Recap
The Gloucester All Gold’s visited the South Leeds Stadium and were prepared for a big game standing just outside the top 3 the visitors have been in exceptionally good form. The Hawks experienced just how threatening Steve McCormack’s side could be suffering a 23-16 defeat in front of the home crowd.
Both sides came into the game today with disadvantages as Hawks skipper David March, talisman Danny Grimshaw and Jimmy Watson both unavailable for today’s fixture Barry had to make some changes to the side. The visitors also without the services of hooker Casey Canterbury who has been outstanding for the All Golds since joining on loan a few weeks ago could not play against his parent club. The game was always going to be an exciting one.
It looked as if it would go a completely different way after the first 15 minutes with strong defence the home side appeared dominant but on the quarter hour mark All Golds Richard Jones eventually found himself over the line on the back of a string of penalties the visitors took the lead for the first time in the game and continued in this style for the duration. Danny Maun gave his side hope as he found himself in perfect position to force his way over the whitewash and Ansell landed the conversion perfectly from the touchline to make it 6-4 in the Hawks favour. Despite being back in front the hosts continued to struggle to complete sets the ill-discipline meant they piled the pressure on themselves adding work to do in defence and were tiring. A physically strong Gloucester outfit took advantage, particularly down the middle of the field, the forwards were able to do work needed and created space for Craig Cooke to grab a try and add to the outstanding game he was already having. With both of Hunslet loan signings Duffy and Walmsley out on the field it was exciting to see what they had to offer the side and spirits were lifted as hooker Liam Hood was brought on as substitute and immediately posed a threat to the line with a perfectly timed pass to a waiting Aston Wilson was almost crossed but the visitors remained strong and managed to keep him out. Brooke Broughton also tested the All Golds strength but was hauled down just short. The Hawks needed to match the defence of the All Golds into the dying minutes off the half but the boys failed to keep alert and Ben White broke through to give his side a safe 16-6 advantage for the break.
A try for Liam Hood should have set the tone after the break. The hooker put through a grubber under pressure and it bounced perfectly for him to get his hand to it for his first of the afternoon. Ansell missed from close range with the kick on this attempt. It was difficult to separate the teams as All Golds Sam Teo ran in another the Hawks quickly found themselves behind once again. Glimpses of Barry’s spirited side were obvious into the final quarter as they fought to get back into it second rower Oakes crossed for the try of the game beating off the first defenders he had to turn out of the next tackle to touch the ball down but it was too late . With every game crucial as the league stands the visitors showed how much they valued the ability of the Hawks when Craig Cook dropped a goal late to rule out any threat of a late comeback the game was all but over by that point and the final hooter blew at a score of 23-16.
The Hawks had been outplayed by Gloucester today and the deserved team left with the points. A difficult defeat to take after the unconvincing form of late. The Hunslet side have a short turn around before a trip to face Gateshead on Friday night. Hopefully a much needed win will be on the cards for Barry’s side. Hope to see you all there.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Stuart Kain
Sponsored by: Beth Hampshire
2. Lee Brickwood
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
3. Danny Maun
Sponsored by: Norty Forty
4. Aston Wilson
5. Gavin Duffy
6. James Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
7. Danny Ansell
8. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
9. Thomas Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
10. Michael Haley
11. Brooke Broughton
12. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
13. Liam Mackay
14. Liam Hood
Sponsored by: Colin & Kath Smith
15. Aaron Lyons
Sponsored by: Linda Hemingway
16. Lewis Reed
17. Liam Walmsley
Sponsored by: Flexseal
Timeline
00:21 Danny Maun Try
00:21 Danny Ansell Goal
00:49 Liam Hood Try
00:49 Danny Ansell Goal
01:00 John Oakes Try