Hawks Hold Their Nerve in Opening-Day Thriller
The West Yorkshire Hawks Men opened their 2026/27 campaign with a dramatic 73–71 victory over Manchester Giants on Saturday.
Playing together in a competitive game for the first time, the Hawks had to withstand a fast start from a young and athletic Giants side before finding their rhythm and taking control of the contest.
Manchester led 29–23 after an energetic opening quarter, prompting Head Coach Adrian Willey to call an early timeout and reinforce what he wanted to see defensively. The response was immediate, with the Hawks increasing their intensity, disrupting the Giants’ offence and creating opportunities in transition.
Hawks held Manchester to just nine points in the second quarter while adding 20 of their own, giving the Hawks a 43–38 advantage at half-time.
That momentum continued after the break. Strong ball movement and unselfish play allowed the Hawks to find the right opportunities, while their defensive pressure produced a series of steals and stops. Another 22 points in the third quarter extended the lead to 65–57 heading into the final period.
Manchester refused to go away and reduced the deficit during a scrappy fourth quarter. The Hawks were held to eight points as the game went all the way to the final seconds, but the team stayed together and did enough to secure a hard-earned 73–71 win.
Reflecting on the performance, Willey said: “Yesterday was the first time we had played together in a competitive situation, and it was a game that went all the way to the wire.”
“We started slowly against a young and very athletic team. We needed a timeout in the first quarter to reiterate what was required defensively, and the players responded. That triggered our offence into action and the game began to flow.”
“The team performed brilliantly as a unit. They looked out for each other, believed in each other and shared the ball extremely well. They looked for the right shot and the right drive, while the defensive intensity created countless steals and stops.”
Willey also accepted responsibility for the difficult final quarter as he continues learning how best to use his squad in different situations.
He added: “The fourth quarter falls on my shoulders. There were things I should have called and substitutions I should have made to calm the situation, but the team did an amazing job to get the game over the line in the final seconds.”
Jason Soodeen made his first appearance in Neon and Navy and immediately demonstrated the impact he can make, attacking the glass with determination and showing the skill, bravery and work ethic that Willey believes will inspire young Hawks fans.
Every member of the squad contributed to the victory, whether through scoring, rebounding, defensive pressure, communication or the energy provided from the bench.
Dan “Pilko” Pilkington praised the team for closing out the game and finding a way to win while adapting to new roles and a new system. Pilkington said: “We’re learning each other, and players are taking on new roles. We have a new coach learning about us, and we’re learning about him. It’s all positive, with a focus for Tuesday.”
“It’s easy to be critical and only look at what needs improving, but we should also recognise the positives and what we can build on. Well done, fellas.”
With their first win secured, attention now turns to the Hawks’ opening home game against Nottingham Hoods on Saturday 26 September. Tip-off is at 6:30pm at the University of Huddersfield.
Come and welcome the team back to the Hawks Nest. Use discount code Hawks15 when booking your tickets here.
Hawks Hold Their Nerve in Opening-Day Thriller
The West Yorkshire Hawks Men opened their 2026/27 campaign with a dramatic 73–71 victory over Manchester Giants on Saturday.
Playing together in a competitive game for the first time, the Hawks had to withstand a fast start from a young and athletic Giants side before finding their rhythm and taking control of the contest.
Manchester led 29–23 after an energetic opening quarter, prompting Head Coach Adrian Willey to call an early timeout and reinforce what he wanted to see defensively. The response was immediate, with the Hawks increasing their intensity, disrupting the Giants’ offence and creating opportunities in transition.
Hawks held Manchester to just nine points in the second quarter while adding 20 of their own, giving the Hawks a 43–38 advantage at half-time.
That momentum continued after the break. Strong ball movement and unselfish play allowed the Hawks to find the right opportunities, while their defensive pressure produced a series of steals and stops. Another 22 points in the third quarter extended the lead to 65–57 heading into the final period.
Manchester refused to go away and reduced the deficit during a scrappy fourth quarter. The Hawks were held to eight points as the game went all the way to the final seconds, but the team stayed together and did enough to secure a hard-earned 73–71 win.
Reflecting on the performance, Willey said: “Yesterday was the first time we had played together in a competitive situation, and it was a game that went all the way to the wire.”
“We started slowly against a young and very athletic team. We needed a timeout in the first quarter to reiterate what was required defensively, and the players responded. That triggered our offence into action and the game began to flow.”
“The team performed brilliantly as a unit. They looked out for each other, believed in each other and shared the ball extremely well. They looked for the right shot and the right drive, while the defensive intensity created countless steals and stops.”
Willey also accepted responsibility for the difficult final quarter as he continues learning how best to use his squad in different situations.
He added: “The fourth quarter falls on my shoulders. There were things I should have called and substitutions I should have made to calm the situation, but the team did an amazing job to get the game over the line in the final seconds.”
Jason Soodeen made his first appearance in Neon and Navy and immediately demonstrated the impact he can make, attacking the glass with determination and showing the skill, bravery and work ethic that Willey believes will inspire young Hawks fans.
Every member of the squad contributed to the victory, whether through scoring, rebounding, defensive pressure, communication or the energy provided from the bench.
Dan “Pilko” Pilkington praised the team for closing out the game and finding a way to win while adapting to new roles and a new system. Pilkington said: “We’re learning each other, and players are taking on new roles. We have a new coach learning about us, and we’re learning about him. It’s all positive, with a focus for Tuesday.”
“It’s easy to be critical and only look at what needs improving, but we should also recognise the positives and what we can build on. Well done, fellas.”
With their first win secured, attention now turns to the Hawks’ opening home game against Nottingham Hoods on Saturday 26 September. Tip-off is at 6:30pm at the University of Huddersfield.
Come and welcome the team back to the Hawks Nest. Use discount code Hawks15 when booking your tickets here.