Men's 7ths secure first win 5-1 as youngsters shine

On a balmy Autumn Hawks and Reading field teams containing a mix of experience and development players and the scene was set for an interesting contest. However both teams started slowly as the unusually warm conditions for October reduced the level of intensity. It became clear, however, that Hawks appeared to have the depth of squad to secure their first win as they began to take the upper hand.

The right flank looked secure and Anton Eisner justified a Man of the Match performance as he linked play and pushed forward at every opportunity. Will Smith began to find his range and soon Hawks took a 2-0 lead through a brace from Will.

However a loss of concentration left space at the top of the D and the score was 2-1 at half time.

The second half saw Hawks dominate as the use of rolling subs enabled extra pace and an understanding of the shape of the side. Ollie Graham, OJ Webb and Alex Bush began to link and with Freddie Smith leading the line well it was not long before David White made it 3-1 with his second goal in 2 weeks.

The defence now looked solid with Dan Evans and Roger Dunn solid in the middle and Charlie Warner enjoying a ding dong battle with the Reading Rascals right side attacks.

Anton was to prove the dominant player from a choice of candidates for Man of the Match and as he harried the Reading left defence, Freddie Smith secured a brace with calm finishing after the link play between Eisner and Richard Walsh created the chances.

Overall a pleasing performance and result with plenty to work on.

Thanks to Evelyn Hargreaves for the photos.