|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 17 2009 - Bradford & Bingley Barbarians 10 Hull Ionians Hawks 21 - Yorkshire Premier League
Team: Potts, Whittam, Moorhouse (capt), Waddy, Stephenson, Wright, Barrass, Hall, Forth, Quigley, Skymre, Neighbour, Towns, Wilson, McKenzie.
The Hawks
enjoyed a relaxing and educational coach trip to fulfil their fixture against
Bradford and Bingley, taking in views of the World Heritage site at Saltaire
en-route. The village was completed in 1856 by the philanthropic Industrialist
Sir Titus Salt to house his Mill workers. The Hawks showed no such generosity to
their hosts, recording a hard fought victory, 21 – 10. The bare facts show that
Ionians scored 2 tries to 1 and converted 3 penalty attempts to B&Bs 1. But this
does not relay the effort and resolve displayed by this young Hawks team.
Ionians started brightly with the forwards making ground from the kick - off
and several phases took them into the B&B 22 and only frantic defending cleared
the danger. Bradford settled and tried to counter by moving the ball through
their backline but the Hawks defended well and good tackling prevented the hosts
posing much of a threat, one cover tackle by veteran skipper Moorhouse worthy of
particular mention. The Hawks took the lead with a penalty from Joe Wright which
gave confidence to the Ionians pack, who were competing well in both the tight
and loose against bigger opponents, but the scores were soon tied when Bradford
converted when Ionians were penalised at the breakdown. A twenty minute
stalemate ensued as both sides tested their opponents defence and Ionians
cracked first, some woeful tackling allowing the Bees to score a converted try.
Five players, at least, should hang their heads in shame. The Hawks responded
well. The conceded try and the loss of the robust McKenzie, harshly carded for a
“dangerous” tackle, served only to increase the visitors’ efforts and they
closed the half with another penalty converted by Wright.
The second half brought a plethora of new players in the Bees ranks and an
increase in the tempo of the game. The tactics remained the same though, both
sides moving the ball well through the backs but neither side able to create a
clear cut opportunity during the early exchanges. Ionians tried a new tack which
proved to be pivotal. Fly half Wright kicked deep to establish attacking
positions, the line-out provided good ball from the second row pair of Luke
“Skywalker” Skymre and Cory Neighbour and driving play from props Quigley and
Hall released quick second phase for Rich Moorhouse to scythe through and score
under the posts. Ionians then lost a second player, Rob Whittam, who met with
the referees displeasure but The Bees were unable to press home their advantage.
On his return Whittam swapped from the wing to the centres and replicated the
move that had created the try, running a good line to split the Bees defence and
passing on to debutant Endersby to score in the corner. Wright was unable to
convert from the touchline but completed the scoring with a well struck penalty.
This was probably the strongest side the Hawks side turned out this season. The
backs had plenty of 1st team experience and benefited from the
composure of Moorhouse, Whittam and Stephenson, but the partnership at halfback
of Barrass and Wright caught the eye; both are exciting players with potential.
In the pack Tim Wilson and Callum McKenzie worked hard in defence and attack,
the front row of Hall, Forth and Quigley bettered their more experienced
opponents, a couple of strikes won against the head to their credit. It was the
second row pairing of Skymre and Neighbour who stole the plaudits, winning
plenty of lineout ball and working hard in the loose. Debutant Skymre shaded his
colleague to the MoM award. Well done Luke, and may the Force be with you!