Recap
Hunslet travelled to Cumbria for the 3rd time in 4 weeks after also having 2 mid week games, so as you can imagine the talk between the fans was, could we cope with the heavy work load. Whitehaven started the game very strongly forcing Hunslet to defend their try line for 4 sets in a row before a clever kick from Jamie Rooney allowed Fleming to cross in the corner, Cain Southernwood adding the extras. The Hawks replied within minutes after forcing a drop out straight from the kick off, the forwards rolled their way down the slope which allowed Liam Hood to jump out of dummy half, throw a big dummy and stroll in from 15 out. Danny Ansel was unable to add the extra 2 but the Hawks were on the board with their first real attack.
The confidence was clear to see as once again Hunslet’s pack made big metres in the next set, Tommy Coyle showed all the tricks after firstly having what looked a charged down kick go against him as the ref signal it was still last, he allowed the Whitehaven player to gather the bouncing ball before taking it off him 1 on 1 to get the rightly deserved restarted tackle count, which he made count a few plays later crossing just right of the sticks. Danny Ansell was on target for the conversation this time, taking the score out to 10-6 after 20 minutes. It didn’t take long for the Hawks to extend their lead to 14 points. Firstly Danny Ansell forced a repeat set when the Whitehaven winger was unable to handle his excellent kick and in the following set Tommy Haughey, the Hawks second rower, put in a nice kick behind the up rushing defenders for Liam Welham to score in the corner, Ansell again was just wide with the conversation attempt.
The Hawks looked like they were going to add to their total a couple of minutes later when Richard Moore picked up the ball deep in Hunslet’s end before drifting across field and throwing a lovely pass to put Tommy Haughey in the clear. To the dismay of the Hunslet players and the fans that were level with play, the ref called the ball forward. Whitehaven benefited from the unexpected possession just a few tackles later with Jessie Joe Parker crossing on 29 minutes, Cain Southernwood pushing the conversation wide to make it 14-10 to the Hawks. The next 10 minutes before half time saw both teams trading body blows but with neither team creating any real chance to add any extra points.
The second half time saw much of the same as the 10 minutes leading up to the break, with both teams having very few chance to add extra points. It wasn’t until 70 minutes that the score board operator was called into action when Scott McAvoy went over for Whitehaven after Rooney have forced an extra set with a pin point kick. Rooney himself added the extra 2 points from the touchline which saw Haven regather the lead 16-14. The Hawks tried all they could for the next 10 minutes looking to make their way to the Whitehaven try line but the heavy workload and being down to 16 players after Liam Hood was forced off injured in the first half was starting to show. Whitehaven crossed for their 4th try of the game on 79 minutes with Newton scoring from dummy half to guarantee the winning points were staying in Cumbria. The Hawks did at least gain a losing bonus point, however they will be disappointed that the second half got away from them.
Next Sunday, 9th June, sees Halifax visit the south Leeds stadium for a 3pm kick off.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Jimmy Watson
2. Lee Mapals
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
3. Lee Brickwood
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
4. Liam Welham
Sponsored by: Adrian Jinks
5. Waine Pryce
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
6. Thomas Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
7. Danny Ansell
8. Andrew Yates
Sponsored by: Village Urban Resorts South Leeds
9. Liam Hood
Sponsored by: Colin & Kath Smith
10. Michael Haley
11. Tommy Haughey
Sponsored by: Dawn Caley
12. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
13. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
14. Callum Windley
Sponsored by: South Leeds Academy
15. Luke Menzies
Sponsored by: Fred & Jane Hopkins
16. Mitch Achurch
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
17. Richard Moore
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
Timeline
00:16 Liam Hood Try
00:19 Thomas Coyle Try
00:20 Danny Ansell Goal
00:25 Liam Welham Try