Recap
A visit from 8th in the league Oxford RLFC saw the Hawks comfortably back to winning ways. A convincing victory sparks the beginning of 5 must win games.
Jimmy Watson got things underway with a long downfield kick off but it was current Leeds Rhinos second rower Chris Clarkson who got the first points in the board joining the side this week on dual registration. Skipper Dave March popped the ball out of a difficult tackle and Clarkson was ready and waiting to burrow over the whitewash. Despite the speedy first try it took the Hawks a little while to get into this afternoons fixture. An opportunity on the back of a free play for Oxford almost cost Barry’s boys but the home side were relieved as the ball travelled infront of Jonny Morris who would have had plenty of room to sprint the distance if given the chance. The Hawks soon got themselves back on track with a huge tackle from Houston which forced the error that Liam Mackay was happy to clean up and was confident he could put it down but the officials ruled against it this time. Danny Maun had a shot but was held up on the line and it was left to David March who refused to be beaten. A dart from dummy half got him where he wanted to be. The defence was also back to its best with the visitors struggling to get out of their half. Lee Brickwood particularly strong on the right wing handling opposition numbers twice his size. Grimshaw was up next some exciting ball handling allowed him to sneak through and put it down. One was not enough and a stylish dummy was enough to create space for him to breeze over for try number two. A 24-0 advantage was enough to give the boys confidence for the final 40 minutes.
Brickwood stormed upfield to open up the second half almost a solo try for him but he gave a clever late pass to Mackay to beat the fullback. Recent Hawks signing Gavin Duffy had been persistent attacking the line all afternoon and when he finally did break it he managed to get the ball down. Oxford have come up against the Hawks a few times this year and have noticeably improved each time so the Hawks were fully aware they were not to be taken lightly. The Hawks went missing for 10 minutes in the middle of the second half and when some of the players had failed to make it back into the defensive line Oxford fullback Sean Morris crossed in the corner to show how dangerous they could be if given the chance. Hawks fullback Jimmy Watson quickly put an end to claims of a fightback with a great try. Running a perfect line to score his first points of the afternoon. Coyle landing the kick to make it 4/4 for him. Michael Haley left the field shortly after which slightly slowed the momentum of the Hawks especially after his outstanding effort in the forwards this afternoon. But when Gavin Duffy helped himself to his second try thanks to a neat pass from Maun that was the final blow.
Eaton’s side competed strongly and were rewarded with the 48-6 victory. A trip to Hemel Stags next week will be yet another test but hopefully the boys can handle it and continue on a good run.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Jimmy Watson
2. Gavin Duffy
3. Lee Brickwood
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
4. Danny Maun
Sponsored by: Norty Forty
5. Stuart Kain
Sponsored by: Beth Hampshire
6. Danny Grimshaw
7. Thomas Coyle
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
8. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
9. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
10. Michael Haley
11. Chris Clarkson
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
12. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
13. Liam Mackay
14. Matthew Tebb
15. Luke Stenchion
Sponsored by: J Mulkeen & Co Builders Ltd
16. Chris Clough
Sponsored by: Heineken
17. Aston Wilson
Timeline
00:10 Chris Clarkson Try
00:10 David March Goal
00:18 David March Try
00:18 David March Goal
00:27 Danny Grimshaw Try
00:27 David March Goal
00:38 Danny Grimshaw Try
00:38 Thomas Coyle Goal
00:43 Thomas Coyle Goal
00:43 Liam Mackay Try
00:52 Gavin Duffy Try
00:52 Thomas Coyle Goal
01:00 Jimmy Watson Try
01:00 Thomas Coyle Goal
01:19 Gavin Duffy Try
01:19 David March Goal