Hunslet RLFC took on Barrow Raiders from the Championship as Storm Isha hit Craven Park on the Cumbrian coast on Sunday (21 January 2024) in their first preseason match of the campaign.
In atrocious conditions, the Parksiders narrowly lost 16-6, holding Barrow to a six point margin until the 75th minute. For a first hit out against a team from a higher league playing their third game, this was not a bad result.
Hunslet had the benefit of a strong, blustery wind in the first half and played most of the first twenty minutes in Barrow’s half. But they were unable to break through Barrow’s stubborn defence.
It was the home team that opened the scoring when Greenwood latched onto a grubber kick to score, Shaw converted to give Barrow a 6-0 lead after 31 minutes.
The Parksiders struck back five minutes later. Quick feet from Beharrell allowed him to break the line before moving the ball to the left for new signing Jude Ferrera to score. Beharrell kicked the extras and the teams went in all square 6-6 at the break.
The Raiders got back on the board on 48 minutes following a penalty when Burke crashed over under the sticks. Shaw converted for a 12-6 lead.
Costello scored the final try on 75 minutes, capitalising on a Hunslet errors, but Shaw couldn’t convert, 16-6.
Hunslet play their first home game of the season on Sunday (28 January) at South Leeds Stadium when they face Featherstone Rovers in the 1895 Cup. Kick off is at 3pm, discounted tickets can be purchased online by visiting TicketCo – Events Hunslet RLFC
Teams
Hunslet RLFC: Iwan Orr, Jack Render, Jude Ferreira, Alfie Goddard, Dan McGrath, Harry Williams, Matty Beharrell, Harvey Hallas, Billy Gaylor, Toby Everett, Josh Jordan-Roberts, Aaron Levy, Jordan Syme. Interchanges: Michael Knowles, Jack Mallinson, Ross Whitmore, Lewis Wray, Cam Berry, Aidan Scully, Ethan O’Hanlon, Jack Coventry.
Barrow Raiders: Luke Cresswell, Ryan Shaw, Matt Costello, Shane Toal, Luke Broadbent, Brad Walker, Ryan Johnston, Greg Burke, Josh Wood, Ramon Silva, James Greenwood, Max Clarke, Tom Wilkinson. Interchanges: Max Moore, Fin Dutton-Rosconie, Adam Jackson, Finn McMillan, Mike Ogunwole, Roly Seward, Connor Terrill.
Photo: Hunslet threaten the Barrow line. Credit: Ian Johnson
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