Recap
The Hawks took on the Batley Bulldogs in front of the Premier TV cameras for the first time and came away with a bonus point that was reward for their efforts after a strong Bulldogs challenge.
An all round exciting opening set as James Houston broke away with only the fullback to beat not realising he had support the forward was tackled and nothing came of the following play. A handling error from Mapals on the line shortly afterwards also meant the second chance had got away. The Hawks had missed out and the Bulldogs didn’t want to do the same, stealing the points for themselves, they took the risk and it paid off. Gareth Potts intercepting out on the left wing, and three spiralling passes later Greg Johnson slid over to finish. Fuelling their opponents efforts the Bulldogs looked to be struggling to compete with the speed this combined with a high tackle on Keinhorst they had given away field position. Michael Haley with a quick tap then a perfectly timed run from Tomny Haughey, a try for the home side. A quick glance to the video ref but there was no doubt that the Hawks had pulled level. The Bulldogs proving they could recover opted for the short kick off that seemingly paid off, Welham returning to the side from injury let it bounce and the visitors had done it again. This time a controversial conversion attempt but that had never the less managed to stop the Hunslet outfit in their tracks. On the back of this messy play tempers flared and as Mapals found himself on report the Bulldogs also slotted a penalty from in front of the posts. Barry’s side would have to work hard to get rid of this 8 point gap. Taking control of things the Hawks more experienced players stood out tonight Pryce and Yates influential in making the metres. Settling things down the boys managed to hold the opposition for three sets on the line, which was positive not conceding anything before the break would be an achievement. Watson instigated the wakeup call noticing the gap he sprinted half the field from the turnover. On the tackle following Houston powered over for his first of the evening; an outstanding effort from the prop who had worked hard for the first 40 minutes, Helliwell added the extras, 12-14 at the break.
To come out in the second half and keep the Batley side at bay would have been ideal as the Hawks looked to be playing better towards the end of the first half and could continue to excite the fans if they kept at it. The home side let themselves down just 10 minutes in; Watson convinced the ball was flying dead, just got his hand to it. The Bulldogs had got themselves another early try, the penalty had only encouraged the visitors and Faal touched down in the corner.
Reflecting on the game the Hawks showed glimpses of inventive and confident play throughout Liam Hood running things from half back but the execution had just lacked. Richard Moore joined the Hawks once again this week and his presence was greatly appreciated a brilliant offload to James Houston who crossed for his second; to get the Hawks back to 18-20, it was not beyond the Hawks side of this year to come back from this one. Helliwell in great spirits trying everything a short kick on the last had almost come off. The time was ticking down and as the ball came loose from skipper March and it was the Batley side who came out better for it winger Gareth Potts got over this time and it was a disappointing way to end things.
The win would have been better but a bonus point the result. The Hawks have struggled with results in late weeks and hopefully this will have instilled some confidence as they go on to face Sheffield on Wednesday.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Jimmy Watson
2. Lee Mapals
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
3. Jimmy Keinhorst
Sponsored by: In memory of John Hodgson
4. Liam Welham
Sponsored by: Adrian Jinks
5. Waine Pryce
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
6. Thomas Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
7. Luke Helliwell
Sponsored by: Jewson, Leeds
8. Richard Moore
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
9. Liam Hood
Sponsored by: Colin & Kath Smith
10. Michael Haley
11. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
12. Tommy Haughey
Sponsored by: Dawn Caley
13. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
14. Luke Haigh
Sponsored by: Elliott & Ewan Green
15. Andrew Yates
Sponsored by: Village Urban Resorts South Leeds
16. Luke Menzies
Sponsored by: Fred & Jane Hopkins
17. Scott Watson
Sponsored by: Brian Jackson
Painter & Decorator 0780248204
Timeline
00:22 Tommy Haughey Try
00:23 Luke Helliwell Goal
00:40 James Houston Try
00:41 Luke Helliwell Goal
00:75 James Houston Try
00:76 Luke Helliwell Goal