Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks Under 18s History

Most of the existing Under 18’s joined the club around 4-5 years ago and it was at this
stage that this squad starting seeing more success on the pitch. At U15’s they
narrowly lost the West Riding Cup final but at last year they took the trophy home
and were also semi-finalists in the Yorkshire Cup.

After their first appearance in the West Riding Cup final the team jumped from the
West Riding League into the Combined Yorkshire League (Premier Division). After
two years there they made this season their first in the Gillette National Youth
League. Thomas Haycox and Jono Burns are the ‘long serving’ stalwarts of the
current squad, having been there for this whole journey alongside their fathers in the
coaching setup.

Head coach Richard Haycox and team manager Rob Burns got involved in rugby
league when their wives Tracey and Marie began playing for Sheffield Hillsborough
Hawks Women’s team in the 1990’s. Richard quickly took his coaching badges and
started helping out training with the juniors, beginning with the side in U9s; Rob and
his son then joined up two years later.

The side have significant support from Sheffield Eagles, with Dean Thomas (Head of
Performance) and Andy Tyres (Director) leading the coaching. Half of the squad are
involved in the Sheffield Eagles Academy system and a number of them are also
contracted to the seniors at the club.

The Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks Under 18s are sponsored by UNISON (Northern
General Hospital), Sivell Engineering and PCCL. They play at Hillsborough Arena
which lies at the opposite side of Hillsborough Park to the Sheffield Wednesday
ground and although results have not always gone their way this season, there have
been some very tight games which bode well for the second half of the season.
Pen Pics

Daniel Horsfield Second row grafter and team captain who always gives a
solid leaders performance and has been signed by Sheffield
Eagles
Micheal Ashton Winger in his 3rd season who tackles well above his weight
and is always willing to put his body on the line for the sake
of the team.
Jono Burns Hooker. Another player that loves to hit well above his size,
winning Hawks top tackler three years on the trot.
Ryan Matthews Talented scrum half with a great boot and fantastic attitude,
always willing to work for the team
James Musconda Winger, converted from American Football and only has one
full season of rugby league behind him. Blistering pace will
always cause problems
Thomas Haycox Centre. Tom has been around ‘forever’ and uses his
experience and shear power to great effect. Always looking
for the big impact.
Ben Jackson Fullback. A real utility player Ben has settled into a full back
slot despite only a couple of years rugby league experience.
Reece Williams Prop. Reece has the pace of a centre and the power of a
prop, capable of taking 40 metres if you give him a yard.
Another of those registered with Sheffield Eagles.
Patrick O’Leary Fullback/utility. One of the twins in the team, Patrick plays
with driving passion. Has been with the Hawks for around 5
years.
Corey Hanson Centre. The biggest danger man in the team with power that
can destroy his opposite number. A gifted athlete with a
great future in the game. Corey is on Sheffield Eagles books.
Richard Spink Wing. Richard is a highly talented goalkeeper who loves his
rugby. As you would expect, he has safe hands and electric
pace over 30 metres.
Craig Watson Centre/utility. Craig is the baby of the team, playing up an
age group. Both wholehearted and committed to every
tackle, he is one of the most reliable members of the squad
Liam O’Leary Loose Forward/pack. At 6ft 5 inches Liam packs a lot of
power, but is currently returning from an injury layoff.
Grant Ripley Second Row/prop. Another 6ft 5inch powerhouse. Grant
was formerly a leading rower and only started playing
serious rugby last year, making phenomenal progress.
Dean Scotthorn Centre/Second Row. Dean formerly played his rugby at
Dinnington Rugby Union but has converted into a speedy
running centre.
Adam Brook Stand Off. Another player signed by Sheffield Eagles;
undoubted talent with a passion for the game, capable of
leading the team ‘round the park.
Jack Ward Wing. Currently injured following a motor bike accident,
Jack always commits 100% to the tackle.
Michael Shepherd Prop/Second row. Michael has only two full seasons behind
him and has progressed beyond expectation.
Myles Quirke Prop. Myles is always willing to help the team both on and
off the pitch, helping out behind the scenes when injured.
Gregg Pygott Talented Stand Off with superb kicking skills. One of the
older members of the squad having played up an age group
last season.
Benjamin Tyres A natural rugby talent enjoys the freedom of the field at
Loose Forward, and also experienced through playing at the
U18’s age group last season.
Ashley Statham First choice Prop. The third of last year’s returning U18’s,
Ashley lends his experience well to the rest of the team. Non
stop talker driving the whole team forward.
Christopher Bowler Versatile forward Christopher is the final one of the
returners from last season’s squad, and is capable of playing
anywhere in the pack.
Christopher Palmer Loose forward/utility. Chris is a great talker on the pitch and
was signed this season from neighbouring club, Hoyland
Vikings.
Thomas Rose Fullback. Is another new signing for this season, yet
unfortunately damaged his knee in the first league game and
is still to recover.
Samuel Grey Hooker/scrum half. Sam is more regularly seen playing for
the open age side, yet is still eligible to play at National
Youth League level if required.