Hunslet RLFC 0-62 Oldham RLFC
Hunslet couldn’t match the power and pace of high flyers Oldham at the South Leeds Stadium. The Roughyeds are hot favourites for the top spot in League 1 and are even tipped to go unbeaten all year.
The visitors showed their credentials when they crossed for their first try on only the first minute after a kick to the corner was touched down by Cian Tyrer even though it appeared Hunslet winger Alfie Goddard was held back. 0-6
Tyrer profited again from a clever stab kick on 7 minutes and with Ellis converting Hunslet were off to a poor start. 0-12
With the wind in their faces Hunslet started to grow into the game, but on their first foray into the Oldham twenty The Parksiders couldn’t make it count, and on 23 minutes Adam Lawton cut through the home defence. Jimmy Watson made an excellent tackle, but quick hands to the left sent Cian Tyler in for his hat trick of tries. 0-18
Donald Kudangirana was making good yards for Hunslet but they lacked spark in attack missing Matty Beharrell (to suspension) and Jack Render (injury), and when Aaron Levy came off worst in a strong tackle quick hands gave Cian Tyrer a chance to step defenders and score his fourth of the afternoon. 0-24 at the break.
Hunslet came out to attack in the second half, but were caught with three quick fire Oldham tries as Tyrer added two more and Adam Lawton stretched over to score. Danny Craven now on kicking duty. 0-40 after 51 minutes.
Hunslet ventured into Oldham territory but a Harry Williams kick was too strong to challenge for and on 56 minutes a break by ex-Hunslet man Mackenzie Turner sent Phoenix Laulu-Togagae over to score. 0-46
Even though Donald Kudangirana got over the line the Ref pulled it back for a forward pass and when Kian Morgan bounced off Jimmy Watson to score Oldham had brought up the half century with still 10 minutes to go.
The size of Adam Lawton was hard to cope with, and the big forward broke Hunslet’s line again to send Logan Astley over who made it a brace minutes later after an inside kick from Cian Tyrer bounced awkwardly for the Hunslet defence. Tyrer converting 0-62
Tempers frayed in the closing moments as Michael Knowles put a strong tackle in, but the referee deemed it high.
The result was a disappointing one for Hunslet who have lost to the two promotion favourites over the Easter period, but they must wipe this and go again next week on a tough trip to Midlands Hurricanes to get their season back on track.
Jimmy Watson picked up the Tricks of the Trade Sponsors Player of the Match and Phoenix Bar Supporters Man of the Match. There were also strong contenders in Ethan O’Hanlon and Donald Kudangirana.
Hunslet RLFC: Jimmy Watson, Alfie Goddard, Cole Oakley, Jude Ferreira, Donald Kudangirana, Harry Williams, Billy Gaylor, Harvey Hallas, Ross Whitmore, Michael Knowles, Josh Jordan-Roberts, Aaron Levy, Jordan Syme. Interchanges: Cam Berry, Toby Everett, Ethan O’Hanlon, Daniel Spencer-Tonks. 18th Player: Jack Coventry.
Oldham RLFC: Logan Astley, Cian Tyrer, Kian Morgan, Jordan Turner, Mackenzie Turner, Danny Craven, Jamie Ellis, Owen Farnworth, Matthew Wilde, Craig Kopczak, Josef Wardle, Adam Lawton, James Chapelhow. Interchanges: Phoenix Laulu-Togagea, Edward Chapelhow, Joshua Johnson, George Hirst. 18th Player: Bradley Gallagher.
Pictures: Craig Irvine