Recap
An in-form Oxford side travelled to the South Leeds Stadium to face the Hunslet Hawks for the third time this year. They got off to a great start leading 12-6 at half time but Barry Eaton’s side turned things around after the break and celebrated another league win earning back their place at the head of the table, they showed no signs of letting up their bid for top spot with both Watson and Maun grabbing 2 tries each.
Oakes got the game off to a flying start storming downfield, a pass out to Akaidere was almost the first try but the winger just couldn’t take it in. Brickwood was nearly across early doors as well but the ball came free in the collision and denied him of that one. As Danny Ansell made his return after missing out last week his kicking game kept the side in control. Putting up a neat chip on the last the ball looked dangerous in the air as Akaidere managed to take it and put it down he was once again disappointed when the official disallowed it for a knock on in the lead up. The warm conditions made things difficult for the forwards but when Michael Haley replaced Lewis Reed on 13 minutes he looked impossible to stop taking 3/4 defenders to slow him down. Fullback Kain was also back in action and when Jimmy Watson raced through the line he managed to offload the ball to Stuart who was in support but the linesman noticed the pass had travelled forward and another opportunity missed. Penalties and ill-discipline took the weight off Oxford’s shoulders and the visitors threatened the line for the first real time in 25 minutes. Tommy Connick stabbed through a grubber and when the Hawks defence failed to react he raced through and put his hand to it. The home side did not take long to respond with a fantastic try from close range. Liam Hood sent Luke Stenchion flying over with a pass from dummy half. All the excitement was crammed into the final minutes but it was Oxford who pushed in front on the mark of half time. Yannick Parker turned out of a tackle and burrowed over to give them the advantage.
On the back foot the home side opened up and looked prepared to pull things level. It was Danny Maun this time stepping in and out before running it over and touching down under the sticks. The fans could sense another as the home side built momentum Ansell sent Jimmy Watson over in the corner, to make things better the standoff landed a difficult conversion from the touchline. From the kick off Akaidere faced another harsh decision when it was judged he had taken the ball dead on the restart and the visitors were granted a goal line drop out. Oxford continued to look strong close to the line but when the players got caught crossing they were denied a try. Enjoying the dry conditions and the return of skipper March the Hawks were able to throw the ball about. David was almost over himself but caught up by defenders he got the ball out of the back door, centre Watson took it cleanly but with oncoming traffic he had to put it down in magnificent style for his second. The defence had improved significantly on last week and the Hawks dominance had tempers flaring, an awful tackle on Danny Ansell as he was hit off the ball was the stepping stone for the next points. Ignoring the aggressive defence Maun ran the perfect line collecting the ball from Danny Grimshaw he dived over for a wonderful try. With the game all but won Akaidere rewarded his side with one more bursting through and pushing over in the corner on the final hooter to make it 32-12.
It took the first half to get going but an almost flawless second meant the Hawks got the much needed win. Building back up their confidence after last week’s disappointment this performance had been a big improvement. The Hawks have a break now before they meet the Hemel Stags in 2 weeks’ time for the Father’s Day game at the South Leeds Stadium. 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. Jimmy Watson
4. Danny Maun
Sponsored by: Norty Forty
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. Lewis Reed
11. Brooke Broughton
12. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
13. Liam Mackay
14. Michael Haley
15. Luke Stenchion
Sponsored by: J Mulkeen & Co Builders Ltd
16. Aston Wilson
17. Liam Hood
Sponsored by: Colin & Kath Smith
Timeline
00:32 Luke Stenchion Try
00:32 Danny Ansell Goal
00:50 Danny Maun Try
00:50 Danny Ansell Goal
00:54 Danny Ansell Goal
00:54 Jimmy Watson Try
01:02 Jimmy Watson Try
01:08 Danny Maun Try
01:08 Danny Ansell Goal
01:19 Jamaine Akaidere Try