Recap
The Hawks continued their strong start to the season with a win in the 4th round of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup. The Hawks headed into the game as the underdogs but came away with a convincing 27-10 victory securing their place in the remaining 16. An outstanding team effort this afternoon with Captain David March leading the way as usual with a man of the match winning performance.
The home side established their 4 point lead early doors when Oakes ripped open the line and gave Maun the ball who was more than happy to touch it down. The boys looked set out to make things hard for coach Barry Eaton’s team selections in the following weeks as they all played out of their skins today. Akaidere continued to impress tearing down the wing he was causing trouble for the defence. But it was stalwart Danny Grimshaw who crossed next, making metres from the penalties and back to his best form he increased the lead to 10-0. Kingstone Press championship 1 player of the week from last week’s game, Jimmy Watson continued with his efforts and was a persistent threat to Town who struggled to keep a hold of him. The home side appeared much more up for the challenge, keeping the visitors pinned in their own half for the majority. Danny Ansell looked to have run away with the try and with only the fullback left to beat he knocked it back to Kain. Stuart was met with oncoming defence and was hauled to the ground but he was thankfully quick back to his feet despite looking a little worse for wear. The defence was impressive and consistent for the full 40 minutes, Oakes and Stenchion still working hard into the dying minutes. Mackay took his opportunity to push the Hawks even further in front when he slid over the line and Danny Ansell added to the home side’s points total with a drop goal before the break 17-0.
Both teams still ready to fight for their place in the cup. Workington’s Brett Carter managed to suck Hawks players out of position and crossed the whitewash in hope of saving Town. The Workington side became their own worst enemy providing the Hawks with points as Clarke had the ball ripped on the line they paid the price, as Ansell slotted the conversion to make it 19-6. The Hunslet side had struggled to remain competitive in the second half in later weeks but looked much more able to do so this afternoon. However they suffered what seemed unfairly when the officials turned a blind eye to a forward pass that led to a Workington try in the play that followed to put them within 2 scores. But Barry’s side hit back Brooke Broughton and Lewis Reed were the driving force, their hard work relieved their team mates and set things up for the backs. Then skipper March made an obvious difference when he returned to the field and sent Maun flying over for his second. The second half continued in this thrilling fashion the Haws fans rose from their seats as Stuart Kain got his hand to a chip through to round off a great game for all involved.
The confidence the boys will take from today will be invaluable as they face Superleague big boys and current Challenge Cup holders the Wigan Warriors in the next round. Tough opponents but the Hawks will no doubt stand up and be counted for at the DW stadium.
The Hawks have Gloucester All Gold’s to face before then in the league next weekend.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Stuart Kain
Sponsored by: Beth Hampshire
2. Lee Mapals
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
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. Luke Stenchion
Sponsored by: J Mulkeen & Co Builders Ltd
11. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
12. Brooke Broughton
13. Liam Mackay
14. Matthew Tebb
15. Lewis Reed
16. Aaron Lyons
Sponsored by: Linda Hemingway
17. George Clarke
Sponsored by: Bartercard
Timeline
00:07 Danny Maun Try
00:28 Danny Grimshaw Try
00:28 Danny Ansell Goal
00:35 Liam Mackay Try
00:35 Danny Ansell Goal
00:40 Danny Ansell Drop goal
01:10 Danny Maun Try
01:13 Danny Ansell Goal
01:19 Stuart Kain Try