Recap
The Hawks entered the game on the back of a defeat last week to the All Gold’s but with key personnel back in the ranks a 45-6 victory against Gateshead Thunder on Friday night was just the fight back the Hawks needed.
A difficult opening quarter for both sides as the teams struggled to handle the rain that had been pouring in Gateshead all afternoon, but the Hawks found their footing and Danny Maun soon got us in front. The centre raced over the line on the receiving end of a perfect Danny Grimshaw pass. The good start cooled as the wet surfaces didn’t allow for much exciting play and the hosts frustrated ending up finishing sets with long kicks from their own half the pressure only encouraged the safe hands of fullback Jimmy Watson who took over duties for the injured Stuart Kain. Taking on the line he proved a threat with ball in hand. A spell of ill discipline for the Hawks in the middle of the second half forced them into defending repeat sets and with the possession rate high in Gateshead’s favour it would have been only too easy for the Hawks to slip up under the pressure. The strength in Eaton’s squad was clear when they managed to defend the line for the duration not fazed by the onslaught they made sure to keep the home side pointless. The test was rewarded for the Hunslet boys who kept things exciting for the travelling fans late in the first half hooker Liam Hood with an exceptional try intercepting the ball yards out from his own line he sprinted the distance to put it down. Moments later a Jimmy Watson pass sent Luke Stenchion crashing over for his first over the evening. Ballard landed the third kick successfully and the Hawks headed to half time confident at 18-0 up.
Barry’s side wasted no time in the second half as it looked from the stands as if second rower John Oakes had crossed on the back of a mistake from the kick off, the officials not convinced by the error they ruled out the try. Lee Brickwood fancying his chances next hugging the side line he reached out to ground it but the linesman ruled his foot to be in touch and the Hawks had missed out once again, it was third time lucky as a spiralling pass made its way out to Andy Ballard who crossed in the corner. Gateshead fought back to get some points on the board on a rare venture into Hawks territory they proved they could capitalise and Jordan Meads managed to burrow over despite Hawks pleading he had been held up. The visitors had the rebound being rewarded a penalty Ballard landed this one aswell to make it 5/5. Fullback Watson sealed the deal on the great game he was having with a try of his own. Finding himself in the way of the defenders he broke free from numerous tackles and dived over the whitewash. Two tries in close succession put Gateshead out of the game the first courtesy of Liam Mackay who powered over just left of the posts and Michael Haley with the second taking advantage of the gap Grimshaw had created Haley finished it off decisively securing his first try of the competition this year. James Coyle rubbed salt in the wounds with a late drop goal to make it 45-6 as the final hooter blew.
A clinical and professional victory for the Hawks who had worked hard in defence all game and the return of some familiar faces saw us score plenty of points. A week before the Hawks face the South Wales Scorpions at home hopefully another win for Barry’s side.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Jimmy Watson
2. Gavin Duffy
3. Lee Brickwood
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
4. Danny Maun
Sponsored by: Norty Forty
5. Andrew Ballard
Sponsored by: Barry & Norma Harding
6. Danny Grimshaw
7. James Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
8. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
9. Thomas Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
10. Michael Haley
11. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
12. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
13. Liam Mackay
14. Liam Hood
Sponsored by: Colin & Kath Smith
15. Lewis Reed
16. Aston Wilson
17. Luke Stenchion
Sponsored by: J Mulkeen & Co Builders Ltd
Timeline
00:07 Andrew Ballard Goal
00:07 Danny Maun Try
00:35 Liam Hood Try
00:35 Andrew Ballard Goal
00:37 Luke Stenchion Try
00:37 Andrew Ballard Goal
00:48 Andrew Ballard Try
00:48 Andrew Ballard Goal
01:10 Andrew Ballard Goal
01:11 Andrew Ballard Goal
01:11 Jimmy Watson Try
01:15 Liam Mackay Try
01:15 Andrew Ballard Goal
01:17 Michael Haley Try
01:17 Andrew Ballard Goal
01:20 James Coyle Drop goal