Hawks Deighton Open 2025 with Big Win

The West Yorkshire Hawks Deighton women’s team delivered an emphatic 54-42 win over City of Leeds at the Hawks Nest at the University of Huddersfield, tipping off 2025 with a statement performance.

From the opening tip, the Hawks came out firing on all cylinders, pouring in 20 points in the first quarter. With five different players contributing to the early offensive onslaught, it was a true team effort that set the tone for the game. Combining their offensive cohesion with relentless defense, the Hawks established a commanding 12-point lead after ten minutes of play.

City of Leeds responded in the second quarter, slowing down the Hawks’ high-octane offense. Yet, the Hawks’ stifling defense continued to frustrate their opponents, holding firm and extending the lead to 14 points by halftime.

The visitors found their rhythm in the third quarter, showing renewed confidence on the offensive end. City of Leeds clawed their way back into the contest, cutting the Hawks’ lead to just five points heading into the final quarter.

With the game on the line, the Hawks dug deep in the fourth quarter, regaining their composure and reasserting their control on both ends of the floor. Their defensive intensity returned, and their offense rediscovered its early-game fluidity, allowing them to close out the game with a comfortable 12-point margin.

Vilma Jurgaityte spearheaded the Hawks’ scoring efforts with an impressive 24-point performance, while Rachel Tunnacliffe added a crucial 12 points to the tally. Player-coach Ula Kostka praised her team’s resilience after the game, saying “This was an important game for us. We wanted to get 2025 off on the right foot, and that is exactly what the team has done. It was a tough one, but we showed real steel in the second half to close out the win.”

The Hawks will look to keep the momentum rolling when they hit the road to face Walkley Cottage Arrows on Wednesday, 29th January, at EACT Parkwood Academy (S5 8UL).