3rd November 2007 - Hull Ionians Hawks 81  Huddersfield Falcons 5  -  Yorkshire Premier League      Photos

Finally everything clicked for the Hawks, with several players back from injury and other new players settling into the side, they looked a potent force against a Huddersfield team who were much better than the score line suggests.

Sporting their new kit the Hawks took to the field on a perfect day for rugby, and blew their opponents away in the first few minutes.  From their first attack the Hawks swept to the line and Charlie Bargh forced his way over, shortly afterwards skipper Rich Moorhouse fielded a kick at fullback and burst straight through the middle for a brilliant individual try.  The next two tries were carbon copies of each other as hooker Kyle Hall touched down perfectly executed catch and drives.

The backs, who were well orchestrated by stand off Karl Birch, then took over and produced tries for centre Danny Waddy followed by two tries for fellow centre Gary Stephenson. The scoring for the first half was completed when the dazzling feet of winger Danny Ulliot took him over for his first try for the Hawks. Karl Birch kicked four conversions and Rob Owen one to bring up the 50 by half time.

At the break several predetermined substitutions were carried out. Tom Boyle was brought on at scrumhalf but Charlie Bargh was enjoying himself too much to come off and moved to the back row replacing the ever improving Liam Portz.  Hooker Ally Forth was brought on and Kyle Hall moved to prop to give Rich Gregersen a well earned rest, although he had to come back on 10 minutes later when Ally was unfortunately injured. The final substitution was winger Danny Bates (replacing Rob Owen) who scored in the corner with his first touch of the ball. Shortly afterwards Charlie Bargh spotted a gap to stroll through for his second try.

Angelo Irving then continued his try scoring run, he has played three games now and scored in each. This was his best try so far as he broke down the blind side and beat off several tacklers to score an individual try.

Huddersfield were not lying down though and after several attacks managed to score a deserved try. It was a short lived revival however as Gary Stephenson completed his hat trick when he touched down a perfectly judged grubber kick from Karl Birch. The scoring was then completed when Rich Moorhouse sailed through the defence for a second try to which Karl Birch added his sixth conversion.

Worthy of mention was new prop Andy Gravell who gave an awesome performance without even been match fit, also second row Richard Hill was immense throughout the game despite carrying a knock. Angelo Irving brings an enormous presence to the team and showed a terrific ability to off load the ball in his first run out at number 8.

A pleasing aspect though was that the short list for man of the match was made up of regular second team players which were prop Rich Gregersen, centre Danny Waddy and just edging the award back row Seamus Lucey who was at the bottom of every breakdown.

All eyes will be on the Hawks next Saturday as they entertain local rivals Beverley at Brantingham Park in what promises to be a cracking game.