MATCH REPORT: Whirlwinds blow away Hawks

Hethersett Hawks/Swinton & Co had their hopes of South East League glory dented by a crushing defeat to a five-man Ipswich Whirlwinds outfit who were superior in every department. A mixture of top-class experience and a couple of fine future prospects, they gave the Hawks a lesson in what to aim for, particularly in terms of fitness and sharpness.

Leigh Cossey set off by leading the side well with wins over Josh Brooke and Lewis Roberts but a heavy fall in his thirds ride as he was passed by Pierce Bacon in the race before the interval saw him take no further part due to dizziness.

The Hawks brought in the experienced Richie Williamson for his first outing of the season and had former Norfolk junior champion Shaun Brown as substitute – his first action for eleven years. A 7-2 win in heat 14 gave the Hawks a glimmer of hope but it was far too late. The Hawks now face the prospect of having to win two matches away in Ipswich in October to have any chance of the title.

HETHERSETT 76
Lee Grange 15 (6) Olly Buxton 11 (6) Richie Williamson 11+2 (5) Dan Chambers 10+1 (5) Dan Butler 9 (5) Leigh Cossey 9 (3) Shaun Brown 6+1 (3) Roger Carter 5+1 (3)

IPSWICH WHIRLWINDS 96
Josh Brooke 22+1 (6) Pierce Bacon 22+1 (6) Lewis Roberts 21+1 (6) Ben Harvey 17+2 (6) Leon Mower 15+1 (6)

In the Hawks own Club Championship Dan Chambers was unbeaten to take the title followed by Olly Buxton and Tim Grimes while Buxton took the Under-19 title with Katie Adams and Daniel Longlands taking the minor places.

Hethersett Club Championship – Dan Chambers 20 Olly Buxton 17 Tim Grimes 16 Katie Adams 15 Daniel Longlands 12 Adam Reeve 8

U19 – 1st Buxton 2nd Adams 3rd Longlands

The Hawks continue their campaign with a trip to Kesgrave on Sunday.