Recap
It was a massive ask of the Hunslet Hawks for this mid week fixture against last year’s champions the Sheffield Eagles. Despite efforts and a creditable first half performance the Eagles who sat comfortably 3rd in the table managed to get away with the win and a last push also denied the home side the bonus point.
First penalties and the first try were awarded to Sheffield. The Hawks suffered badly from the whistle and were left defending for numerous sets on the line. The awful wet conditions at the South Leeds Stadium worked in their favour as Menzie Yere slid over ball in hand. The fast pace of the opening quarter didn’t slow and the home side struggled to keep up on the back of the try Scott Turner was almost clean away, Mapals got his side out of danger as he beat him in the race for the line and threw him to the ground in a try saving challenge. His efforts may have gone in vain as Yere went trundling over the line for his second moments later. Running in two more Tom Armstrong and Matt Garside both earning their places on the score board. Hunslets completion rate allowed Sheffield the opportunity to set up camp in the Hawks half and took full advantage of the errors as we struggled to defend kicks. It looked certain the Eagles would run away with the game at this point but a late comeback could have been enough to put the Hawks back into the race. Keinhorst clinging to his touch line broke through the line beating off defenders he put it over for the Hawks and early in the next set it was try time again. Mapals had been instrumental in this first half and found himself in the perfect space to receive a late pass from Coyle. Touching it down and Helliwell’s conversion gave them and the fans hope at 20-10.
A try from Scott Watson to open things up put the home side within 4 points of the visitors and with a better kicking game and some better game awareness the Hawks should have taken more from this game. The plan didn’t quite come off and Barry’s side were left battered as the Eagles forced themselves down the middle channel behind a strong forward pack, the Eagles fullback Quentin Lala Togagae crossed twice followed by Duane Straughier who went through the gap after stealing a loose ball. It seemed disappointing but the Hawks did face a big challenge, and to have kept the Eagles to within bonus point score line is something a lot of teams in the championship would struggle to do. Threatening to make another twist in the game Liam Hood sold the perfect dummy and escaped the front line, Keinhorst in support and only the fullback to beat the home side had managed to steal one last try; Helliwell with the conversion it had come a little late 22-38 the final score.
Another entertaining performance with Mapals and Houston again with strong performances tonight. Keinhorst outstanding in both attack and defence had done enough to earn himself man of the match. The Hawks face a quick turn around with not long to recover as the team travel to Whitehaven this weekend for another tough game that should hopefully see us come away with a much needed victory.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Jimmy Watson
2. Lee Mapals
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
3. Jimmy Keinhorst
Sponsored by: In memory of John Hodgson
4. Liam Welham
Sponsored by: Adrian Jinks
5. Waine Pryce
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
6. Thomas Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
7. Luke Helliwell
Sponsored by: Jewson, Leeds
8. Andrew Yates
Sponsored by: Village Urban Resorts South Leeds
9. Liam Hood
Sponsored by: Colin & Kath Smith
10. Michael Haley
11. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
12. Tommy Haughey
Sponsored by: Dawn Caley
13. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
14. Callum Windley
Sponsored by: South Leeds Academy
15. Scott Watson
Sponsored by: Brian Jackson
Painter & Decorator 0780248204
16. Luke Menzies
Sponsored by: Fred & Jane Hopkins
17. Mitch Achurch
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
Timeline
00:36 Jimmy Keinhorst Try
00:40 Lee Mapals Try
00:41 Luke Helliwell Goal
00:43 Scott Watson Try
00:44 Luke Helliwell Goal
00:76 Jimmy Keinhorst Try
00:77 Luke Helliwell Goal