Recap
The Hawks missed out again on the win in the Kingstone Press Championship, taking away just a bonus point from what had been a scrappy fixture against the Swinton Lions. Richard Moore and Liam Hood were back to help out the side but despite a late fight back including a hat trick from full back Jimmy Watson it wasn’t enough.The disappointment started early in the first half with Gareth O’Brien and Rhys Williams crossing the whitewash in quick succession after they had been unopposed as the defence struggled to make it back to the line. Full back Ritchie Hawkyard was next over, this time on the back of a penalty and the 16-0 lead left the visitors desperately chasing. The Hunslet side managed to recover and get some possession 20 minutes in and made what they could of the territory they had earned. Liam Welham was caught short but Luke Haigh burrowed over the line with a scoot from the play to reward his side with points that could have got them back into it. The encouragement of the try was short lived as a well drilled Swinton side, terrorised the Hawks line and proved too much for the defence. Watson sent Darren Hawkyard over before Rhys Williams touched down on a grubber as the half time hooter sounded. An awful display in defence and the efforts of Andy Yates and Luke Menzies in the forward attack went in vain, trailing 28-6 was a dangerous place to be.
Jimmy Keinhorst opened up the second half with an outstanding run, the centre leaned around defenders before stretching out to ground it, his enthusiasm was infectious. A great offload from Moore to Tommy Haughey, who left it late before a pass that saw Watson fly across under the sticks. The Lions got one back in the form of Martin Ainscough but the point for point race continued. Liam Hood slotted through a perfect kick and full back Watson raced to it and got his hand to it. The fight back had begun at 34-22!
Swinton were back on the ball though they had played well today and got themselves a try that pushed the scoreline away from the grasp of the Hawks. Richard Moore carried the team forward and was a real attribute as he stormed over the line with ten minutes left to go, a quick restart and John Oakes scored from the 2nd play! The Hawks fans were out of their seats as Watson dived over to round off an outstanding personal performance as well as his third of the afternoon. The boys were eager for one more, but they just didn’t have the time. 44-40 was better than anyone could have expected after the first 40 minutes.
The first half was too much to come back from for the Hawks outfit it wasn’t their day. Jimmy Watson and Richard Moore had been outstanding as had David March and Lee Mapals. Credit was given to the side for digging deep and pulling it out for the second half but defence would have to be majorly improved as we face a strong Catalan side next week for the Tetley’s Challenge Cup!
Well done to Barry and the boys.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Jimmy Watson
2. Lee Mapals
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
3. Jimmy Keinhorst
Sponsored by: In memory of John Hodgson
4. Liam Welham
Sponsored by: Adrian Jinks
5. Waine Pryce
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Signs
6. Danny Grimshaw
7. Luke Helliwell
Sponsored by: Jewson, Leeds
8. Andrew Yates
Sponsored by: Village Urban Resorts South Leeds
9. Luke Haigh
Sponsored by: Elliott & Ewan Green
10. Luke Menzies
Sponsored by: Fred & Jane Hopkins
11. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
12. Tommy Haughey
Sponsored by: Dawn Caley
13. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
14. Liam Hood
Sponsored by: Colin & Kath Smith
15. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
16. Michael Haley
17. Richard Moore
Sponsored by: Available Call 0113 2712730
Timeline
00:20 Luke Haigh Try
00:21 Luke Helliwell Goal
00:42 Jimmy Keinhorst Try
00:44 Jimmy Watson Try
00:45 Luke Helliwell Goal
00:57 Jimmy Watson Try
00:58 Luke Helliwell Goal
01:05 Richard Moore Try
01:06 Luke Helliwell Goal
01:16 John Oakes Try
01:17 Luke Helliwell Goal
01:19 Jimmy Watson Try
01:20 Luke Helliwell Goal