HAWCOAT PARK 22

WINDERMERE 5
AFTER a most frustrating start to the new season the maroon and whites had their first meaningful home game when Windermere made the short trip to Hawcoat Park.
New skipper Jack Shannon and his team looked splendent as they ran onto a perfect pitch in bright sunny conditions and in their new kit.

The game could not have got off to a better start for the home side as former club captain Jason Priss operating at No 8 picked up from the first scrum and drove hard into the defence before slipping a neat short pass to centre Chris Burns in full stride.

He went on a powerful 40-metre run to the posts. Fly-half and new vice-captain Dan Lightfoot slotted over the conversion 7-0.
Windermere were led by their fly-half and captain Bertie Hodgson, who was controlling their play around the park kicking and running at the right time, and a good even contest ensued for the remainder of the first half.

Hawcoat’s Chris Thompson was determined to play the game in memory of his father Steve.

A former player, committee and club stalwart, Steve passed away recently, and a minute’s silence was held before the game.

Hawcoat didn’t help themselves with the number of penalties given away for tackles that are now deemed dangerous and too high up the body near the head.

After a warning for persistent offending Chris Burns had a 10 minute rest for a yellow card issued for what looked a good covering tackle into touch, but the ref has to interpret consistently under the new RFU high tackles guidelines.
The hosts’ defence was regularly tested close to our line with back row Rory Sayle and winger Keenan Cotton tackling well, and just as it looked like it was going to remain 7- 0 right up to half-time after a sustained spell of pressure Windermere scored their try.

Giant Prop George Tuala got his hands on the ball and from close range was impossible to stop the conversion was missed 7- 5.
The second half was a different story - replacements and newcomers to the team Will Langley, Jack, Luke Hammill and Ollie Deaks all made an impact as they entered play.
Centre Finn Goodings was outstanding in a man-of-the-match performance both in attack and defence and along with centre partner Chris Burns had a hand in all Hawcoat’s good play.
It was Gooding who played a part in the home side’s second try.

Hard-running prop Kris Telfer made good ground well supported by Pete Jennens, and when the ball was moved out wide Goodings made the incisive break drawing in the tacklers before flicking a great pass to winger Alex Brown to finish off in the corner. The conversion attempt fell short.
Midway through the half Hawcoat scored their third try. Supporting Brad Morrow, the home pack collectively tested the Windermere goalline defence before Jason Priss now playing in his original prop position got his hands on the ball before driving hard and low to touch down to make it 17- 5.

The final try fittingly went to Goodings. Mike Light and Rory Sayle made good ground before the ball was spun out wide.

Goodings made the break and again showed a clean pair of heels to the Windermere cover on a solo run to the line from 30-metres to round off the scoring.