Recap
Hunslet completed their third victory over Midlands Hurricanes this season, yesterday (31 August 2024) to end the regular season on a high with eight out of ten victories coming on the road.
In another game where Hunslet blew hot and cold it was Josh Jordan-Roberts who scored a 77th minute try at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham to snatch victory for the Parksiders.
In the early stages both sides had chances with Jude Ferreira for Hunslet being tackled into touch and Liam Welham for Midlands going close. But the first try on 7 minutes went to the hosts. On the last tackle Aaron Willis forced his way over and planted the ball down when it looked like he was held up. Jake Sweeting converted and Midlands led 6-0.
After the initial slow start Hunslet started to dominate with Hallas and Fletcher driving them forward. After a penalty Matty Fletcher strode into the heart of the Midlands defence and on the 16th minute Ross Whitmore found space to nip over and score. Beharrell converting 6-6.
Beharrell and Paga’s kicking was pegging Midlands back and on the 25th minute after a stoppage in play for a Midlands injury Ross Whitmore grabbed another try from close range. 6-12
Midlands couldn’t get out of their half and on the 29th minute Hunslet stretched the lead even further as Josh Jordan-Roberts ran a great angle back inside to plant the ball under the sticks. Beharrell converting easily 6-18.
With Cam Berry making yards and Jack Coventry taking some stopping, Hunslet were dominating and should have scored again before half-time but the pass didn’t come and Jude Ferreira was left frustrated with an open line in front of him. 6-18 at the break.
For all their dominance Hunslet only led by 12 points and this probably formed Midlands half time team talk as they came out a different beast. On 47 minutes, after Hunslet were penalised, Jake Sweeting looped a fine pass out to Ryan Johnson who scored in the right hand corner. Sweeting converting 12-18
Matty Beharrell was having a great day with the boot and an inch perfect kick was fumbled by Midlands as the catcher stepped in touch. From the resulting plays Jack Coventry went close before George Flanagan whipped a long ball out to Jack Render to score in the corner. 12-22 and Hunslet looked to have steadied the ship.
But Midlands had other ideas, their left flank consisting of former Hunslet men Liam Welham and Matty Chrimes started to look good. On 57 minutes Welham made a break and fed Sully Medforth inside to score 16-22, then on 61 minutes after another Welham break the ball went out to Chrimes to score in the corner. 22-22
Hunslet were lucky to be level after one of Jake Sweeting’s conversions had hit the post, and mistakes had started to creep into their game. But The Parksiders experienced heads came to the fore as the visitors again started to peg Midlands back.
A Jack Render kick forced a drop out, then George Flanagan looked to have scored, but the referee disallowed the try for obstruction.
With time getting tight a Mackenzie Turner break put Hunslet on the front foot. An attack to the left saw Jack Render go close before Josh Jordan-Roberts hit a good ball to score the winning try. Beharrell’s conversion bouncing over off the woodwork. 22-28
On the hooter Hunslet Coach Dean Muir was probably relieved, as his side were so dominate in the first half they should have put the game to bed by half time. Having said that, especially on the road, Hunslet have tended to get over the line in games where they are still in it late on and that is something positive for the upcoming play-offs.
Jack Render was again outstanding for Hunslet. Ross Whitmore and Josh Jordan-Roberts both deserved a brace of tries, whilst Hallas and Fletcher provided go forward.
Hunslet have a week off then play Rochdale way in the first play-off game.
Hunslet RLFC: Flanagan, Turner, Watson, Ferreira, Render, Paga, Beharrell, Hallas, Whitmore, Fletcher, Jordan-Roberts, Syme, Knowles. Interchanges: Berry, Wray, O’Hanlon, Coventry. 18th Player: Carr.
Midlands Hurricanes: Horner, Chrimes, Welham, Johnson, Bass, Sweeting, Medforth, Kirby, Cullimore, Kenga, Willis, Wilkinson, Hobson. Interchanges: Beardsworth, Peachey, Green, Moran. 18th Player: Varo.