Hawks swoop to conquer

HANDBALL
NEM Hawks kept up their 100-per-cent start to the season in all competitions with three successes in the Under-18s National League.

The boys went on a second-half goal blitz to beat rookie-season outfit Wirrall 30-8, while the girls registered a double, beating Wirrall 16-9 and Deva 28-9 in the November round of games played at Birchwood, Warrington.

The boys’ team struggled to find their rhythm early on and only a six-goal run late in the half saw them lead 14-6 at the break.

However, it was a different story after the restart with Hawks playing at a much higher tempo.

Captain Stefan Whaley led the way with ten goals and an 83-per-cent shot success rate, while winger Jamal Braithwaite grabbed eight and also claimed six interceptions.

Sam Bedlow, normally high up in the goals, showed his much-improved team play with an impressive seven assists.

Such was the Hawks' dominance, they scored the game’s last 11 goals and shut out their opponents.

In contrast, the girls got out of the blocks in their opener against Wirrall and were 5-0 ahead before their opponents got on the scoresheet.

Ellie Whitehead was particularly impressive in defence while 'keeper Kara Hunte made a string of saves and also thwarted two penalties.

And Corinna Clarke came to the fore with a series of crucial interceptions.

At the other end, the powerful shooting of Beth Wilbraham saw Hawks lead 9-4 at half-time and the gap was never less than four.

Hawks went on to complete a fine day for the club by comfortably beating Deva (Chester).

BOYS - NEM Hawks 30, Wirrall 8. Hawks scorers: Stefan Whaley 10, Jamal Braithwaite 8, Sam Bedlow 3, Wes Hunt 3, Matthew Barnes 2, James Higgins 2, Marc Howard 1, Tyrell Coley 1

GIRLS - NEM Hawks 16, Wirrall 9. Beth Wilbraham 7, Ellie Whitehead 3, Ruth Anderson 2, Becky Barnes 2, Alyssa Woods 1, Sophie Unsworth 1. NEM Hawks 28, Deva 9. Wilbraham 9, Whitehead 7, Anderson 5, Barnes 2, Woods, 2, Unsworth 2, Maddison 2.