The midweek papers today in 1997 were reporting on last Sunday’s match where when Hunslet travelled to Widnes for the Challenge Cup Plate semi-final and were quite scathing about Widnes’s decision making in the match. The home side, a division above Second Division Hunslet, were favourites and the writing was on the wall as early as the 3rd minute when Cunningham scored a converted try. Hunslet then got three successive sets which ended with a Criag Booth penalty. A Paul Mansson interception try, Booth’s conversion and a David Brook drop goal gave Hunslet a 9-6 half-time lead. The first bad decision, in the media’s opinion, in the second half was when Widnes refused a kickable penalty which backfired as Hunslet got possesion and attacked, a Mansson kick to the corner being touched down by Chris Ross. Nelson scored a converted try to make it 13-12 to Hunslet. Seven minutes from time a 60 yard Hunslet passing move led to a converted Booth try and a seven popint lead. A late converted try by Kendrick brought the score to 19-18 to Hunslet and as the clock ran down Widnes chose not to attempt the drop goal which would have forced the draw and Hunslet were on their way to Wembley!
Two players made their debuts today, the most recent being Danny Ekis in 2006. Signing on from Keighley Cougars, Danny was with Hunslet for two seasons, making 34 appearances and scoring 3 tries. He then left for Yok City Knights, returning in 2009 for a three match stint.
Hooker Don Rees was a Welshman from Neath RU., signing on for £650. In Wales he had played in a Final Wales Trial but did not get selected. He had also played for Cardiff and Bath RU. After his Hunslet debut in 1949, he played a further 109 games before returning to Wales to take up a teaching position.
It was the second round of the 1892 Yorkshire Cup today and following the easy win over Birstall, Bramley were the visitors and another comfortable win, 24-0, took Hunslet into the 3rd round.
In 1910 Hunslet suffered their heaviest away defeat to date going down 13-38 at Huddersfield.
