Recap
A Hawks side crippled with injuries following the game at Oxford last week all pulled together today and took no prisoners against the London Skolars beating them 60-4 at the South Leeds Stadium. Ryan Bailey made his debut having joined the Hawks from the Leeds Rhinos through the dual registration system and Matthew Cook was also on debut for Hunslet. The home side proved they were back in the arm wrestle at the top of the league. Restricting the Skolars to just one unconverted try all game gave full credit to the Hawks defence and the attack was just as enthusiastic.
Akaidere was quick over the line this afternoon wasting no time latching on to Grimshaw’s pass and touching down in the corner. This was his competitive debut since signing for the Hawks from Dewsbury and he ended the day with a hat-trick of tries. The Hawks were forced into making a kick early in the set and the Skolars took their opportunity and despite Mapals efforts Judd Greenhaven powered over the top of him and got the ball down. The home side returned straight away, Houston crashed over picking up Grimshaw’s grubber that landed between the posts. They continued to punish London for the remainder of the 40 minutes, skipper David March looked dangerous scooting from dummy half and making his 100th Hunslet appearance he drove the side forward in the some style. Aaron Lyons continued his good form and he made himself a threat down the channel after being held up on 28 minutes. He tested the line once more breaking away from the defenders he was almost away; with only the fullback to beat he threw a wayward pass that missed the hands of Kain in support. The second rower made up for the mistake with a massive tackle that drove the Skolars to cough up possession. Bailey was causing havoc down the middle taking numerous defenders to hold him away from the whitewash, his hardwork and strength was invaluable this afternoon. The half was all but over when speedy winger Mapals put his foot down and sprinted unopposed to close the half in style with a score of 20-4.
Jimmy Watson tore through the line and hugging the sideline he gave an inside pass to Mapals who was over the line for his second just minutes into the second half. Ansell took over kicking duties and landed this one from the touchline expertly. The score was stacking up as Lewis Reed powered over from yards out. The boys were all working for each other this afternoon. Matthew Cook proved himself worthy of his place in the team when he darted half the field for an outstanding individual try on his debut with his first touch since his introduction from the bench. The home side were still full of fight, and crossed the line twice more shortly after fullback Kain getting his hand to a Tebb kick and Stenchion sliding over on the next set. The London side didn’t want to be turned over that easily but when ex Hawk Dennis Tuffour threatened , Watson was left to deal with it , he was alert in defence taking him on in a tackle that was potentially try preventing keeping the visitors out. Already leading 50 points to 4, the Hawks were hungry for more. Kain was happy to help in support to finish off Houston’s break and an almost identical try from Akaidere rounded off the ruthless display.
The Hawks comfortably saw off the London side today despite the injuries they were carrying. 100% effort from the boys and good momentum going into the difficult challenge cup game next weekend against Workington at South Leeds.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Stuart Kain
Sponsored by: Beth Hampshire
2. Lee Mapals
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
3. Jimmy Watson
4. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
5. Jamaine Akaidere
Sponsored by: Fletcher Smith Insurance
6. Danny Grimshaw
7. Danny Ansell
8. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
9. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
10. Ryan Bailey
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
11. Brooke Broughton
12. Aaron Lyons
Sponsored by: Linda Hemingway
13. Liam Mackay
14. Matthew Tebb
15. Lewis Reed
16. Luke Stenchion
Sponsored by: J Mulkeen & Co Builders Ltd
17. Mathew Cook
Timeline
00:02 Jamaine Akaidere Try
00:02 David March Goal
00:10 James Houston Try
00:29 Jamaine Akaidere Try
00:40 Lee Mapals Try
00:40 Danny Ansell Goal
00:42 Lee Mapals Try
00:42 Danny Ansell Goal
00:46 Danny Ansell Goal
00:46 Lewis Reed Try
00:53 Mathew Cook Try
00:53 Danny Ansell Goal
01:02 Stuart Kain Try
01:08 Danny Ansell Goal
01:08 Luke Stenchion Try
01:14 Stuart Kain Try
01:14 Danny Ansell Goal
01:19 Jamaine Akaidere Try
01:19 Danny Ansell Goal