MATCH REPORT: Hethersett Hawks entertain Horspath in season opener

Hethersett Hawks/Myhill Decorators kicked off their 2017 season at the memorial Playing Field with an entertaining inter-regional challenge against Horspath.

The visitors called up their former Elite League rider Lewis Osborne, now with Great Blakenham, to make up their side and the former British No.2 was unbeaten. Also in the side was 2015 British Champion Zac Payne, so it promised to be a good test for the Hawks, whose pre-season training had been limited by the weather.

The Hawks held a brief lead after heat 2 when Olly Buxton and Harley Hamill scored a 7-3 but some costly mistakes when in good positions meant that the lead was lost and never recovered.

Dan Chambers dropped his only point to Osborne and all the side had their moments, including a win for Owen Wells in the final heat.

HETHERSETT 77
D.Chambers 17+2 (5) O.Buxton 14+1 (5) O.Wells 11 (5) H.Hamill 11+1 (5) D.Butler 10 (4) L.Cossey 10+1 (5) G.Morgan 4 (3)

HORSPATH 83
L.Osborne (guest) 19+1 (5) Z,Payne 15+2 (5) J.Neighbour 14+2 (6) O.Johnson 13+1 (6) W.Jeffrey 12+1 (5) A.Johnson 10+1 (5)

Referee – Katie Adams

A further training session is planned for this coming Sunday (10am) before the Hawks visit Eaton Park on April 2nd for a league local derby opener with Norwich Stars (2pm).

Meanwhile the popular Tuesday Club Nights have started at the Memorial Playing Field from 6.30pm, and newcomers all ages are welcome.