Recap
The Hawks suffered a crushing defeat as Featherstone stole a 46-8 victory condemning the side to relegation. Barry’s side had battled in the last fixtures of the season but the visitors proved too strong this afternoon.
A typical start for the Rovers as they powered over the home side and scored a try in the opening minutes. Disappointing to see the Hunslet defence buckling under the first bit of real pressure. Kain had looked dangerous for Featherstone after a try in the Rovers match against the Sheffield Eagles mid week he tore open the line and cut through and touched down for an easy 2nd try. Finn continued his good form and converted both. At 12-0 the Hawks boys soon realised they need to tighten up in defence with Brickwood and Watson doing an exceptional job on the line. A rare chance to attack came up for prop Yates it was almost rewarded but the ball back on the inside to Richard Moore was going to be the one to get them across with his storming run it was almost written, but the ball came free in the collision and the opportunity missed. The Rovers side who were fighting for the league leaders shield hit back and ran in two tries before the break. Eaton’s side looked to have hit a spot of bad luck as one of the tries scored by a blatant offside Matty Dale and the other what looked to be a forward pass to Matt James but with all the extras added a score line of 24-0 was tough to take at half time.
A much more convincing fight, from a Hawks outfit who were playing to avoid relegation, was displayed in the second half. Upping the intensity a try from Mapals got us on the score board. A chip over from Coyle was the only encouragement Lee needed to put it over the whitewash. Injured skipper March just wide with the conversion. The action was nonstop as Sharp pushed over on the rebound to put Featherstone 28-4 in front and with the feeling that they had guaranteed the 3 points from this fixture they cooled off and Ansell, who found himself in the Hawks side today after missing out on 10 games, put in a massive downfield kick to ease the pressure off his side on 60 minutes.Waine Pryce was determined he could spark up the home side, gathering up the ball he dived over for a final try on his farewell to the game. The Hawks still refused to be beaten as the forwards carrying the side Houston, Haley and Davies all making a real impact through the middle. As Tommy Haughey left the field with a nasty looking injury it seemed to be the final blow for Barry’s side. The Rovers hit their stride controlling all the possession and running in 3 late tries to ultimately seal the Hawks fate.
In front of a massive crowd of 1256 the Hawks had fallen short. The other league results meant Hunslet sat just above bottom in a relegation place. The game was a huge ask from the boys against a top of the league team who have won their previous 4 games. As disappointing as it was the lads have given their all and have fought the past few weeks under tense conditions and have done the club and supporters proud.
Hope to see you all back next season.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Stuart Kain
Sponsored by: Beth Hampshire
2. Waine Pryce
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
3. Lee Brickwood
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
4. Liam Welham
Sponsored by: Adrian Jinks
5. Lee Mapals
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
6. Thomas Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
7. Jimmy Watson
8. Andrew Yates
Sponsored by: Village Urban Resorts South Leeds
9. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
10. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
11. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
12. Tommy Haughey
Sponsored by: Dawn Caley
13. Richard Moore
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
14. Luke Menzies
Sponsored by: Fred & Jane Hopkins
15. Michael Haley
16. James Davies
Sponsored by: Elliott & Ewan Green
17. Danny Ansell
Timeline
00:49 Lee Mapals Try
01:15 Waine Pryce Try