Hunslet RLFC 22-12 Salford RLFC
Hunslet leap-frogged above Salford into 14th place in the Betfred Championship after a hard fought victory at South Leeds Stadium.
The Parksiders have not beaten The Red Devils in 60 years and had to battle to get the win today in a mistake ridden and gritty match. Phoenix Bar Player of the Match and Vice-Captain Eddie Battye said:
“The Parksiders have played better this year and lost, but it’s the two points that count.”
From the off Hunslet looked to be expansive, but Salford’s tactic of getting up quick in their faces proved fruitful as Hunslet forced a pass or knocked on.
But when Alfie Goddard made a break from an interception and Ethan O’Hanlon went close it made space for Billy Jowitt to think better of a kick and dance his way over. 6-0 on only 9 minutes.
Kieran Dixon was a constant threat for Salford, but Hunslet looked more likely and were unlucky not to score from a good Baldwinson/O’Hanlon inside ball.
On 21 minutes Charlie Graham picked up a dropped ball and fed Dan Abram who was too quick for Salford, scoring under the posts to make Jowitt’s conversion easier. 12-0
At this point it was all Hunslet, but when Myles Harrop was tackled into touch early in the tackle count on 26 minutes Salford got their tails up. A couple of penalties later and Jack Bibby followed up a kick on the last tackle to score, Dixon converting 12-6.
It could have been a turn in the game. But when Harrison Gilmore put Myles Harrop through Hunslet got back on the offensive. A Dan Abram kick was fumbled and the ball sat up for on loan Sam Smeaton to scoop and dive over. 18-6 on the half hour.
As the half came to a close Salford were on the attack and Hunslet’s defence had to stand up. Lee Gaskell and Cam Berry had to hold the line, but on the hooter it was The Parksiders who led 18-6.
The early stages of the second half were error strewn as both teams entered an arm wrestle. Pauli Pauli was making a difference carrying well, then on 49 minutes after a period of pressure a Lee Gaskell kick was chased down well by Myles Harrop to score and Hunslet were in the box seat at 22-6.
The game at this period became attritional with both teams trying to gain momentum, but Hunslet had the lead so they were in no rush to play open football. Billy Jowitt had a try disallowed and made a break from a charge down, and Harrison Gilmore went close in the left corner, but at times The Parksiders had to defend, Mo Agoro coming to the rescue on Hunslet’s right.
On 74 minutes Salford gained some hope, when a long ball to Callum Green saw him dive over in the left corner. Dixon converting well. 22-12
But although Salford attacked, Hunslet’s defence stayed firm and on the hooter were worthy winners.
Lee Gaskell picked up the ‘Tricks of the Trade’ Sponsors Player of the Match and Eddie Battye The Phoenix Bar Supporters Player of the Match, there were also good performances from Dan Abram, Liam Carr and Harrison Gilmore, but the team defended well as a whole.
Next week Hunslet entertain Widnes at the South Leeds Stadium (21 June, 3pm).
Hunslet RLFC: Jowitt, Goddard, Graham, Harrop, Agoro, Gaskell, Abram, Baldwinson, Berry, O’Hanlon, Gilmore, Smeaton, Battye. Interchange: Hallas, Carr, Ward, Pauli Pauli. 18th player: Elijah Simpson.
Salford RLFC: Dixon, Kilner-Douglas, Garmson, Hartley, Green. Hughes, Pilling, Lynch, Dwyer, Bibby, Oakley, Stanton, Costello. Interchange: Haldenby, Leake, Baldwin, Able. 18th player: Gilford.
