Hunslet RLFC 26-28 Widnes Vikings
Hunslet exited the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup yesterday at the South Leeds Stadium (2 March 2025) after a closely fought encounter between two evenly matched teams.
The game could have gone either way, but after leading at the break Hunslet will be disappointed to not get the win.
Like in last week’s game against Bradford, Hunslet had to do some early defending. Not helping themselves by kicking straight into touch. But The Parksiders’ defence was solid and eventually after a Mackenzie Scurr half break Greg Eden went close for the hosts.
On 9 minutes Hunslet took the lead, when quality passing to the right and a superb Noah Booth flick pass set Mackenzie Turner into space and the winger left defenders in his wake to score. 4-0
Hunslet looked to score again as Booth broke through, but the inside pass was knocked down and the move ended. But on 15 minutes Lachy Hanneghan showed his strength from close in to score. Beharrell converting. 10-0
So far, so good. But after a Widnes attack the visitors got a scum in a good positon and Matthew Fozard was too quick for Hunslet round the scrum. Gilmore converting 10-6.
Half an hour into the game and Widnes were getting some joy. The tackles were wiped and Hunslet had to do more defence. Gilmore showed a decent sidestep and Matthew Fleming went over to score. 10-12
The try of the game came on 35 minutes when Noah Booth (for the third week running) read the play and intercepted to go 90 yards to score. Beharrell converting 16-12
With the half time hooter looming, Hunslet were awarded six more tackles for a change and Lachy Hanneghan sold a big dummy and go to go over to the right of the posts. 20-12 at the break.
Widnes are an experienced Championship side and came out of the blocks in the second period. The impressive Fozard was held up twice, then a clever kick was fumbled by Hunslet to add more pressure.
Eventually, on 49 minutes after trying to power over for two sets Widnes flung the ball out wide and Rhys Williams snuck in at the corner. Gilmore converting well 20-18
It was obvious this game would go down to the wire, and the match went from end to end. Dual registration signing Thomas Deakin came close to wrestling his way over close in for Hunslet, then Billy Jowitt made a break, but the ball went to ground.
On 56 minutes though Widnes edged ahead as Max Roberts burst through the middle and rounded the defence to score under the posts. 20-24
Five minutes later Hunslet were back ahead as Lachy Hanneghan completed a hat-trick with another dummy and go close to the line. Beharrell converting 26-24
The bounce of the ball didn’t always go Hunslet’s way, as Mackenzie Turner was unlucky the ball hit him going out for a Widnes scrum. More pressure for Hunslet, and on 67 minutes quick passing to the right sent Max Roberts over to score and Widnes had the lead 26-28.
That wasn’t the end though as Hunslet pushed for a winner. Mackenzie Turner made a half break, then Billy Jowitt and Noah Booth both made inroads, but Widnes held on for the win and go to play York in the Quarter Finals.
For Head Coach Dean Muir there were encouraging signs as his side fought hard against an experienced Championship side, and look like they can score from all over the pitch. But, Hunslet will have to start getting over the line in these matches, starting next week in the League at home to Doncaster.
Lachlan Hanneghan picked up both Sponsors and Supporters Player of the Match, whilst Booth, Jowitt, Turner and Scurr were all dangerous. There were also good performances from Ross Whitmore and Liam Welham.
Hunslet RLFC: Jowitt, Turner, Booth, Eden, Scurr, Hanneghan, Beharrell, Campbell, Whitmore, Larroyer, Welham, Levy, Fishwick. Interchange: Deakin, Hallas, Syme, O’Hanlon. 18th player: Wood.
Widnes Vikings: Hodkinson, Williams, Fleming, Roberts, Butt, Patten, Gilmore, Murray, Fozard, Reilly, Lloyd, Langtree, Lannon. Interchange: Lyons, Gregson, Bennion, Wood. 18th player: Bent.
Main photo: Hat-trick man Lachy Hanneghan scores, Mackenzie Turner celebrates. Credit: PBW Media
