Keighley Cougars 30 vs 42 Hunslet RLFC
Hunslet got back to winning ways at Cougar Park (Apr 4th) scoring 7 tries in a high scoring encounter that takes them to 15th in the Championship.
Defences were definitely not on top in the first half for both teams but the Parksiders were more controlled in the second period and deserved the win with Lee Gaskell leading the charge.
It started ominously though for Hunslet, who were off the back of a poor performance last week at Oldham. Although Billy Jowitt sliced through the Cougars defence the move broke down and with some Cougars pressure and a Matty Beharrell kick Brad Holroyd wrestled his way over in the corner, 6-0 on only 4 minutes.
The ex-Hunslet half-back was at the helm again on 8 minutes when he dummied his way over from a scrum. 12-0 with Beharrell scoring 8 of the points.
But slowly Hunslet’s forwards got on top and Keighley’s discipline started to cost them. Although Jimmy Watson made a half break, on 14 minutes brilliant fast hands gave him an easier chance to score in the corner. Billy Jowitt converting 12-6
Hunslet’s mistakes meant they had to defend well, but on 19 minutes after Harrison Gilmore was held short, a fast run around move saw Billy Jowitt score a superb try, converting to make it 12-12 with an 8 point haul of his own.
4 minutes later with Hunslet on top and forcing a drop-out Cam Berry sent a nice ball to Ethan O’Hanlon who crashed over under the sticks. 12-18
Hunslet now looked in control, but they gave away penalties and on 27 minutes Emmanuel Waine scored and Beharrell levelled it up at 18-18.
It was breathless stuff, you score we score, but Hunslet now hit with 2 superb tries. On 31 minutes after Billy Jowitt has cut deep into Keighley territory, Lee Gaskell sent a long ball to Myles Harrop who sprinted in the corner. 18-22.
Then 4 minutes later with Liam Carr this time making good yards, Gaskell sent a neat kick for Harrop to pick up and score well. 18-26
That should have been it before the break, but frustratingly Hunslet lost the ball then conceded a penalty and on 39 minutes Brad Holroyd again found himself space to score in the corner. Beharrell converting. 24-26 at the break.
The message at half time for both Coaches would have been tighten up in defence, but with Keighley having a slight advantage with the slope they were maybe favourites.
On 45 minutes after conceding a penalty the impressive Lucas Green wrestled his way over for Keighley seemingly held-up. 30-26
This seemed to jolt Hunslet though and on 52 minutes they took a lead they’d never lose. With a few departures recently Hunslet took Jaden Barraclough on trial from Hunslet ARLFC, and the big hooker was involved as Eddie Battye made yards and Liam Carr showed strength to wrestle over for a try under the sticks. Jowitt converting 30-32
Although Keighley tried to force their way back into the game they were reduced to 12 men when Alfie Dean was sent to the sin-bin. Taking advantage Lee Gaskell kicked ahead but Cam Berry was ruled offside, No try.
On 65 minutes Harvey Hallas made a break down the middle. With the Keighley defence scattered Billy Jowitt found Charlie Graham who went over for a try, but with no conversion it was still a 6 point game. 30-36
George Flanaghan tried to force over from dummy half for Keighley, but Hunslet defended well, then Myles Harrop picked off a pass and sprinted off for a hat trick but the Cougars defence covered well.
As soon as Dean came back on former Hunslet man Dee Foggin-Johnston was sin-binned keeping Hunslet a man advantage, and Matty Beharrell had also left the field with a leg injury.
Hunslet wrapped it up on 75 minutes when electing not to convert a penalty Cam Berry sent Harrison Gilmore over for his first Hunslet try, Billy Jowitt converting 30-42.
Keighley threw caution to the wind, but a loose pass into touch meant it was all over. Hunslet taking the victory with a solid 2nd half performance.
A good hard fought victory is what Hunslet needed. Hopefully now a run of games in which they play teams from last year’s League 1 will see them pick up confidence and victories.
Eddie Battye and Lee Gaskell were outstanding, and Myles Harrop a massive threat out wide. It was a good team performance, but Will Kirby, Joe Phillips (From Hull FC) and Jaden Barraclough (Hunslet ARLFC) all added to the team.
Hunslet face a renewed Newcastle Thunder next week at the South Leeds Stadium (Apr 12th) not knowing whether there will be on loan players from York Knights. Regardless, Hunslet will need to make sure they don’t give their opponents a 12 point start as they search for a much needed home win.
KEIGHLEY COUGARS – Saynor, Foggin-Johnston, Clarke, Whitford, Holroyd, Farrell, Beharrell, Green, Flanghan, Rushworth, Waine, Dean, Hill, Burton, Skerrett-Evans, Parker, Littler.
HUNSLET – Abram, Watson, Harrop, Graham, Agoro, Gaskell, Jowitt, Hallas, Berry, O’Hanlon, Gilmore, Kirby, Battye, Carr, Leake, Phillips, Barraclough, Morgan.
