Hunslet RLFC v Royal Navy RL

The Hawks opened things up with a bang after last weeks defeat at home; a try after 2 minutes put them in a strong position. It was forward Neil Lowe who set it up, with an offload which sent Clayton sprinting to the try line and grounding it in the corner. A good start but attack hadn’t been the problem in recent weeks, it had been defence; the inability to close up gaps and their slow response to opposition plays was what had allowed points to rack up against them. Despite showing some signs of improvement, the same thing happened again, laziness allowed plenty of penalties for being offside which in turn awarded the Navy easy yards which they were determined to make full use of.  Tommy Wilkinson and Steve Lockton both managing to cross the line in a quick 10 minutes, their constant pressure had left the Hawks with no room to move. Further indiscipline from the home side gifted the visitors two kickable penalties and 4 points. At this point in the game the home side were going to have to find points fast to get back into it. Dummy half Haighy spotted the first opportunity and scooped it up from the play to get it out to Helliwell. Helliwell, fresh from injury, was back up to his old tricks, fooling the defenders and leaving space for Watson to push his way over the whitewash and close the gap to just four points at the break.

Everything that had been lacking in the first half was definitely present in the second. The Hawks were not prepared to go down without a fight, and despite the Navy’s efforts it was super skipper Marchy who eventually broke the Naval defences to score midway through the second period.  The forwards had impressed today, easing the job of the backs and it wasn’t long before the Hawks invaded Navy territory once again. Proving difficult to get hold of, the ball travelled up and back down the line before finally reaching the hands of Danny Rat who placed it under the sticks. He had no trouble converting and the home side were back in a safe position. The next try was a fan’s favourite as Dennis Tuffour received the ball from the scrum, he saw the gap and sprinted down the left wing, he must have seemed unstoppable to the opposition as he dived over in the corner for his first of the season.  As the game headed into the final 10 minutes the Hawks were anchored in the Navy half and were hungry for more points. They managed to run in two more tries; one from speedy centre Josh Nathaniel, the other a determined drive from Davies. The score finished up at 34-14 and after a good display from both sides it was the Hawks who would be in the draw for the next round.

The Hawks had made things difficult for themselves in the first half but had come back fighting with a storming second half.  If Hunslet are going to be a dangerous side this year they will have to be more consistent.  Overall, though, an exciting display and an even better result; the side showing what they are capable with ball in hand. A big thank you to our visitors from the Royal Navy.

Well done to the boys

See you next week as the squad take on championship newboys Keighley Cougars at the Cougar Park for a 2pm kick off in the battle of the Marches!