Recap
Leeds Rhinos dual registered players played a big part in Hunslet’s win over Whitehaven with Mitch Achurch creating two and scoring one himself as Barry Eaton’s side shut out the men from Cumbria at South Leeds Stadium.
After a brilliant win last week the Hawks were looking to give their fans a similar performance and came away with the result they wanted.
Taking on Whitehaven in this round 6 fixture promised to be an entertaining one with Tommy Makinson on dual registration from St Helens for the visitors and an impressive forward pack the Hawks would look to be playing on top form.
The recent defensive slip ups in the early stages of games seemed to have been ironed out as the Hawks kept a clean slate for the first time this season.
Liam Hood was up to old tricks as he attempted to get himself over the line from dummy half only to be caught short of the whitewash. Grimshaw pressured Whitehaven with the kick and claimed possession back for his side on the last, Mitch Achurch was there in support and tipped it off to Tom Bush who scored in the corner. A great try to get things going for Hunslet, Helliwell slotted a difficult conversion and Barry Eaton’s side lead 6-0.
The Hawks had to battle for a bit before they crossed again, this time Helliwell with a fantastic grubber that bounced into the hands off Bush who just had to apply the pressure and award his side with four more.
Whitehaven felt the full force from the forwards as Menzies and Singleton broke through waiting defenders each time and really packed a punch. A storming run from Achurch and great support from Jimmy Keinhorst saw the Hawks force their way across once again with ten minutes to go until half time. Matching these efforts on attack, the defence and line speed was incredible from the home side and, if it had not been for the kicking game, Whitehaven would have struggled to get out of their own half for much of the first half.
Coming back after the break 18-0 up only prompted the Hawks to continue their attack. The visitors struggled to handle second rower Tommy Haughey as he got the ball away to Paul Hughes who needed no encouragement to get across the line. Composure had failed Hunslet in recent games but they were immaculate today with Jimmy Watson and John Oakes both solid in their individual efforts. Mitch Achurch was next to cross the line for a totally deserved four points after his hardwork all afternoon.
Despite the harsh weather conditions Hunslet managed to control the ball confidently and Keinhorst finished off proceedings with a try out wide adding to his increasing score tally with the Hawks! Helliwell had been impressive with the conversion rate but just pushed this one wide and left the score at 30-0.
The Hunslet outfit gave a real team effort and had made it a goal to keep Whitehaven from scoring which proved successful. There was nothing but positives to take from the result.
Next week will be a big challenge Halifax at The Shay will be far from easy but if this week is anything to go by the fans won’t be disappointed.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Jimmy Watson
2. Tom Bush
Sponsored by: Heineken
3. Jimmy Keinhorst
Sponsored by: In memory of John Hodgson
4. Liam Welham
Sponsored by: Adrian Jinks
5. Lee Brickwood
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
6. Danny Grimshaw
7. Luke Helliwell
Sponsored by: Jewson, Leeds
8. Luke Menzies
Sponsored by: Fred & Jane Hopkins
9. Liam Hood
Sponsored by: Colin & Kath Smith
10. Brad Singleton
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
11. Mitch Achurch
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
12. Tommy Haughey
Sponsored by: Dawn Caley
13. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
14. Paul Hughes
Sponsored by: The Mortgage Guide 0113 2198395
15. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
16. Andrew Yates
Sponsored by: Village Urban Resorts South Leeds
17. Stuart Kain
Sponsored by: Beth Hampshire
Timeline
00:21 Tom Bush Try
00:22 Luke Helliwell Goal
00:30 Tom Bush Try
00:31 Luke Helliwell Goal
00:39 Jimmy Keinhorst Try
00:40 Luke Helliwell Goal
00:47 Paul Hughes Try
01:03 Mitch Achurch Try
01:14 Jimmy Keinhorst Try