May  2008 - Hull Ionians Hawks  Season Review

It is pleasing to report some tangible reward for the Hawks efforts in being awarded the runners up shield in the Yorkshire Premier League and also finishing third in the Northern Merit Table. The elusive target of 20 victories for the season was just missed but this was only because 4 opponents called off games against the Hawks in the last quarter of the season. Highlights of the season were a 50 point victory over league champions Wharfedale and double victories against Hull, Beverley and Driffield in a sequence of 13 victories. Most memorable victory of the season was a last minute win at Harrogate and another outstanding performance came in an away defeat at Otley where only 3 disallowed tries prevented them winning.
Success has been based on more stability, management team Dave Wilson, Mally Knowles and Richard Cowen were in place for the second year along with inspirational captain Daniel Zgoda. The Hawks felt a little bit more valued with their own kit generously sponsored by John Zgoda and Ian Holden. The Hawks always had physiotherapy support organised by Abi Whiting and as the season wore on Georgina became the regular Hawks physiotherapist and a very popular member of the team.
Better links were forged with the first team with the Hawks represented at selection and Mick Watson and Steve Townend supporting the Hawks by insisting team squad members played for the Hawks when not selected for the firsts, leading to all but 4 of the squad turning out for the Hawks. Strong links have also been maintained by Simon Cowling with the University with many players often helping the Hawks out and in particular front row Kyle Hall been a regular and very useful acquisition.
The outstanding feature of the side has to be the youth emerging via the links with Andy Thompson’s academy and under 17’s teams. Teenagers that have come through the seconds this year and have already had first team experience include Ally Forth, Kieran Dannatt, Danny Waddy, Joe Donkin, Danny Ulliot and Chris Cusack with others such as Rob Owen, Seamus Lucey, Chris Fox, Sam Forth, Danny Bates, James Cameron, Liam Portz, Dave Hildrith, Olly Warks and John Potts all ready to step up to the mark.
The young lads need the guidance and experience of the senior players and in that respect the Hawks have been hugely served by Rich Gregerson in the front row who has not only gave the team direction but has always offered the Managers great support. Other experienced outstanding members of the squad this year have been second row Martin Carew, scrum half Tom Boyle, centre Rich Moorhouse, fullback Stu Towns and all round hero Chris Walker.
The improvement of the team also coincided with coaching input from first teamers Greg Bone and Rich Wilson whilst they were injured and this would seem to be mutually rewarding to both parties and an avenue that can be further explored next season . A massive thank you to all those mentioned and to everyone else that has helped to make this a successful season. Anybody else got any favorite memories of the season before its consigned to history ?