National Semi-Final

Parkside Hawks vs Jarrow Vikings

Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.

Parkside Hawks ran out worthy winners, with a spirited performance against the North-East Champions in this semi final. The 44-22 score line probably flattered the Hawks a little, as Jarrow didn’t give in right until the final whistle.

The Hawks got off to a flying start when Connor Socket squeezed in in the right corner after good hands from Steve Gill and Pat Banks putting the winger in. The windy conditions not ideal for goal kickers, Austin missed from  wide out. From the following kick off, Boyce failed to collect the high ball, but with a stroke of luck the ball came off his boot and propelled towards the Jarrow line, Pat Banks steaming through to collect and racing the distance to score in the corner. Conversion missed. Good defence by both sides halted the scoring until the 23^rd minute when stand off Luke O’Malley put Jamie Dixon through a gaping hole for the forward to saunter over under the sticks. Austi converted. 5 minutes later Jarrow hit back, with the no.3 scoring in the left corner after at least 5 sets on the Hawks line. Try converted. Pat Banks regaining the Hawks momentum with an unconverted try on the 34^th minute, Jarrow returned fire on the 39^th minute with a blockbusting drive by the no.8, Try converted.

Half time score 18-12

The 2^nd half started slow, both teams trying to work for field position, but then came a game breaking 15 minute spell by the Hawks that really took it out of the Jarrow side. Sam Thorpe crossing on 46 with an outrageous dummy, then in quick succession Socket getting his second on 50 and Jerome Malcolm crossing on 54. Austin converting Socket’s try. On the 60^th minute Gill crossed under the sticks after O’Malley beat a couple of defenders and sent the prop forward in. O’Malley converting. The Vikings never gave up though, showing great determination. Both prop forwards crossed in quick succession the no.10 and no.8 reaping the rewards for a hard days graft. O’Malley rounded off his man of the match performance scoring and converting his own try in the 70^th minute to all but kill the game off.

Full time score 44-22

Parkside Hawks will now take on reigning champions Northampton Demons at Derby RFC (DE22 1EB)

Sunday 12th September

K.O. 13:00

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