Hunslet RLFC 28-20 North Wales Crusaders
Hunslet ended their home league season on a high with a 28-20 victory over North Wales Crusaders in what can best be described as a ‘game of two halves’.
Now guaranteed a top four finish the Parksiders will get two bites of the cherry in the play-off’s but will need to be more consistent after a below par showing for the first 40 minutes of this game.
Having already beaten the Crusaders twice this season today was going to be a different task as the Colwyn Bay side are fighting to get into the play-offs themselves.
The early arm-wrestle was broken on 6 minutes when, after a penalty, Ben Lane dummied his way over and converted his own try. 0-6
Although Michael Knowles went close and George Flanagan impressed with some off the cuff rugby it was Crusaders who scored the next points. Chris Barrett showing his strength under the posts, converted by Lane 0-12.
Hunslet were not sharp enough, and on 29 minutes the Parksiders’ defence melted away as Kieran Taylor dummied through and waltzed under the posts. 0-18, Crusaders were on top.
On 30 minutes Hunslet seemed to wake up and create a bit of pressure. Josh Jordan-Roberts went close, then on 37 minutes Patrick Ah-van patted down a kick over his own line which was pounced on by Jude Ferreira to score. Beharrell converted and Hunslet trailed 6-18 at the break.
The Parksiders could not afford another stale 40 minutes and from the kick off put pressure on the Crusaders’ line. Although North Wales tackled well and stretched their lead with a 50 minute penalty for a high tackle (converted by Lane) the visitors began to look tired. 6-20
Their line was finally breached on 54 minutes when Matty Beharrell dodged and danced his way to within sight of the line before putting Jordan Syme in a gap to score. 12-20
Now Hunslet looked the more likely and on 57 minutes a quick ball after a penalty saw Beharrell and Knowles combine to send Ethan Wood over for his first club try near to the posts. Beharrell converting 18-20
Although good Crusaders defence stemmed the tide for 10 minutes it always looked likely Hunslet would win, and on 67 minutes they hit the lead when a Michael Knowles kick was scooped up by Jimmy Watson (today playing in the three-quarters) to score. 22-20
Ross Whitmore went close on a number of occasions for Hunslet before on 77 minutes Mackenzie Turner wrapped it up leaping high for a Michael Knowles kick after yet more home pressure. Matty Beharrell’s conversion put the game to bed and even though North Wales bombed a try after a Patrick Ah-van break was fumbled the win was Hunslet’s 28-20.
The Tricks of the Trade Man of the Match and Phoenix Bar Supporters Man of the Match both went to Matty Beharrell who was outstanding, but there was also good performances from Josh Jordan-Roberts, Ross Whitmore and Michael Knowles.
Coach Dean Muir knows his players for the run in now and just has to get the best out of them before the play-off starts, his team came from 0-18 down today to win which shows character, but they can’t afford to give opponents that much of a leg up at the business end of the season.
Hunslet RLFC: Flanagan, Turner, Watson, Ferreira, Render, Knowles, Beharrell, Hallas, Whitmore, Fletcher, Jordan-Roberts, Wood, Syme, Berry, carr, O’Hanlon, Coventry, Goddard.
North Wales Crusaders: Lane, Ah Van, Taylor, Reid, Thewliss, Coates, Hughes, Evans, Baldwin, Barratt, Oakley, Unsworth, Davies, Costello, Holmes, Sinclair, Forster, Moss.
All photos: Craig Irvine
