Recap
After last weeks defeat, the Hawks must have been searching for the win today and with a side almost back to full strength hopefully that is what was in store.
The visitors bossed the opening sets and after 4 minutes Sheffield’s persistent attack paid off and Eagles favourite Misi Taulapapa grounded the ball for the first, Simon Brown converted and things had got off to a bad start.But for the next 20 minutes both sides looked pretty evenly matched Sheffields big forwards Jack Howieson and Andrew Henderson brought the ball to the line only to be met by an eager Hawks defence some impressive tackles from Grimshaw and Haughey allowed Hunslet to keep some control.Simon Browns kicking was always going to play a big part in the game and when he managed to force a 40-20 the Eagles had sight of the try line.Three long passes out to Corey Hanson had created the perfect overlap for him to squeeze himself into and score Sheffields second, Simon Brown again adding the 2 and the 12-0 lead was sure to be a boost for the Hawks.Andy Yates and Adam Sullivan belted towards the Sheffield line, tiring out the defence and leaving it up to the agile backs to find the points.A perfect pass from Joe Mclocklan went straight to Paul March who booted it up and the ball fell into the hands of Danny Ratcliffe who was only too happy too ground it before the break, after confirming with the officials the try was awarded Jack Latus converted and the first half was completed at 12-6.Everyone was positive that the Hawks could get in front before the game was over.
As the sides entered the field both sets of fans were hoping to see an entertaining second half.It was the Hawks who grabbed the first try though, a late pass from James Houston saw Danny Ratcliffe fly over the line for his second, Jack Latus converted and the score was level.The confident looking Hawks side were showing skill in attack but players shooting out of the defensive line allowed Mitchell Stringer to ground the ball on 57 minutes.An easy conversion for Simon Brown and the Eagles had crept back into the lead .The Hawks were not going to give up with out a fight though, Waine Pryce and Joe Helme were attempting to break the line with forceful drives down the centre of the field but it was Richard Blakeway who finally managed to jinx past the defence and slip a pass to Danny Grimshaw just before crossing the line the ball reached Ritchie Barnett who cut inside and touched it down under the sticks making it easy for Jack Latus to add two more.The enthusiastic attack showed again when from the next play Tommy Haughey put a ball in the corner for Waine Pryce who was ready to put his hand to it when the official called him to be offside.The next defensive set for the Hawks was nearly over when Corey Hanson hurtled towards the line Marchy, Sully and Houston thought they had held him up but a debatable decision meant the try was given and the score board was back level.After the Hawks performance today they definitely deserved the win but they would have to concentrate until the very last minute and not allow bad habits of previous weeks to occur.Both sides played out their sets and no team really got very far but the win was what the Hawks had their eyes on and 5 minutes before the hooter Joe Mac got himself in position to kick the drop goal.But the wind caught the ball and it bounced off the sticks straight into the hands of the Eagles.The end was nearing and the Hawks were doing everything they could to keep Sheffield at bay, Simon Brown dropped the ball to Misi Taulapapa who seemed to be caught short, he somehow managed to reach out and push himself over the line.After confirming with the linesman much to the disappointment of the Hawks fans the whistle was blown and try allowed.Not long after the frustration showed in the Hunslet side and a penalty was then given against them, Simon Brown added two more.The game finished at 24-32 not a true reflection of the hard work shown by the Hawks.After last week the side really pulled it out today and the players should be happy with the performance.
Hopefully next week we can turn the bonus points into a much needed and deserved victory over Dewsbury.
See you there
Niamh.