Playoff Journey Ends for Hawks Men
The West Yorkshire Hawks Men’s season came to a close on the road with a tough 79–47 defeat to the unbeaten Gloucester Kings in the opening round of the playoffs. Despite a spirited effort and a strong finish, the Neon and Navy were unable to overcome a dominant second and third quarter from the hosts.
The game tipped off in a tightly contested fashion, with both sides locked in defensively and working tirelessly to limit scoring opportunities. The Hawks matched the Kings’ intensity throughout the opening period, keeping things within touching distance as the hosts edged ahead by just a single point at the end of the first quarter.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second. Gloucester found their offensive rhythm and began to stretch the floor, capitalising on their home advantage. Meanwhile, the Hawks endured a difficult spell, struggling to convert their looks despite creating opportunities. The Kings took full control heading into the break, opening up a 41–22 lead at half-time.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with Gloucester continuing to build on their advantage. Feeding off their home crowd, the Kings extended their lead to 27 points heading into the final period, putting the Hawks on the back foot with a mountain to climb.
To their credit, the Hawks refused to let the season end quietly. They came out in the fourth quarter with renewed energy and purpose, delivering their strongest spell of the game. The ball began to move more freely, shots started to fall, and the fight that has defined their season was clear to see. However, the deficit proved too large to overturn, as the Kings secured a 32-point victory to progress to the next round.
Joe Heyes led the Hawks’ scoring effort with 18 points, while Ethan Rose added 10 in a resilient showing.
Following the game, Head Coach Danny Byrne reflected on the performance and the season as a whole saying “It just wasn’t our day. All season we haven’t really struggled to score the ball, but today it was like there was a lid on the basket. I am proud of what the guys have given to the jersey this season. They have stepped up to every challenge thrown their way.”
While the playoff journey ends earlier than hoped, there is no doubt this group has laid strong foundations. From big wins to hard-fought battles, the Hawks have continued to grow, compete, and represent the community with pride.
Now, attention turns to a well-earned off-season break. Players and staff will recharge before preparations begin again in the summer, as the Neon and Navy set their sights on returning stronger when the new season tips off in September.
Playoff Journey Ends for Hawks Men
The West Yorkshire Hawks Men’s season came to a close on the road with a tough 79–47 defeat to the unbeaten Gloucester Kings in the opening round of the playoffs. Despite a spirited effort and a strong finish, the Neon and Navy were unable to overcome a dominant second and third quarter from the hosts.
The game tipped off in a tightly contested fashion, with both sides locked in defensively and working tirelessly to limit scoring opportunities. The Hawks matched the Kings’ intensity throughout the opening period, keeping things within touching distance as the hosts edged ahead by just a single point at the end of the first quarter.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second. Gloucester found their offensive rhythm and began to stretch the floor, capitalising on their home advantage. Meanwhile, the Hawks endured a difficult spell, struggling to convert their looks despite creating opportunities. The Kings took full control heading into the break, opening up a 41–22 lead at half-time.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with Gloucester continuing to build on their advantage. Feeding off their home crowd, the Kings extended their lead to 27 points heading into the final period, putting the Hawks on the back foot with a mountain to climb.
To their credit, the Hawks refused to let the season end quietly. They came out in the fourth quarter with renewed energy and purpose, delivering their strongest spell of the game. The ball began to move more freely, shots started to fall, and the fight that has defined their season was clear to see. However, the deficit proved too large to overturn, as the Kings secured a 32-point victory to progress to the next round.
Joe Heyes led the Hawks’ scoring effort with 18 points, while Ethan Rose added 10 in a resilient showing.
Following the game, Head Coach Danny Byrne reflected on the performance and the season as a whole saying “It just wasn’t our day. All season we haven’t really struggled to score the ball, but today it was like there was a lid on the basket. I am proud of what the guys have given to the jersey this season. They have stepped up to every challenge thrown their way.”
While the playoff journey ends earlier than hoped, there is no doubt this group has laid strong foundations. From big wins to hard-fought battles, the Hawks have continued to grow, compete, and represent the community with pride.
Now, attention turns to a well-earned off-season break. Players and staff will recharge before preparations begin again in the summer, as the Neon and Navy set their sights on returning stronger when the new season tips off in September.