Hunslet 16 Sheffield Eagles 24
Hunslet came close to that elusive win at the South Leeds Stadium today, but an unbeaten Sheffield Eagles side held out for the win in an entertaining game.
You have to go back to September 2024 since Hunslet last won at home, but that will soon change if The Parksiders show the grit and determination they displayed today.
After winning handsomely at Rochdale last week a confident Hunslet started on the front foot. Good attacking shape saw Charlie Graham go close, but on 9 minutes a link up down the left between Lee Gaskell and Myles Harrop set Bureta Faraimo loose, who drew the man and put Mackenzie Turner away on the inside whose pace was too much for the Eagles. 4-0
Although Gaskell tried to kick for Faraimo (the scorer of 5 tries last week), Sheffield found themselves on the attack. On 13 minutes a neat Jordan Lilley kick was scooped up by Kieran Gill to score just beating Billy Jowitt to the ball. 4-4
Long term injuries to Kevin Larroyer and Keelan Foster left Hunslet a little light, but they were giving as good as they got. After a Dan Abram kick was knocked on Hunslet attacked right out of the scrum, Charlie Graham drew defenders well to give space for Mackenzie Turner to get his second try. Jowitt converting 10-4.
The game to and fro’d, but after Sheffield got a repeat set on 26 minutes Connor Bower scored and Jordan Lilley added the extras to tie it up at 10-10.
Hunslet had a chance to score when Charlie Graham broke through, but he couldn’t get the pass away to a supporting player. It looked to heading to a stalemate at the break until a strong pass bounced off Billy Jowitt luckily into the hands of Jordan Lilley who scored a walk over try. 10-14.
With only a minute to go Hunslet kicked off well and got a drop-out, but couldn’t force a try, The Parksiders trailing at the break 10-14.
Sheffield came out strongly in the second period. Penalties and unfortunate bounces ensured them possession on the home line, but Hunslet defended well, and like in the first half the game swung again.
Now Hunslet found themselves on Sheffield’s line for 24 tackles, but although Whittel and Gilmore went close repeated Gaskell kicks could not break the line.
On 60 minutes Sheffield found breathing space when Joel Farrell found a weak tackle after Hunslet had needlessly knocked-on in their own half, although Lilley’s conversion hit the post. 10-18
Hunslet weren’t done though, and after Faraimo went close from a Gaskell kick on 67 minutes Gilmore and Corbett set the ground for Lee Gaskell to dummy and slip a ball to Billy Jowitt who scored and converted his own try. 16-18
All to play for, and Hunslet came again, but Gaskell’s kick was read by an Eagles defender and the play came back into the home half.
On 78 minutes Sheffield were attacking, but looked wrapped up on the last tackle, only for Corey Johnson to wriggle free and score. Lilley converting 16-24.
Game over, although Billy Jowitt broke through in the dying moments Hunslet fell short.
The game was there to be won for Hunslet. Two mistakes in their own 20 cost them tries, but the 24 tackles on the Eagles line probably gave the visitors confidence at a crucial part in the game.
Heads are not down though for The Parksiders, Sheffield are a quality side and if Hunslet can cut the odd error out they will beat good sides this year.
Eddie Battye was magnificent receiving both ‘Tricks of the trade’ Sponsors and Phoenix bar Supporters Player of the Match, but Graham, Gilmore and Misky were excellent also.
Mackenzie Turner and Liam Carr also came into the squad this week contributing well to the team effort.
