HUNSLET 28 ROCHDALE HORNETS 18
ALFIE INGRAM, South Leeds Stadium, Sunday

HUNSLET ended their season with a victory over Rochdale, in what was Jimmy Watson and Kevin Larroyer’s final games for the club. 

Despite Rochdale scoring twice early on, Hunslet fought back to tie the score at half-time, and remained in pole position for the rest of the game, despite the fightback shown by the Hornets to tie up the score, before Myles Harrop put Hunslet back in front.

The first points of the game went to Rochdale following a penalty, as Jamie Dallimore added the goal from just over ten metres out. And Hornets scored soon after through TJ Boyd, who took advantage of a spilled catch from Mo Agoro on the line to touch the ball down for an unconverted try.

Moments later, Rochdale scored again, this time through Jordan Syme, who broke through an unsteady Hunslet defence to go over under the sticks.

Hunslet came back with some decent attacks of their own, with Jimmy Watson and Billy Jowitt both stopped just short of the line.

But once Hunslet steadied their attack, they scored through Anthony Walker, who strolled through a gap to score from close range.

Around the half-hour mark, Watson earned a superb try, following some sharp passing play between himself and Lee Gaskell down the left wing, which completely bamboozled the defence.

Shortly before half-time, Junior Sa’u crossed the line for the visitors, but a knock-on in the build-up meant it was disallowed, leaving the score level going into the second half.

It took the home side only a couple of minutes to take the lead after half-time, and this time the try scorer was Eddie Battye, who spun his way past a defender to cross.

Hornets got one back soon after through Matty Unsworth, who managed to ground his diving effort in the right corner despite some desperate defence. Hunslet remained two in front, however, as Jack Hansen could not convert.

But the Hornets won a penalty as the clock hit the hour mark and opted to go for the goal from just beyond the ten-metre line. Hansen converted this time, tying up the score with around 20 minutes remaining.

Following a few near chances, the Parksiders finally managed to regain the lead as Harrop forced his way through the defence to add an unconverted try in the corner.

And with just over five minutes remaining, Sam Grice added his name onto the scoresheet, powering his way over the line with a determined effort.

Hunslet were unlucky not to score again, as Gaskell’s pass was just ahead of Charlie Graham.

Rochdale found themselves in good field position in the final minutes of the game but were unable to break through Hunslet’s defence. The hooter sounded soon after, as Hunslet capped off their season on a positive note.

GAMESTAR: Kevin Larroyer looked sharp in attack and defence, capping off his final game with a top performance.

GAMEBREAKER: Myles Harrop’s try was the difference in what was a close game.

MATCHFACTS

HUNSLET
18 Jimmy Watson
5 Mo Agoro
29 Jayden Hatton
3 Myles Harrop
27 Charlie Graham
6 Lee Gaskell
1 Billy Jowitt
35 Jordan Baldwinson
14 Cam Berry
36 Sam Grice
11 Harrison Gilmore
25 Lennon Clark
13 Eddie Battye
Subs (all used)
17 Kevin Larroyer
26 Ethan O’Hanlon
28 Anthony Walker
41 Blake Broadbent

Tries: Walker (27), Watson (33), Battye (42), Harrop (69), Grice (74)
Goals: Jowitt 4/5

HORNETS
7 Jordan Paga
35 Alex Chippendale
21 Matty Unsworth
4 Junior Sa’u
22 TJ Boyd
6 Jamie Dallimore
25 Jack Hansen
23 Chris Barratt
9 Ross Whitmore
34 Mark Ioane
29 Dan Hackney
27 Ethan Wood
13 Jordan Syme
Subs (all used)
8 Jaden Dayes
10 Lewis Hatton
14 George Roby
33 Isaac Coleman

Tries: Boyd (7), Syme (10), Unsworth (46)
Goals: Dallimore 2/3, Hansen 1/2

SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-2, 0-6, 0-12, 6-12, 12-12; 18-12, 18-16, 18-18, 22-18, 28-18

Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Hunslet: Kevin Larroyer; Hornets: Ethan Wood

Penalty count: 4-6
Half-time: 12-12
Referee: Ollie Maddock