brighouse’s 10 yard line; brook darted through to score out wide. Half time, Hawks lead 8 : 0.

In the second half Hawks had the advantage of the slope and they continued to impress as Simon Town took on six opposition players and still wouldn’t go down. After two minutes Hawks got the ball out wide for Hanson to go over in the corner. Hawks kept the pressure on as they pulled the ball out to the opposite wing for Williams to score on the fifth minute. Brighouse were looking a beaten side as a kick through saw Richard Spink first to dive on the ball; the full body and ball imprint on the ground confirmed it was a good try half a yard inside the in-goal line. Ten minutes of the second half gone and Hawks were looking good with excellent decision making on when to drive and when to use the line with some slick passing. Half way through the second half and Hawks further extend their lead as Liam O’Leary breaks from the back of the scum on the twenty yard line, drifting out wide before darting through for the line. Hawks were looking for more tries but unfortunately the game was cut short following a ‘bit of a kerfuffle’ resulting in Hawks getting two red and one yellow card (Brighouse got one  yellow).

A disappointing end to a game where Hawks had imposed their game on the opposition with big tackles, good technique and an impressive team spirit. 

Hawks Man of the Match: Grant Ripley : 3,2,1:   Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Adam Brook

Hawks: Liam Hamre, Michael Ashton, Liam O’Leary, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Daniel Horsfield, Thomas Haycox, Corey Hanson, Simon Town, Grant Ripley, Reece Williams, Jack Ward, Richard Spink, Lewis Abakadwicz

Scorers: Tries: Corey Hanson (2), Adam Brook, Reece Williams, Richard Spink, Liam O’Leary