Recap
This weekend’s result was yet again disappointing as the Hawks fell short yet again by a single score to the Dewsbury Rams at the Tetley’s Stadium, picking up yet another bonus point. The fans had turned out in numbers and were hoping for an exciting game and that is exactly what they got but the Hunslet side were disappointed as they failed to come up with the vital 3 points in the fight to get off the bottom of the table. The Rams had struck the vital blow with the try going into the break and the Hawks just couldn’t get back into the race.
The match was a crucial one and the pressure on both sides meant the opening 20 minutes were quiet. The scoring finally opened up on 21 minutes with a try from Lee Mapals, the winger had been pressured from a Rams high kick, but an interception on a pass making its way out to Karl Pryce and Mapals was over with an excellent individual effort sprinting the full length to reward his side. The Hawks had hit the front and looked confident they could keep it that way. Another opportunity on the line a pass to Keinhorst who got it out of the back but the ball too strong for winger Pryce to take it in. Another chance minutes later as Coyle put up a spiralling kick for Brickwood to try and take in, it just fell in to the wrong hands but Brickwood recovered and saved the day with a try saving tackle. The Rams turned the game on its head in the dying minutes of the first half. This time when a strong defence was needed by the visitors they let in 2 easy tries putting then behind at the break. Aaron Brown and Karl Pryce with their names on the score board, 6-10 the score.
A controversial decision and a try for Greg Scott meant the home side grabbed back hold firmly of the game in the second half. Another try looked set for the Rams but the officials calling the decision and pulling them for offside relieved the Hawks. Barry Eaton’ side did finally get over the line on 52 minutes as an inside ball from Coyle sent Jimmy Keinhorst flying over under the sticks, an easy conversion for skipper March making it 12-14, 2 points the difference. The visitors allowed Dewsbury to get one back in typical error strewn style repeat defending sets tired the boys and Aaron Brown went over for his second. Although the defence had been poor in parts of the afternoon, big efforts from Oakes and Welham hadn’t gone unnoticed they certainly slowed the Rams down, easing the pressure on their team mates. The forwards were also grafting to get the Hawks back into the arm wrestle this afternoon Yates and Menzies were storming down field putting some big challenges on their opposing props and finally found space to break open the line. Haigh combined with a fresh from injury Grimshaw, to get a ball out to Mapals who touched it down in the corner. The Hawks fans were right behind the boys as they once again threatened the comeback searching for the winning try. Nothing came of it and after being dominant for the majority of the game things finished up at 16-20.
The Hawks face Workington at home next week and have to win after only picking up the bonus point today. Hopefully at long last a win is due for Barry Eaton’ squad.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Stuart Kain
Sponsored by: Beth Hampshire
2. Waine Pryce
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
3. Jimmy Keinhorst
Sponsored by: In memory of John Hodgson
4. Liam Welham
Sponsored by: Adrian Jinks
5. Lee Mapals
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
6. Thomas Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
7. James Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
8. Andrew Yates
Sponsored by: Village Urban Resorts South Leeds
9. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
10. Luke Menzies
Sponsored by: Fred & Jane Hopkins
11. Tommy Haughey
Sponsored by: Dawn Caley
12. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
13. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
14. Luke Haigh
Sponsored by: Elliott & Ewan Green
15. Danny Grimshaw
16. Lee Brickwood
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
17. Chris Clough
Sponsored by: Heineken
Timeline
00:15 Lee Mapals Try
00:16 David March Goal
00:50 Jimmy Keinhorst Try
00:51 Jimmy Keinhorst Goal
01:08 Lee Mapals Try