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Famous win for Hillside

9/12/2005

Hillside Hawks 8
Bradford Thunderbirds 4

HILLSIDE Hawks took on last year's Premiership champions Bradford Thunderbirds in awful conditions.

The game was hard fought with excellent defence from both teams. The deadlock was broken when Bradford's fullback collected a kick and ran it back. Hillside loose forward Andrea Dobson put in an almighty hit to force the ball loose and the ever-alert Zoe Robinson collected and ran clear to score. Katie Birkenhead converted.

From then on Hillside believed they could beat Bradford - a feat achieved only by Wakefield in recent years - and dominated the game.

Hillside led 6-0 at half time with advantage of the slope in the second half they bombarded Bradford with attack after attack. Forwards Sutcliffe, Bradshaw, Dobson and the Llewelyn sisters gave the opposition no respite.

Injuries to Beth McLoughlin, Jenny Russell and fullback Harrison, hurt making a superb try-saving tackle, saw Hillside down to 12 players with 30 minutes to go.

But the locals were still on top with the majority of possession, until Bradford found an overlap with a long pass for an easy run in.

Hillside stepped up again in defence and attack and a tiring Bradford outfit were caught offside. Birkenhead slotted over the penalty.

Two minutes later the referee blew for full time much to the delight of all involved with Hillside - they have come a long way thanks to player commitment, coach Joe Warburton and fitness instructor Dr Adrian Attey.

Andrea Dobson was player of the match while Jenny Welsby took the players' player and coach's award.

Hillside's next game at home on 8 January at home against York, kick off 2pm.