The West Yorkshire Hawks Women closed the curtain on their first ever NBL season in style with a superb 63–56 victory over North Herts Knights, producing arguably their most complete performance of the campaign. It was a fitting way for the Neon and Navy to finish a historic first season at this level and a performance that perfectly showcased just how far the team has come throughout the year.
The game began at a measured pace as both teams looked to establish control and dictate the tempo. Defensive pressure made scoring opportunities limited in the early exchanges, with neither side able to fully settle into their rhythm. The Hawks gradually edged ahead as the quarter progressed and held a narrow one-point lead at the end of the first period.
The second quarter saw the Hawks burst into life. Confident ball movement and sharp shooting from the perimeter ignited the Hawks offence as they began to rain in three-pointer after three-pointer. The long-range shooting stretched the Knights defence and allowed the Hawks to build a commanding lead, heading into the halftime locker room with a 39–25 advantage.
North Herts came out of the break with renewed intensity, determined to fight their way back into the contest. Increased defensive pressure and aggressive attacking play helped the Knights chip away at the Hawks’ lead during the third quarter. Despite the push, the Hawks remained composed and managed the game well, maintaining control and entering the final quarter still 13 points ahead.
The final ten minutes proved to be a tense affair for the Hawks supporters as North Herts pushed hard in search of a comeback. The Hawks offence slowed during the closing stages, but defensively the team stepped up when it mattered most. Key stops and disciplined play allowed the Hawks to weather the pressure and close out a well-earned 63–56 victory.
Leading the scoring for the Hawks was Luna Jade Gommersall Buckley with an outstanding 21 points, while Sonia Matei added 20 points in another strong offensive display.
Player-coach Millie Oates praised the group after the final buzzer saying “That was our best performance of the season and I am so proud of every single player today. We deserved that win. Not just for our performance today but for every performance we have put in this season. This is an amazing group and I am excited to get back on the court with them again next year”.
With their first NBL season now complete, the Hawks Women can reflect on a campaign defined by growth, resilience and progress. The club will now turn its focus to the summer months as it continues its work to grow the women’s game across West Yorkshire at both junior and senior level.