Recap
A convincing victory in sunny Cheltenham for the Hawks this weekend. It was no easy challenge as Barry’s side faced a physically strong All Gold’s side but the Hawks productive start to the season continued with a 44-4 win, to maintain their position at the top of the table.
After an exciting cup game last week in the Challenge Cup minds were back and focussed on the league. The Hawks were quick off the mark when Brooke Broughton got his arm free in the tackle and managed to get the offload away to James Coyle on his first appearance of the season who then put Houston through under the posts. The Hawks defence has been consistently good across the opening games and today was no different Watson, Stenchion and March muscling up and creating the solid line that left the home side pointless for so long. Jamaine Akaidere continued to prove himself worthy of the spot in the team when he latched on to Danny Maun’s pass and dived over in the corner. Despite Barry’s side looking reasonably in control they suffered from ill-discipline and some dubious decisions. Akaidere was accused of stripping the ball and the All Golds were granted possession but the Hawks scrambling defence relieved them of conceding one in the corner. Hunslet went on to score their third try courtesy of Lee Mapals as the winger added the finishing touches to Danny Ansell’s cross field kick. 5 minutes later the Hawks were at it again this time James Houston barged his way over for his second. Gloucester looked to narrow the gap slightly and got themselves a try. Fullback Marcus Elliot sent Phil Cowburn half the field to reward his side with a fine try as the visitors headed to the break with the upper hand at 24-4 they still had 40 minutes left to maintain stranglehold.
It took either side time to get back into it but when Gloucester pounced on an uncharacteristic Kain error it was left to Lyons to make the try saving tackle on the line. The second rower got his side out of danger, the Hawks made sure they stamped their authority back on the game. Enjoying plenty of possession the Hawks grabbed the first try of the second half Ansell made no mistakes weaving his way in and out of defenders he scored and converted his own. The boys were just doing what they had to do; Grimshaw drew defenders in before a change in direction saw him fly over the line. Casey Canterbury had some game time in pre-season but making his league debut he was able to show the potential he has, quick from half back he was catching the All Golds off guard. The visitors thought they had put the game to bed but tempers flared as both sides were still wrestling for the victory. Gloucester would fight until the end and were attacking the line with intent and had another try disallowed for a knock on. The threat of any kind of comeback fuelled the Hawks momentum and prop forward Houston charged through and put it down to seal his hat-trick this afternoon. Maun touched down in the corner and rounded things off at 44-4.
A good steady game for the Hawks this afternoon another win under the belt will continue to add to the confidence the Hunslet outfit are gaining. A quicker turn around than usual for Barry’s side as we face Oldham at The South Leeds Stadium on Good Friday.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Stuart Kain
Sponsored by: Beth Hampshire
2. Lee Mapals
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
3. Jimmy Watson
4. Danny Maun
Sponsored by: Norty Forty
5. Jamaine Akaidere
Sponsored by: Fletcher Smith Insurance
6. James Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
7. Danny Ansell
8. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
9. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
10. Luke Stenchion
Sponsored by: J Mulkeen & Co Builders Ltd
11. Brooke Broughton
12. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
13. Danny Grimshaw
14. Lewis Reed
15. Aaron Lyons
Sponsored by: Linda Hemingway
16. Casey Canterbury
Sponsored by: Worcester Hawks
17. Mathew Cook
Timeline
00:06 James Houston Try
00:06 Danny Ansell Goal
00:20 Jamaine Akaidere Try
00:20 Danny Ansell Goal
00:29 Lee Mapals Try
00:29 Danny Ansell Goal
00:39 Danny Ansell Goal
00:39 James Houston Try
00:53 Danny Ansell Try
00:53 Danny Ansell Goal
00:57 Danny Grimshaw Try
01:02 James Houston Try
01:02 Danny Ansell Goal
01:20 Danny Maun Try