Recap
The Hawks met the Knights in a top two clash which promised to be an exciting fixture as both battled for pole position in the table but Eaton’s side suffered a devastating 40-0 defeat and came away from the round with nothing.
The first minutes of the game set the scene. The home side rewarded from the Hawks ill-discipline they helped themselves to a try courtesy of James Morland. The Hawks at this point were still very much up for the fight and looked to have returned the favour with one of their own. Hooker Liam Hood fending off defenders gave a spiralling pass out to Andy Ballard who unfortunately didn’t even manage to touch it down before the linesman ruled the pass to be forward. The first half was not all negatives, Brooke Broughton made an impression on former York team mates powering through the line. But when City Knights top try scorer Jack Lee got hold of the ball he was going to find his way over the whitewash. Hunslet’s Jimmy Watson was also standing solidly in defence but his try saving tackle on James Ford was in vain as a penalty for interference was kicked minutes later followed by a try as Pat Smith sent Presley flying over. The first half was quickly over and the Hunslet side trailed 20-0.
Any hope that the Hunslet side could pull off a come back were shattered when Ryan Mallinder and Ben Dent crossed the line in the opening quarter of the second half. Distant from the team of recent weeks who have been consistent and thorough in attack and defence suffered terribly today, appearing to be struggling without the leadership of their skipper David March ruled out with a hamstring injury. Castleford Tigers Reynolds played outstanding for York this afternoon and was not finished threatening the line throwing a dummy in front of the sticks he pushed over the line after weaving easily through a lack lustre defence. Grimshaw was attempting all that he could slicing open the line from fullback but the home side once again reacted quickly and stopped him in his tracks. The forwards were like battering rams down the centre Lyons, Haley and Houston all trying to get some points on the board but Gary Thornton’s side were ruthless and delivered one last blow as Jack Lee touched down for his second. 40-0 as the final conversion was added a shocking result after a disappointing 80 minutes.
The Hawks have now slipped to second place after today’s game. It was difficult to watch as the boys struggled to compete. Hopefully the Hawks can come back fighting next week and ready to face Oxford at the South Leeds Stadium.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Danny Grimshaw
2. Lee Brickwood
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
3. Jimmy Watson
4. Danny Maun
Sponsored by: Norty Forty
5. Andrew Ballard
Sponsored by: Barry & Norma Harding
6. Thomas Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
7. James Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
8. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
9. Liam Hood
Sponsored by: Colin & Kath Smith
10. Michael Haley
11. Brooke Broughton
12. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
13. Liam Mackay
14. Matthew Tebb
15. Aston Wilson
16. Luke Stenchion
Sponsored by: J Mulkeen & Co Builders Ltd
17. Aaron Lyons
Sponsored by: Linda Hemingway