Recap
The Hawks were labelled as huge underdogs when the Challenge Cup draw took place 2 weeks ago. A trip to the DW Stadium to face the current cup holders Wigan Warriors would have been a big ask for anyone. But a passionate Hunslet side and their faithful following of supporters took the trip to Lancashire on Sunday and put up an outstanding fight. A bruising first ten minutes and some big Wigan names saw Barry’s side knocked out of the cup in a 52-8 defeat.
Ansell got the game underway but after 10 minutes it would have been easy to assume the scoreline would be much heavier come the end of the game. Williams, Bowen and Bateman all crossed to make it 18-0 with just 9 minutes on the clock. In familiar Warriors fashion dominating the first quarter of the game left the Hawks struggling and on the back foot. England star Liam Farrell added to the misery when he crossed just left of the sticks. But Eaton’s side soon got into their stride Grimshaw slotted back into stand off position in replacement of injured James Coyle and it was his strike of brilliance that got his side over the whitewash when he intercepted a Wigan pass and touched it down. Dragging Bateman into touch supported by a massive challenge by Lyons in centre field granted the Hawks deserved field possession. From close range Liam Hood chipped a grubber into the corner and winger Mapals had to fight his way through but finally got his hand on it to make it 30-8. The visitors slipt up once more when they allowed Matty Smith over for an easy try and again as they struggled to handle the fullback who was on the shoulder of his teammates in support. As Bowen slid over for his hatrick & Matty Smith kicked the conversion to make it 100% kicking rate at the break.
The final 40 minutes told a completely different story although Sarginson crossed early doors a spirited Hawks defence were ruthless and determined to give the Superleague side the fight they were looking for. Standing up to their opposition Barry’s side were frustrating the Wiganers with their solid defensive line. Jimmy Watson particularly impressive handling Farrell and others down the left channel completing 4 tackles back to back the Warriors were lucky when Jordan James managed to slide through a rare gap and speed over. To the credit of the Hawks they continued to work into the dying minutes and the Hawks did look dangerous with ball in hand. Brooke Broughton had a go at the line as did Maun. Former Warrior Danny Maun had had an outstanding game for the Hawks this afternoon and was only denied his try with a late ankle tap. Skipper March finally scooted from half back but was held up by 3 Warriors defenders. The Hunslet outfit finished strongly conceding only two tries in the second half they kept the score to 52-8.
Despite resting O’Loughlin and Blake Green Shaun Wane had fully respected the Hawks and put out a testing team. Eaton’s side battled against them for the full 80 minutes spurred on by the support of their fans the efforts were recognised by all. The focus is now back on the league and still full of fight the Hawks face South Wales in the next game in 2 weeks time.
Hunslet RLFC Line up
1. Stuart Kain
Sponsored by: Beth Hampshire
2. Lee Mapals
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
3. Jimmy Watson
4. Danny Maun
Sponsored by: Norty Forty
5. Lee Brickwood
Sponsored by: Eric Simon
6. Danny Grimshaw
7. Danny Ansell
8. James Houston
Sponsored by: Stephen Bower Bespoke Joinery
9. Liam Hood
Sponsored by: Colin & Kath Smith
10. Luke Stenchion
Sponsored by: J Mulkeen & Co Builders Ltd
11. Brooke Broughton
12. John Oakes
Sponsored by: Leeds Bacon Company Ltd
13. David March
Sponsored by: A & R Construction
14. Matthew Tebb
15. Lewis Reed
16. Aaron Lyons
Sponsored by: Linda Hemingway
17. Liam Mackay
Timeline
00:13 Danny Grimshaw Try
00:20 Lee Mapals Try