This Sunday the Hawks saw Southend Scorpions come to the Leisurezone for an early evening tip off. The Hawks who are still struggling for a win in the Essex league were looking to change their form. However, the start of the game continued the form that has consumed the Hawks all season. Early turnovers and a lack of communication on defence saw the Hawks fall to 27-4 run in the first quarter. Frustration was evident in the opening quarter as the Hawks picked up early fouls and found themselves in team fouls within 4 minutes. Allan also picked up a technical after talking to the referee after 2 early fouls, forcing him to sit the remainder of the quarter on the bench. Late scores from Patterson and Haddow saw the Hawks hit double figures by the end of the quarter as the teams went in 32-10.
The second quarter followed a largely similar pattern, throughout the first quarter the Scorpions had shot exceptionally well finishing around 70% of the shots they took from all over the court and this was no different in the second. Although the Hawks now had some rhythm on offence they were still being outscored through a lack of communication leading to simple errors on the defensive end. Mark Haddow followed up last game with another throwback performance with some vintage post moves that left the Southend centre with no option but to foul. Scores also come from Sargant, Morris and Whytock as the Hawks tried to keep the game competitive. The quarter finished 60-27.
The third quarter was by far the best of the game for the Hawks. After the half-time break the team came out motivated to not fall behind even further. Defence picked up with Jones, Burgess and Whytock being vocal leaders out on the floor and getting the team talking throughout all 5 positions. As always with the Hawks the work on the defensive end then fed into the offensive end. Whytock was rewarded early on with a basket as scores then followed from Haddow, Patterson and Norkeliunas. Coach Shab then changed the team and the changes kept the tempo high. Evans hit a three pointer with 3 minutes to go in the quarter and then found White late on for an alley oop to complete two late scores for White. It still wasn’t enough though as the quarter finished 75-46.
The final quarter see the Hawks reside to the defeat as the defence slipped. Scores from Allan and Whytock gave the Hawks there only points of the quarter as they came on the wrong side of a 17-5 quarter. The game finished 92-51 to the Scorpions. The Hawks now travel to Southend this Tuesday to take on the Saints in the hope of finding their first win of the Essex League Season.
Written By:- Tom White
