Recap
We returned to the league this week with a tie against the Bulldogs it was going to be interesting. After the excitement of the fixture in the challenge cup it would have been difficult to predict a score. There was some big characters out on the pitch today, but fingers crossed the Hawks would come out on top to steal the win!
Despite missing many of their vital players through injury, Huns put up a great 20 minute fight and managed to keep the scores level, their focus only on keeping the Bulldogs at bay had been effective. The opportunities were frequent for Hunslet but no points came of it, both Lowey and Haughey held up on the line, the Hawks would have been appreciative of a try if only to ease the pressure. The boys had worked reasonably well in defence up until now, but on 20 minutes winger Danny Maun led the way and muscled over for the first Bulldogs try. Things got worse as the defence slowed down, the lack of urgency allowed Batley to attack the line once more their powerful forwards proved unstoppable as they crossed the line for their second. Moore wasted no time doubling the scores and Hunslet were left watching as Alex Brown sprinted down the wing to dive over in the corner for his first. Trailing 20-0 at the break wasn’t a safe position to be in, with teams fighting for a higher space on the board the Hawks would have to pull something out of the bag if there was any hope of a chase in the second half.
Opening second half scores from the Bulldogs centre and winger duo put an even worse dampen on things, as the points on the board built up the Hawks struggled to see any way back into it. Although somehow the fact the side weren’t on the upper hand seemed to boost efforts within the home side. They picked up on weaknesses within the Batley side and superb drive’s down the middle channel the likes of Tommy Haughey and Anthony Henderson were unlucky on occasions. As Haighy headed to the sidelines with a bloody nose, Davies was forced to slip in at full back his inventive play made it clear the Hawks were fighting to get back on track and despite being unrewarded it had kept the sides balanced for ten minutes. A touch of good fortune went the way of the Bulldogs this next set a knock on went unnoticed by the officials and Potts found his way across the whitewash; it was clear now even the bonus point was beyond us. The Bulldogs awarded the Hawks with nothing they were persistent in their attack right into the final 10 minutes ,twice finding themselves over the line, Moore had his kicking boots on managing to convert them both the game was over, finishing with a score of 48-0.
A heavy defeat in a game that with the right sort of performance could have seen us victorious, was a little disappointing for all. Hopefully Barry will get the boys ‘ready and raring’ to go for next weeks home fixture against the Swinton Lions.
See you next week at the South Leeds Stadium 3pm kick off.
Niamh
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Elliot Hodgson
Sponsored by: Villa Soft Drinks
2. Gareth Davies
3. David Clayton
Sponsored by: Barry & Norma Harding
4. Josh Nathaniel
5. Lee Brickwood
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
6. Joe Mclocklan
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
7. Ryan Smith
8. Andrew Yates
Sponsored by: Village Urban Resorts South Leeds
9. Luke Haigh
Sponsored by: Elliott & Ewan Green
10. Anthony Henderson
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
11. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
12. Tommy Haughey
Sponsored by: Dawn Caley
13. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
14. Richard Blakeway
Sponsored by: LOVERUGBYLEAGUE.COM
15. Ryan Benjafield
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
16. Neil Lowe
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
17. Steve Dooler
Sponsored by: Eric Simon