DEWSBURY RAMS 20 HUNSLET 30
ALEXANDER FYNN, FLAIR Stadium, Sunday
DEWSBURY had a setback in their bid to make the play-offs as Hunslet scored five converted tries to claim a first victory in six matches.
The south Leeds side. who led 30-8 after 62 minutes, were able to hold off a late resurgence by the Rams during which they went over twice.
The first half was a scrappy affair as both sides offered little at the line, although two tries in the last eleven minutes provided the visitors with a slender lead at the break.
With only six on the clock, Hunslet were temporarily reduced to twelve men. Lee Gaskell grubbered close to the line and Ed Battye almost touched down, being yellow carded after failing to hand the ball over.
Dewsbury came close to breaking the deadlock after a repeat set close to the Hunslet line. A pass was played to Liam Copland, but Mackenzie Turner forced him into touch.
The hosts finally took the lead with a Louie Walker penalty-goal after Hunslet were called offside.
After repeat penalties conceded by Dewsbury, Myles Harrop put Hunslet ahead on 29 minutes as Gaskell sent in another grubber and he stretched to touch the ball down. Dan Abram converted.
Hunslet extended their lead when Sam Grice broke the defence, Bailey O’Conner making an unsuccessful tackle attempt. Abram again improved for 12-2.
On the cusp of half-time, Dewsbury reduced the deficit when Jacob Bateman played a grubber through and O’Connor got the ball down with his back to the line, Walker goaling.
As the second half started, Hunslet continued to threaten, and they got their just reward as Aiden Doolan chase his own grubber. Abram added the extras for 18-8.
Hunslet scored again when Harrison Gilmore forced his way over from close range, and Abram converted.
Dewsbury weren’t giving up, although despite their efforts, Hunslet scored their fifth try of the game when Ethan O’Hanlon barged over and Abram added the goal to make it 30-8.
Back came Dewsbury, and Tom Delaney broke the defence and played a sublime pass to Dan Coates, who dotted down for Walker to convert.
Coates then scored again, making the most of an O’Connor chip, and Walker again improved, but Hunslet held on.
GAMESTAR: Harrison Gilmore was a second-row force for Hunslet.
GAMEBREAKER: The south Leeds side’s three tries in the first 22 minutes of the second half.
MATCHFACTS
RAMS
29 Bailey O’Connor
5 Liam Copland
27 Connor Carr
4 George Senior
2 Tom Delaney
6 Dan Coates
19 Louie Walker
8 Luke Nelmes
31 Joe Thompson
16 Louis Collinson
15 Jacob Bateman
23 Brad Graham
35 Danny Addy
Subs (all used)
17 Harvey Roberts
18 Jack Briggs
21 Monty Lumb
30 Ellis Lingard
Tries: O’Connor (39), Coates (71, 75)
Goals: Walker 4/4
HUNSLET
18 Jimmy Watson
27 Charlie Graham
29 Jayden Hatton
3 Myles Harrop
21 Mackenzie Turner
6 Lee Gaskell
7 Dan Abram
36 Sam Grice
37 Aiden Doolan
40 Matty Laidlaw
11 Harrison Gilmore
20 Liam Carr
13 Ed Battye
Subs (all used)
26 Ethan O’Hanlon
28 Anthony Walker
35 Jordan Baldwinson
– Blake Broadbent
Tries: Harrop (29), Grice (35), Doolan (48), Gilmore (52), O’Hanlon (62)
Goals: Abram 5/5
Sin bin: Battye (6) – professional foul
SCORING SEQUENCE: 2-0, 2-6, 2-12, 8-12; 8-18, 8-24, 8-30, 14-30, 20-30
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Rams: Luke Nelmes; Hunslet: Harrison Gilmore
Penalty count: 10-12
Half-time: 8-12
Referee: Lucas Seal