SLAITHWAITE Saracens have expressed their pride at the exploits of new head coach Ritchie Hawkyard.
The former Huddersfield Sharks half-back made his Bradford Bulls debut in Friday's Super League clash against his hometown club at the Galpharm Stadium.
Although the in-form Giants proved too stong, securing a 36-12 triumph, the 20-year-old Hawkyard had a sound game.
His performance earned him widespread praise from Bulls coach Steve McNamara, who readily acknowledged: "I can't fault Ritchie Hawkyard whatsoever.
"He got a call on Wednesday night, and had to take a day off work on Thursday so he could train with us, but had to work on the day of the game.
"We will try to get him two days off next time!"
And Saracens secretary Jonathan Fell admitted they were delighted to see the way their new coach, who works as a plasterer for Kirklees Council, shaped up.
"We were all made up for Ritchie when we heard he would be playing," said Fell.
"A lot of us at the Saracens are Huddersfield fans and obviously wanted them to win.
"But we also wanted to see Ritchie have a good game for the Bulls, and that's exactly what happened.
"It's been a highly eventful time for Ritchie, because he's now officially taken over from Steve Russell as our head coach.
"He'll be the main man when we play in the Pennine League Third Division next season."
As well as having a Bradford Bulls Super League player as their head coach, the Saracens have also secured a new big sponsor on the back of their promotion from Division IV.
SB Holmes from Marsden have come on board, and boss Steve Byram said: "We're delighted to be associated with the success of the Saracens.
"And I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the club on its development, both on and off the field.
"In recent years it has gone from strength to strength on all fronts, and I'm proud to be associated with them."
