A brand new rivalry tips off this Sunday as the West Yorkshire Hawks Men head to Bradford College to take on Yorkshire Dragons in the second round of the National Cup.

It will be the first ever meeting between the two clubs, with the Dragons entering their debut season in Division Three — one tier below the Hawks. Despite the gap on paper, a West Yorkshire derby always promises intensity, pride, and no shortage of passion.

The Hawks are coming into the game on the back of a hard-fought 84–82 road win over Tameside Vikings in their league opener last weekend. Joe Heyes impressed with 21 points in his club debut, and Head Coach Danny Byrne was pleased with the resilience his side showed in closing out a close contest.

Now, attention turns to knockout basketball, and the beginning of what could become a fiercely-contested regional rivalry. For the Dragons, this fixture will mark their first ever competitive game and they’ll be looking to make a statement on home court.

Coach Byrne is expecting a high-energy battle: “Local derbys always add a little extra something to a game and this one will be even more interesting as many of the players on both teams know each other very well. It will also be another test for our guys early in the season.”

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30pm at Bradford College. Hawks fans travelling to the game can find free on-street parking available on Trinity Road.

Let’s bring the noise and back the boys in neon and navy as they aim for a place in the next round!