Queens Knights 18 SHEFFIELD HILLSBOROUGH HAWKS 32 - 25th September

Hawks U14’s travelled to Leeds to play an under strength 10-man Queens Knights side and were still on the coach when Knights took an unexpected 4 point lead after 3 minutes. From the restart a good take from Nathan Wood released Daniel Horsfield who ran 50 metres to score under post (converted by Ryan Matthews). After further good defensive work, Hawks went further ahead with another try from Horsfield with Matthews again converting. After 13 minutes some excellent attacking play finished with Thomas Haycox scoring in the corner. Despite their lack of numbers Queens Knights never gave up and their efforts were rewarded with another try before half time. 8-16 in favour the Hawks. The second half saw Hawks with the down hill advantage. A good restart from Matthews gave Hawks a scrum on the right but after some confusing referring decisions Queens Knights gained possession and with Hawks ineffective tackling they quickly drove up the pitch to score a converted try. Within 2 minutes Hawks were on the score sheet again with some powerful drives down the middle from the impressive Simon Town and Daniel Wilson finally releasing Jack Ward on the left to score in the corner. However some more sloppy play saw the Knights score again; Hawks were now making hard work down the slope against 10 men. Nerves were soon settled when Adam Mulligan safely took a high ball to set up a good period of attacking play. Knights, under pressure again had to kick long and high to clear their lines, but Jack Ward  comfortably caught the ‘snow covered ball’ on the full and released Jono Burns to run 40 yards and score under the posts. The confident Matthews, coolly converting. Hawks were now controlling the game with some big hits from Adam Brook, Craig Watson and Haycox. Debutant, Martin Culf put in a great performance and a good move out of the scrum saw Burns go over in the right hand corner. With the last kick of the game from the touchline Matthews converted with pinpoint accuracy. Joe Bell and Cory Vivian worked tirelessly throughout and Liam Hamre was always a potential threat with his penetrating runs.

Man of the Match went to Jono Burns with Thomas Haycox, Jack Ward, Nathan Wood in close contention.

TEAM:Cory Vivian, Joe Bell, Daniel Horsfield, Adam Mulligan, Adam Brook,, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Simon Town, Thomas Haycox, Liam Hamre, Craig Watson, Martin Culf, Jack Ward, Daniel Wilson.

Overall it was a frustrating performance from the Hawks, as some poor defensive work gave Queens Knights too much space and encouragement. However, some of the ball handling and attacking plays were excellent. The boys also did well to work as a team and encourage each other throughout.

Report by Simon Matthews

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SHEFFIELD HILLSBOROUGH HAWKS U14s 4 Illingworth 24....Sunday 2nd October

Overexcited, loud, aggressive and a touch abusive; well that just about describes the supporters (on both sides of the pitch) but what about the match?

On the pitch the Hawks displayed far better discipline than the adults on the touchline. Despite constant foul play, with several punches on the blind side of the referee, the 14-strong Hawks squad never backed down and rarely let the intimidation get the better of them. After five minutes Illingworth had powered and battered their way through the Hawks defence to score a converted try. For the next 20 minutes the Hawks matched Illingworth, in terms of rugby skill and endeavour, but were consistently hampered by the oppositions ‘spoiling tactics’ both in defence (interference at marker) and in attack (sly punches after the tackle was made). Hawks big running centres, Dale Mulligan and Daniel Horsfield, were soon targeted for ‘special’ attention as Illingworth tried to pummel the Hawks into submission. In a bad tempered half, Illingworth were fortunate to run-in a further try in the corner, to go into the break with a 10 points to nil lead.

After a half time pep talk Hawks came out with all guns blazing. Adam Brook turned the Illingworth defence with intelligent kicking and good Hawks tackling kept the opposition under pressure. Hawks were soon rewarded for their hard work when Mulligan took-on a disorganised defence muscling through five or six tacklers to finally stretch out to score in the corner. At 4:10 both teams were capable of going on to win the match as neither side gave an inch. Hawks were driven on by Thomas Haycox down the middle and some fine work from Jack Ward on the wing and Daniel Horsfield was always a threat with his brave strong runs. Eventually Illingworth’s intimidation finally got to the Hawks and there was a bit of retribution. The Hawks are an honest bunch of rugby players and their retaliation was rightly spotted and penalised by the ref. Illingworth took advantage as Hawks lost concentration running-in three tries (one converted) in the last five minutes. Final score 4 : 24

Man of the Match went to Dale Mulligan with Thomas Haycox, Adam Brook and Jack Ward in close contention.

TEAM: Cory Vivian, Joe Bell, Daniel Horsfield, Adam Brook, Dale Mulligan, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Simon Town, Thomas Haycox, Liam Hamre, Craig Watson, Jack Ward, Daniel Wilson, Nathan Wood

Managers Comment: In terms of teamwork, solidarity and guts this was a wonderful performance from the Hawks and when we meet at training they will get nothing but praise. The Hawks team also taught the supporters a lesson in discipline and sportsmanship.
 

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Charleston Knights 18 SHEFFIELD HILLSBOROUGH HAWKS U14s 20............9th October

(first round of the Yorkshire Cup)

HAWKS made the long trip to Hull on the east coast for this County cup clash with CHARLSTON KNIGHTS. The first 10 minutes was evenly contested with new signing JOSH BARTON quickly showing what he will bring to the team with some strong running, including a fine 30 metre drive. The HAWKS were not capitalising on this early pressure and failure to complete sets saw the KNIGHTS push forward. It was easy to see that all the plays were going through the tall number 13 who gained possession on the right and on 12 minutes went over for the first try of the game which was not converted.  The HAWKS were making basic errors playing one man rugby through the middle, not passing and repeatedly failing to make tackles. Their hard work at training on both tackling and passing had not been taken with them to Hull. On 19 minutes the KNIGHTS went in over under the post to for a second unconverted try to lead 8 – 0. This seemed to wake the HAWKS up and a good set of pressure saw them win a couple of scrums. The forwards were working well and the returning CORY HANSON was running hard. On 22 minutes a good run released JONO BURNS who went over just to the left of the post for a try converted by RYAN MATTHEWS. This gave the frustrated half a dozen travelling supporters hope and something to cheer about.

Half time 8 - 6.

The HAWKS started the second half with RYAN regaining possession with a fine drilled kick into touch just 25 metres from the line. However after a good set the HAWKS lost possession on the 5th and last and from the resulting scum on 29 minutes. The impressive KNIGHTS loose forward who was not bound in the scrum this went unnoticed by the referee and allowed him to break and run 40 meters unchallenged to score under the post. The try converted saw KNIGHTS lead 14 - 6. Some of the refereeing decisions had not pleased HAWKS most vocal supporter, but with a warning about crowd behaviour ringing in our ears, supporters kept their discipline. The HAWKS retained possession from the kick off and a break with good powerful running saw CORY HANSON go over in the left corner. The HAWKS had rattled the KNIGHTS who were loosing their discipline with a couple of fouls. Some good play on 35 minutes saw debutant JOSH collect the ball and run 25 metres to go over under the post leaving a simple conversion for RYAN. HAWKS lead for the first time 14 - 16. However the HAWKS were still making some basic errors. A knock-on saw another scrum with the KNIGHTS loose forward, again not even in the scrum, collect the ball gain a quick 25 metres leading directly to the KNIGHTS scoring an unconverted Try to regain the lead 18 - 16

(Hawks supporters very unhappy with these refereeing errors).

For the fist time in the match the HAWKS now appeared to be tackling with a bit of passion with some good hits from CORY HANSON and THOMAS HAYCOX. The KNIGHTS then won a scrum just over the half way line and yet again the loose forward was away this time he was hit low by RYAN supported by ADAM BROOK. This broke up the KNIGHTS attack and some quick play saw the impressive returning CORY HANSON collect the ball and run 20 metres down the left to go over in the corner. 18 -20 in the HAWKS favour. The referee had indicated 3 minutes to play with HAWKS in possession. But the Hawks made it a very long 180 seconds with some silly indiscipline gifting the ball back to the KNIGHTS. But the HAWKS defence held strong as the final whistle came to win 18 - 20.

The result was pleasing after the long trip east. Everyone in the team played their part. The forwards were strong. LIAM HAMRE constant running. Both wingers JOE BELL and NATHAN WOOD had good strong games. But it could be back to the tackle bags on Tuesday night. CORY HANSON was nominated Man of the Match by the opposition coaches.

Match Report by Simon Matthews

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Wyke U14s 0 SHEFFIELD HILLSBOROUGH HAWKS U14s 62....... 16th October

With only 3 minutes on the clock, the strong Hawks team imposed themselves on a weakened 11-man Wyke as Adam Brook scooted from 10-yards out to score under the posts. Ryan Matthews confidently converting. The Hawks next attacking play was copybook; two big drives from Simon Town and Josh Barton, then out to the powerful speed merchant, Corey Hanson, to burst through the defence for a further converted try. Hanson emphasised his physical dominance with a fine 40-yard solo run to score his second in the corner. Matthews secured the addition two points with a great strike through the sticks. Wyke, with precious little possession were up against a resolute Hawks defence with Thomas Haycox, and Liam Hamre particularly prominent. When Hawks won the ball they again used it well with three drives from Daniel Wilson, Craig Watson and Town giving Matthews the space to take the ball-in just short of the line; a quick play-the-ball and Cory Vivian cleverly scoots over the line for a further try. This was followed within minutes by a coach’s delight, as great offloading from Daniel Horsfield and support play from Brook freed-up Barton to score a wonderfully incisive converted try. Hawks had a Jack Ward try in the corner disallowed for a mysterious ‘forward pass’ but the Hawks ran-in two more tries before half time from Horsfield and Hanson (Matthews converting both). Hawks lead 40:0.

Wyke never stopped competing, but with the Hawks defence looking like a Panzer Division, they never succeeded in breaking the line. Even in possession Wyke were always under pressure and a loose Wyke pass on their own 20 yard line saw Jono Burns scoop-up the ball and finish under the posts. In attack, a neat chip kick from Brook saw Nathan Woods go over in the corner; however the referee again for ‘some reason?’ disallowed the score. Hawks were moving the ball well from the play-the-ball and Joe Bell made some great yardage from acting half back. The Hawks defence were comfortably containing Wyke and Hawks were eager to add more tries. The Hawks would not be denied as Brook ran-in two more tries, one a gift from Barton who went on to finish a fine display by scoring his second. Final score Wyke 0, HAWKS 62.

TRIES (11 tries spread between 6 players): Adam Brook 3, Corey Hanson 3, Josh Barton 2, Cory Vivian 1, Jono Burns 1, Daniel Horsfield 1: CONVERSIONS: Ryan Matthews 9 (out of a possible 11)

Man of the Match went to Josh Barton with Adam Brook, Thomas Haycox and Jack Ward in close contention.

TEAM: Cory Vivian, Joe Bell, Daniel Horsfield, Adam Brook, Josh Barton, Ryan Matthews, Corey Hanson, Jono Burns, Simon Town, Thomas Haycox, Liam Hamre, Craig Watson, Jack Ward, Daniel Wilson, Nathan Wood

Managers Comment: An excellent performance from the whole squad. Hawks are maturing into a strong cohesive unit and superb individual performances such as Corey Hanson with his strong runs and Ryan Matthews with 9 from 11 conversions almost go unnoticed as they become the expected standard.

Match Report by Rob Burns

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Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks U14s 8, Ideal Isberg U14s 44 .......23rd October
(2nd Round Yorkshire Cup)
Match played in true spirit of the sport…….

The match was played in an excellent spirit with both sides congratulating the officials

Hawks were under pressure from the big hard running Isberg props right from the kick off. Within five minutes the visitors from Hull, who were cup finalist two years ago, were ten points clear and starting to dominate in both offence and defence. When Hawks had the ball they were hit hard and fast by two or three Isberg players and possession was lost too cheaply. When Isberg had the ball they looked for their big number eight, who was bursting the defensive line at will and strolling-in for further scores. At 24:0 to the good, the Isberg defence was too eager and three consecutive offsides put the Hawks within striking distance. Thomas Haycox took the ball-in just short of the line for Jono Burns to scoot over to register a Hawks try.

Half time 28:4.

Unfortunately, this was not the classic 'game of two halves' as the second half followed the same pattern as the first with Isberg maintaining their dominance. Isberg ran-in four tries (two converted) before Hawks had a chance to get back into the game. At 44:4 down Hawks started to play some decent rugby with some fine drives from Daniel Wilson, Liam Hamre and Adam Brook. A period of sustained Hawks pressure saw Josh Barton go over the line, but great Isberg defence held him up. The Hawks danger man, Corey Hanson then got hold of the ball and ran the width of the pitch to score in the corner. Ryan Matthews and debutante, Kieran Howard, put in some copy book tackles as the Hawks defence improved and there was no further score.

Hawks Team: Cory Vivian, Jack Ward, Josh Barton, Nathan Wood, Kieran Howard, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Daniel Wilson, Thomas Haycox, Liam Hamre, Simon Town, Corey Hanson.

Hawks man of the match was awarded to Ryan Matthews for his quality tackling with Liam Hamre, Corey Hanson and Kieran Howard pushing him close.

Hawks Scorers: Tries: Jono Burns (1), Corey Hanson (1)

The match was played in an excellent spirit with both sides congratulating the officials (our thanks to John Furniss and his touch judges, Tracy Haycox and Steve Bell).

Match Report by Rob Burns

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Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks 20  Keighley Cougar Cubs 32 ...30th October 2005
(West Yorkshire League Cup)

Although Hawks put out an impressive squad of seventeen, nearly half of the side were playing their first season of rugby league, so this was always going to be a tough test for the Division One side against Premiership side Keighley.

Full praise for the large band of supporters for braving the teeming rain to come out of the distant cover and get pitch-side giving both sides a bit of vocal backing. Keighley didn't need too much encouragement and were quickly into attacking the Hawks defence, but some fine tackling from Connor Scott and Adam Brook kept them from driving through the middle. However Keighley were experienced enough to move the ball with pace and with Hawks unable to slide as a team, gaps were soon exposed and rightly exploited. Hawks found themselves ten points down and facing more Keighley pressure. However this Hawks team is full of big brave hearts, with Corey Hanson and Dale Mulligan putting-in numerous crunching tackles and taking the game back to Keighley. Keighley were now showing Hawks some well earned respect and were having to put-in some stout defensive themselves. Joshua Barton eventually made the Hawks possession count as he drove through the line to score in the corner. This sparked a bit of urgency into the Keighley play as they knew that they had a match on their hands. Again Keighley's experience shone through as they pulled the Hawks defence one way then drove through the open space to run-in two further tries taking a 20:4 lead. Against most teams that would have killed-off the game, but not the Hawks. Jono Burns found himself in his customary acting half back position a yard short of the line with only one objective in his mind - head straight for the big puddle on the goal line and swim for a try. Ryan Matthews comfortably converted to bring the Hawks to within 10 points of their opposition.

Half time: Hillsborough 10 Keighley 20

First blood in the second half went to Keighley as yet again the Hawks defence was sucked into the centre leaving the wings exposed for Keighley to score two tries out wide. Yet again Hawks kept their heads-up with Corey Hanson, Daniel Horsfield and the ever willing Dale always available to take the next ball-in. After gaining hard won ground, Hawks found themselves just short of the line and up pops Jono with another scoot from close range to grab his brace of tries. This lifted the Hawks and with Daniel driving under the posts for a converted try the Hawks believed that they could overcome the eight points deficit. Ding-dong, was this going to be a real cup climax. With no quarter asked and certainly no quarter given, both teams knew that the next score was crucial. It was hard, it was rough, it was raw, but then this is THE toughest sport on the planet; both teams gave their best with Keighley just getting the upper hand to finish with a final try.

Hawks Scorers: Tries, Josh Barton (1), Jono Burns (2) Daniel Horsfield (1) Goals: Ryan Matthews (2)

Hawks Man of the Match went to Dale Mulligan for his powerful display in both defence and attack. There were also notable performances from Corey Hanson, Jono Burns and Adam Brook. A special mention for two fine (and brave) debutantes, Connor Scott and Cameron Shone.

Hawks Team: Cory Vivian, Joe Bell, Jack Ward, Corey Hanson, Kieran Howard, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Simon Town, Tom Haycox, Liam Hamre, Connor Scott, Daniel Horsfield, Josh Barton, Dale Mulligan, Adam Mulligan, Cameron Shone.
 

From an entirely independent viewpoint, (my children are grown up and I just went to watch!!!) I was impressed with the commitment of a young Hawks team playing against a team a league above them and in 2nd place. The lads, and the coaches should be proud of the effort (and so should the parents). The Keighley team were not allowed to "run away" with the game and the future looks bright for the U14 squad. Keighley played a good game and deserved to win, but only just. (Editor)

Match Report by Rob Burns

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SHEFFIELD HILLSBOROUGH HAWKS U14s (16) 38 QUEENSBURY THORNTON U14 s (16) 28
 

In glorious sunshine Hawks took-on a team that they have never beaten and soon found themselves six points down as Queensbury broke a ragged defensive line to score under the posts. It took something special to get Hawks back on an even keel and Corey Hanson is exactly that, something special; ball in hand he burst through two tackles, shrugged off a third and sped the 75 yards to score a sublime try. Speed and power a lethal combination. Ryan Matthews converted with ease. Hawks defence still looked vulnerable though, and Queensbury knew just how to exploit the weakness jinking through the zig zag defensive line to breeze home for another score. Hawks soon replied with fine drives form the returning Edan Wallace and the hard working Daniel Horsfield setting up that man, Hanson, to run-in from 40 yards. Queensbury soon replied taking the score to 10:16. From the restart Adam Brook took the ball cleanly and together with debutante, Kane Bailey, they took Hawks deep in opposition territory. With Dale Mulligan and Thomas Haycox giving fine support Hawks found themselves just a yard short of the Queensbury try line. As all U14’s regulars know one yard is just about the full length of hooker, Jono Burns’ body, so everybody (apart from the Queensbury defence) knew that the next action was going to be SCOOT followed by TRY. With Matthew putting over his second conversion the teams went into half time at an honourable sixteen all. Hawks came out for the second half with more conviction and the absolute belief that they would win the game, but it was Queensbury who were first to put the points on the board taking a six point lead. After fine work from Simon Town (whose tackling was notable throughout the match) and Josh Barton, an anxious Queensbury defence strayed offside just 10 yards short of their own goal line. Brook popped the ball to Hanson who chose route one, straight through the heart of the defence to score under the posts. Conversion: Matthews - no problem. Hawks had their tails up and kept Queensbury on the back foot as Barton drove for the gaps wide in the defensive line; using all his strength and courage (ignoring a painful ankle) Barton surged through the hole to score out wide. Hawks were now dominating the play and setting-up camp in Queensbury territory. Connor Scott, Mulligan and Brook took Hawks to within half a yard of the line. Yes! SCOOT, TRY, another score for Burns. Hanson added a further try (his fourth of the match) to take Hawks into a 38:22 lead, having been 10:16 down. The last ten minutes saw Queensbury getting a second wind and taking the fight back to Hawks and they deservedly scored a superbly converted try in the corner. Further Queensbury pressure was met by a resolute Hawks defence, with Jack Ward putting his body where it hurts to ensure that Hawks secured a win. Appropriately it was Town who snuffed out the final attack with the Hawks gaining a well deserved 38 - 28 victory. The sense of team spirit was apparent throughout the whole match and the Hawks displayed good discipline when the going got tough (and rough). The Mac Man of the Match could only go to Corey Hanson with Simon Town, Dale Mulligan and Kane Bailey picking up the teams 3,2,1 awards.

(our thanks to MacDonalds of Hillsborough for sponsoring the Man of the Match awards)

Hawks Team:
Joe Bell, Jack Ward, Kieran Howard, Corey Hanson, Cameron Shone, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Craig Watson, Jono Burns, Daniel Wilson, Dale Mulligan, Liam Hamre, Edan Wallace, Daniel Horsfield, Josh Barton, Simon Town, Kane Bailey, Conner Scott, Thomas Haycox

Hawks Scorers: Tries, Corey Hanson (4), Josh Barton (1), Jono Burns (2) . Goals: Ryan Matthews (5)
 

Match Report by Rob Burns

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Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks (48) 80 Wyke (0) 0 ....20th November 2005

The Hawks had 21 players all eager to get out onto the pitch and display their skills. Wyke, having braved the frosty start to the day were hampered with only 11 players making the journey south. Twenty-one verses eleven was always going to be a mismatch and Hawks quickly imposed their superiority with Simon Town driving through the Wyke defence for a fine opening try. Adam Brook quickly added a further score as he fought his way to the try-line. With Ryan Matthews converting both Hawks moved into a 12:0 lead. Wyke were kept under pressure even when they had the ball in hand as Craig Watson put-in a series of crunching tackles. The whole Hawks defence was solid and Wyke struggled to get out of their own half. Daniel Wilson and Kieran Howard added further tries before the arrival of Corey Hanson from the subs bench. Within five minutes of entering the game the Hanson, showing the strength and speed that has become his trade mark, ran-in four tries on the trot. After the Hanson show, Daniel Horsfield powered over taking Hawks to a 48:0 half time lead.

Hawks kept Wyke under the cosh with some fine kicking from the restart and it wasn’t long before Josh Barton got onto the score sheet with a commanding 70 yard run. Hawks coach, Richard Haycox, had the difficult task of trying to keep track of which Hawks players were on the pitch as he regularly changed the line-up to ensure that everyone got involved. Wyke rarely made ingress into Hawks territory but their spirit never dropped and their coaches deserve great credit for instilling such a positive attitude. Hawks try scoring continued in relentless fashion with Hanson grabbing his fifth, Wilson and Horsfield finishing with two apiece, Thomas Haycox, Dale Mulligan and Joe Bell finishing the job. With Ryan Matthews kicking eight conversions the score finished 80:0 to the Hawks.

Our thanks to Wyke who never gave up trying and taking the game to the Hawks in a match that was played in an exemplary manner.
 

The Mac Man of the Match went to Craig Watson

for his exceptional tackling. Joe Bell, Daniel Wilson and Cory Vivian picked up the teams 3,2,1 awards.

(our thanks to MacDonalds of Hillsborough for sponsoring the Man of the Match awards)

Hawks Team: Joe Bell, Jack Ward, Kieran Howard, Corey Hanson, Cameron Shone, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Craig Watson, Jono Burns, Daniel Wilson, Dale Mulligan, Liam Hamre, Daniel Horsfield, Josh Barton, Simon Town, Kane Bailey, Conner Scott, Thomas Haycox, Adam Mulligan, Cory Vivian, Nathan Wood

Hawks Scorers: Tries, Simon Town (1), Adam Brook (1), Daniel Wilson (2), Kieran Howard (1), Corey Hanson (5), Daniel Horsfield (2), Josh Barton (1), Thomas Haycox (1), Dale Mulligan (1), Joe Bell (1)
Goals: Ryan Matthews (8)

Match Report by Rob Burns

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An independent view:  Even though the score suggests that Hawks had it easy, Wyke put up a spirited fight and showed a willingness to compete for the whole match. Their heads did not go down and if they had played the first half as well as the second half they would certainly have got some points on the board. Hawks were strong in attack, picked up many loose ball and literally powered to the line. Defensively there was weakness which stronger teams would pick up on, but in the words of a well known phrase "a good day at the office!" Well done to both teams for the sportsmanship and enthusiasm shown on a cold but beautifully sunny day.

 

Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks U14s (28) 44, Brighouse Rangers U14s (0) 12 .....4th December 2005

Photos ©Karl Watson 2005

Under 14s make it 6 from 7 League Games won with a convincing display of open rugby

Brighouse made their attacking intentions very clear from the start, with four big lads taking it in turn to run the ball through the middle. Each drive was met with a thumping Hawks tackle as one, two and three Hawks tacklers swamped the advance. After an even first ten minutes, the Brighouse big guns started to run out of ammunition and Hawks began to dominate the play with centres Corey Hanson and Daniel Horsfield finding space to make big yardage. Inevitably it was Hanson that opened the scoring after Josh Barton and Horsfield had put Hawks within ten yards on the line. Ryan Matthews converted straight down the middle. Within minutes Hanson made a 40 yard break to run-in try number two;

Matthews conversion setting-up a 12:0 lead. Richard Brook had given Hawks a pre-match pep talk and sent the boys out with on simple message - get big tackles in. Hawks followed these words to the letter, keeping Brighouse penned back in their own half. Hawks dominance was soon turned into further points with Barton taking advantage of Hawks possession from a scrum (against the head) to score by the posts. Ryan Matthews proved that he’s not just an ace goal kicker with some quick thinking, as Brighouse strayed offside at the scum, Matthews quickly took the penalty tap and powered through the disorganised defence for his first try of the season.

 Liam Hamre, playing an excellent attacking fullback role, finished off an influential first half with a typical jinking run through the defence.

 

 Half time:  Hawks 28 Rangers 0.

The second half was most notable for Barton showing the full range of try scoring; his second of the match was a clever scoot three yards from the line (following fine work from Thomas Haycox). The Barton hat trick came from a 50 yard burst through the defensive line

showing power and pace.

Horsfield,

 

who had worked doggedly all match, got his just reward with a fine try. Brighouse never stopped competing and they deservedly got onto the score sheet with two converted tries, although it must be said that the Hawks defence was too busy arguing with the referee to notice Brighouse running through.
Final score Hawks 44, Brighouse 12.

This was an impressive performance against a very good Brighouse team. Many of the spectators said that it was the best TEAM performance by the Hawks this season. However they must ALL learn that the referee IS always right (even when he might be wrong ).
 

The Mac Man of the Match went to Josh Barton

for an exceptional performance in both attack and defence. Ryan Matthews, Corey Hanson and Simon Town picked up the teams 3,2,1 awards.

(our thanks to MacDonalds of Hillsborough for sponsoring the Man of the Match awards) .
 

Hawks Team: Joe Bell, Kieran Howard, Corey Hanson, Cameron Shone, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Craig Watson, Jono Burns, Daniel Wilson, Liam Hamre, Eden Wallace, Daniel Horsfield, Josh Barton, Simon Town, Kane Bailey, Conner Scott, Thomas Haycox, Nathan Wood

Hawks Scorers: Tries, Corey Hanson (2), Josh Barton (3), Ryan Matthews (1), Liam Hamre (1), Daniel Horsfield (1) : Goals: Ryan Matthews (6)

Well that's another one!

Match Report by Rob Burns

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Top of the table clash sees Hawks beat the leaders and stretch their winning streak to 8.
Sheffield Hillsborough HawksU14s(10) 26, Illingworth U14s (18) 18..... 11th December 2005

Illingworth, the only team to have beaten the Hawks this season, revisited the Hillsborough ground as clear leaders of the division. This promised to be a close affair with arguably the two best sides in the league going head to head. Right from the start both teams were up for the challenge with big hits as they tackled in two and three’s. First blood went to Illingworth, against the run of play, as they broke the Hawks defence with some good rugby . The Hawks reply was instant as Illingworth strayed offside from their own restart, Corey Hanson took a quick tap and ran through the disorganised defence to score under the posts. Ryan Matthews brought the scores level with a simple conversion.

Over goes another

Hawks put the Illingworth defence under intense pressure but they could not get the breakthrough that they deserved. When they did go over the line the referee brought them back for an Illingworth offence! The opposition weathered the storm and started to make headway into Hawks territory. As half time approached Illingworth went through twice in quick succession before Hanson struck yet again with a try in the corner. Half time 10:18.
Hawks had the sun at their backs in the second half and it helped with Hanson kicking deep into the semi-blinded Illingworth defensive line. Hawks could always rely on the strength and power of Josh Barton, Dale Mulligan and Daniel Horsfield to make big yardage through the defensive line. As Hawks got within the striking distance, the ball went out to the big centre, Hanson who finished off in the corner. After further Hawks pressure, a yard short of the try line, up pops Jono Burns with his trade mark scoot under the despairing mass of defensive bodies; eighteen all. Matthews nerve held as he took the extra two points like a professional and for the first time in the game Hawks were in pole position. Both teams were certainly ‘up for it’ with ten minutes remaining it was all to play for. Tough defensive work from Joe Bell, Liam Hamre and Adam Brook kept Illingworth frustrated as they failed to threaten the Hawks line. In possession Hawks kept it simple with the bug guys dragging them deep into Illingworth territory. Hawks sealed the victory as yet again Burns dived through a sea of bodies to score from close range.

Photo of: Hawks victory as Burns dived through sea of bodies

This Hawks team showed great team spirit and discipline and kept their heads when the going got tough. A fine performance from the whole squad was rewarded with a special turkey feast and Christmas Cake (thank you Lisa).

The Mac Man of the Match went to Daniel Horsfield

topping the tackle count and always available to drive the ball into the heart of the Illingworth defence. Jono Burns, Joe Bell and Dale Mulligan picked up the teams 3,2,1 awards.
(our thanks to McDonalds of Hillsborough for sponsoring the Man of the Match awards) .

Hawks Team:
Joe Bell, Kieran Howard, Corey Hanson, Cameron Shone, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Craig Watson, Jono Burns, Daniel Wilson, Liam Hamre, Daniel Horsfield, Josh Barton, Simon Town, Kane Bailey, Conner Scott, Thomas Haycox, Nathan Wood, Jack Ward, Edan Wallace, Cory Vivian, Nathan Wood

Hawks Scorers: Tries, Corey Hanson (3), Jono Burns (2)
Goals: Ryan Matthews (3)
 

The photo gallery of this match has been moved  to HERE

All photos copyright Karl Watson

Match Report by Rob Burns

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Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks (26) 56, Brighouse (4) 12
(West Riding League Plate)

Hawk’s show their METAL as they TARGET double

Thanks to sponsors TARGET EXPRESS and METALS & PLANT LTD the Hawks U14’s took to the field in their new kit, black with red and gold trim. Hawks, flying high in the league, have targeted the Plate competition as an additional route to some silver ware and they were soon on the score sheet as some sharp passing from the scrum by Ryan Matthews and Adam Brook opened up the space for Corey Hanson to surge through the Brighouse defence. Brighouse’s reply was swift as their two big props made inroads into a sloppy Hawks defence eventually forcing their way over the line for an unconverted try. Hawks then started to dominate with every attacking move looking dangerous. The trio of Hanson, Brooks and Matthews were all working in unison as Matthews went through in the corner. Jono Burns quickly increased the lead with a trade mark scoot from two yards as Brighouse came under continuous pressure. Hawks ran in two further tries before half time; Dale Mulligan powered over from 25 yards and then Liam Hamre, with a smooth change of pace, burst through for a 70 yards special under the posts. Half time 26:4 to the Hawks.
It must be said that through-out the match the Hawks defence was suspect and not functioning as a unit. However, in possession things were working very well. Again from a scrum, quick passing released Hanson to cruise through the defensive line for a further try. Hanson got his hat-trick within minutes as Thomas Haycox released the powerful centre with a clever inside pass. Daniel Horsfield, Hanson and Burns led the tackle count and Simon Town put-in some impressive big hits. Josh Barton, always commanding in the scrum, gathered the ball after fine work from Craig Watson and Connor Scott had created a space; Barton gratefully accepted the opportunity to muscle his way through for a try. Hawks finished their scoring with two tries from Horsfield the second of which was created by a perfectly weighted pass-out of the tackle from Dale Mulligan.

       

Jono Burns TARGETS the Brighouse line

    Matthews converted eight out of eight conversion attempts including some perfectly struck efforts from the touch line (thanks to Mr Brook for that extra coaching!) . The opposition had travelled to South Yorkshire with only ten players and they would certainly have been a formidable force with a full squad and Brighouse got just reward for their spirited efforts as the game ended with two well worked Brighouse tries. Final score 56:12 to the Hawks.

The Mc Man of the Match went to Simon Town showing great improvement in his tackling.

Simon (Man of The Match) Town "Targets" the Brighouse attack

Daniel Horsfield, Connor Scott and Liam Hamre picked up the teams 3,2,1 awards.
(our thanks to McDonalds of Hillsborough for sponsoring the Man of the Match awards) .

Hawks Team:
Kieran Howard, Corey Hanson, Cameron Shone, Adam Brook, Ryan Matthews, Craig Watson, Jono Burns, Daniel Wilson, Liam Hamre, Daniel Horsfield, Josh Barton, Simon Town, Kane Bailey, Conner Scott, Thomas Haycox, Jack Ward, Nathan Wood, Adam Mulligan, Dale Mulligan

Hawks Scorers: Tries, Corey Hanson (3), Ryan Matthews, Jono Burns, Dale Mulligan, Liam Hamre, Josh Barton, Daniel Horsfield (2) : Goals: Ryan Matthews (8)

Many thanks to Steve Bell as referee and his two, far more glamorous line officials Tracy Haycox and Salina Wells who did a wonderful job

Officials Targeting The  Action

               

Action from the match

 

Match Report by Rob Burns

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For further information about the Junior Section please contact Julie Hawksworth

 

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