Cleckheaton  29   Hull Ionians Hawks  5

The Hawks should have traveled up the M62 with optimism after an improved performance the previous week against Wharfedale, but the late withdrawal of several players and the elevation of key men to the 1sts stretched the playing recourses to the limit with Stu Towns coerced into  blind side flanker and Dave Hildreth coming in on the wing.
Cleckheaton, who didn’t have a 1^st XV fixture, were able to field a strengthened side but this couldn’t explain the Hawks lack lustre display during the first half. Although Ionians competed well in the set piece they continually lost the ball in contact and some weak tackling gifted Cleck two tries in quick succession. Ionians achieved parity for 10 minutes with some improved defence but the home backs produced a sublime piece of handling to further extend the lead and quickly scored again to take a 24 -0 lead as half time approached. Ionians were able to press into the home 22 and a good forward drive ended the half with a score given to Sam Forth.
Despite a half time talk that resolved to up the work rate and improve defensively Ionians conceded a try shortly after the re-start. This was the final score of the game. Ionians finally produced the level of commitment and intensity that was needed, and of which they are clearly capable of, to match their undoubted talent. The revival of their fortunes could have been hampered by the loss through injury of skipper Neil Lyon but it brought a welcome return to the fray for Ally Forth who helped to shore up the hard pressed back row.
It was a difficult afternoon for the Hawks, the front row acquitted themselves well against a strong home unit and the makeshift back row worked hard all afternoon, it was pleasing to have James Liddle back in action. The backs had not played together and it showed, individually talented they will need a couple of games to gel as a unit. The two blond lads, Rob Whittam and Ryan Townend, were the pick of the backs.
Next week the Hawks travel to Sheffield Tigers and they entertain a Goole XV for a training match on Tuesday evening at Brantingham Park , kick-off 7.00pm.