MATCH REPORT: Hawks off to flying start
Hethersett Hawks/Myhill Decorators got their newly-named South East & Eastern League season off to the best possible start with a double victory over local rivals Norwich.
In a perfect setting on a pleasant spring afternoon and in front of a good-sized crowd at Eaton Park, the Hawks showed much more sharpness and tactical awareness than the home side, and quickly built up a comfortable lead which stretched to 14 points by the interval.
Home veteran Paddy Wenn tried to stem the tide and gave Dan Chambers his only defeat, but Hawks skipper, Leigh Cossey, was in unbeatable form, well supported by Chambers and Olly Buxton. Reserves Dan Butler and Roger Carter rounded things off with a 7-3 win in heat 16.
NORWICH 68
P.Wenn 18 (5) L.Grange 12 (5) C.Cullum 11+2 (5) G.Colby 10+1 (4) J.Medler 7 (5) K.Legg 3 (2) M.Jones 1 (1)
HETHERSETT 92
L.Cossey 19+1 (5) D.Chambers 16+3 (5) O.Buxton 15 (4) H.Hamill 12+2 (5) J.Herring 10 (4) O.Wells 10 (4) D.Butler 5+1 (3) R.Carter 5 (2)
Referees – various
Norwich v Hethersett, 2nd April 2017. Photo by Kevin Wells.
After a promising first-team appearance, Owen Wells led the B team to victory with a maximum, but the star performance came from debutante Paul Delaiche who included a win in his 13 points.
Another youngster also impressed – Daniel Longlands, also notching a win in the final race. Hethersett had plenty in reserve to make it a comfortable double victory. Both matches were raced in excellent spirit and were entertaining for the crowd.
NORWICH 73
A.Dyball 19 (6) J.Medler 15+2 (5) S.Colby 13+2 (5) K.Legg 9 (3) C.Wenn 7+1 (5) M.Jones 5 (5) D.Blackmore 5 (3)
HETHERSETT 86
O.Wells 20 (5) P.Delaiche 13 (6) R.Carter 12 (4) L.Hulcoop 11+2 (4) D.Longlands 11+1 (6) K.Adams 8 (4) D.Butler 4 (1) H.Hamill 4 (1) O.Buxton 3+1 (1)
Referee – David Ewbank
This Sunday the Hawks welcome East London to the Memorial Playing Field (2 pm) while on Saturday club members will be in action at Kesgrave in Grand Prix racing.