Recap
Despite a gallant fightback in the second half, Hunslet Hawks were beaten by three tries in five minutes for Workington Town at the end of the first half.
This second round match in the Kingstone Press Championship Shield at South Leeds Stadium might have been Hunslet’s last real chance to avoid relegation at the end of the season.
The game started ominously for the Hawks as Workington quickly put points on the board when Carter scored for Workington. However they steadied the ship and took the lead on 20 minutes when Grimshaw followed Brown’s chip kick to touch down near the posts. Brown duly kicked the extras and Hunslet were ahead 6-4.
However things went wrong five minutes from half time as Workington ran in three tries in quick succession to take a commanding lead.
First Akehurst scored, converted by Sammut. Then Forber almost scored, but was held up. After another dropped kick, Brett Phillips scored and Forber converted. Another kick forward by Sammut was collected by Whiteley who went over and again Forber scored the extras.
Three tries in five minutes meant Workington went into half time 6-22 ahead.
Hunslet fans must have been disheartened after a series of second half collapses this season, but the Hawks put on a solid display and almost overturned the deficit.
The fightback started when Barnett intercepted a pass and ran 90m to score. Brown’s conversion brought the score to 12-22.
Barnett scored again, this time in the corner following a kick on the last tackle by Ansell. Brown kicked the extras from close to the touchline and Hunslet were now four points behind with fifteen minutes to go in the match.
The game finished with great pressure from the Hawks, but Workington’s defence stood firm to see out the game and gain their fifth successive win.
Final score: Hunslet Hawks 18-22 Workington Town
Hunslet Hawks remain rooted in the relegation places and are four points adrift of Batley Bulldogs. Next week Hunslet travel to London to take on the Broncos.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Jimmy Watson
2. Mo Agoro
Sponsored by: Josh Hampshire
3. Danny Maun
Sponsored by: Norty Forty
4. Callum Casey
Sponsored by: James and Lucy Hoyland
5. Richie Barnett
Sponsored by: Iris Crummack from the GMB
6. Simon Brown
Sponsored by: Garden Gate Ultras
7. Danny Grimshaw
8. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
9. Jack Lee
10. Kyle Trout
Sponsored by: M A Clarke & Son Memorial Masons
11. Matty Gee
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
12. Ryan Backhouse
Sponsored by: Adrian Jinks
13. Liam Mackay
14. Danny Ansell
15. Aaron Lyons
Sponsored by: Linda Hemingway
16. Mark Castle
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
17. Mufaro Mvududu
Timeline
00:22 Danny Grimshaw Try
00:23 Simon Brown Goal
00:54 Richie Barnett Try
00:55 Simon Brown Goal
01:05 Richie Barnett Try
01:06 Simon Brown Goal