Hawks swoop on eight trophies

LOOK what we won . . . North East Manchester Hawks celebrate claiming eight trophies at the National Sports Centre.

HANDBALL: NORTH East Manchester Hawks left the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace with a haul of eight trophies.

Teams won both the boys and girls under-18s cup finals to complete league and cup doubles.

But when the England handball Association’s presentations were held on the court after the finals it was revealed that the club had also done the double in the Development League North (open age).

The result came after a count-back in the women’s league, with Manchester University and closest rivals Warrington Wolves failing to complete fixtures in the men’s section.

And to crown an amazing day for the two-year-old club, captain Ellie Whitehead was named EHA under-18 player of the year, while Donna Hankinson took the EHA coach of the year prize.

Donna saw off competition from Bill Baillie, assistant coach to the GB men’s Olympic squad, who has this year led Salford to National League success to break the stranglehold of London clubs.

In the finals themselves, the girls were disappointed not to reproduce their league form as they struggled to find their stride against a determined Wirral outfit.

Hawks eventually won 16-11 but had it not been for some fine saves by ’keeper Kara Hunte they would not have prevailed.

The boys final was a thrilling encounter, Hawks beating Warrington Wolves 24-22.

Hawks skipper Stefan Whaley gave his side a good start with two early goals and at one stage in the first half they led by seven. Warrington fought to stay in the match and pegged it back to 14-10 at the break.

Opposition ’keeper Alex Bradley was the star of the second period: the England under-18s stopper pulled off a string of one-on-one saves to keep his team in the game.

When Hawks were reduced to four outfield players in the closing stages, they looked set to crumble. But a crucial stop by Hawks ’keeper Marc Howard with less than a minute to play meant a relieved Hawks were able to run out the clock.