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October 3 2009 - Hull Ionians Hawks 43 Hullensians A 0 Photos
Although still lacking a few forwards
through injury the Hawks were able to field their strongest side of the season
so far, against a determined Hullensians. The backs were strengthened by the
addition of Joe Bartlett, making his club debut at scrum half. Also Rob Whittam
on the wing playing his first game of the season and Joe Wright, Gary Stephenson
and Captain Rich Moorhouse dropping down from the first team.
From the kick off the Hawks showed the ability in their backs as they ran from
their own 22, with standoff Joe Wright twice involved before getting the final
touchdown on a sweeping move, to which he added the first of five conversions.
Shortly afterwards Rich Moorhouse made a clean break through the middle and
rounded the fullback for a fine individual try.
Hullensians were defending well though with their heavier pack edging the scrums
and holding up the Hawks driving mauls. Eventually the Hawks extended their lead
when Danny Waddy took advantage of a sliced clearance kick to score from all of
two yards. He scored a much better try minutes later when he cut one of his
trademark lines to go clean through the Hullensians defence.
At halftime talented young player Andy Barrass replaced John Potts at fullback.
Within minutes into the second half the Hawks were disrupted by a double injury
blow. Powerful prop Albert Thundercliffe took a knock to the knee and was
replaced by James Pearson. Eddie Beech was suffering from a shoulder injury so
highly promising 17 year old Cory Neighbour moved up into the second row and
evergreen ex captain Stu Towns stepped into the back row. Stu made an immediate
impact as he supported a good break by Rob Whittam to take an inside pass and
race gleefully to the line.
A tactical substitution saw Ben Rawson (again returning from injury) takeover at
scrumhalf from Joe Bartlett. Again there was almost an immediate impact as Ben
showed his pace to finish off a length of the field move initiated by Gary
Stephenson and Andy Barrass. A final try of the match was scored by Rob Whittam
when the backs ran back a clearing kick to score with ease.
This was a welcome win for the Hawks but there is still much work to do in the
forwards, especially in the hitting and clearing of rucks to present quick ball
and prevent turnovers. The Hawks face a tougher challenge this week when they
travel to play Huddersfield A whose first team are riding high in National 3
North.