Hunslet RLFC 48-12 Newcastle Thunder
Hunslet RLFC’s Betfred League 1 season got off to a good start with a win over relegated Newcastle Thunder at the South Leeds Stadium yesterday (17 March 2024).
The game had to be switched to the South Leeds Stadium after Thunder’s home at Kingston Park became unavailable.
Newcastle only re-entered the league recently after a rescue package was put together and the team took some heavy defeats in the 1895 Cup, however Hunslet were never going to take them lightly on match one of the league season.
Although Alfie Goddard went close early on for Hunslet, Thunder took the lead on 8 minutes after gaining good field position with a 40/20. Former Parksider Nathan Newbound sent Harry Lowery over, Jack Potter converting. 0-6
It didn’t take long for Hunslet to reply when on 12 minutes Beharrell and Watson combined to send Jack Render strolling over in the corner. 4-6
Hunslet looked strong on the flanks and on 20 minutes a loose Harry Williams pass was hacked forward by Alfie Goddard. The bounce fooled Newcastle, and Goddard backed up to score. Beharrell converting 10-6.
Jude Ferreira caused a constant problem for the Newcastle defence, and on 24 minutes the former Hull FC man linked with Jack Render who slid in low to score. 14-6
Newcastle were not dispirited and attacked the Hunslet line, but the home defence held and with ball in hand the penalties started to fall Hunslet’s way. After a third penalty on the trot good Hunslet passing sent Alfie Goddard in for his second of the day. 18-6 at the break.
The second half started sluggishly for the home side as on 44 minutes Brad Ward leapt highest to take a kick and score for the visitors, Potter converting 18-12.
But from the kick off Newcastle knocked on and although Will Adams was held up, Hunslet kept up the pressure. On 53 minutes Jordan Syme went close, then Josh Jordan-Roberts released a pass with many defenders sucked in. Quick passing got the ball out to Alfie Goddard, who skilfully stepped inside three defenders to complete a deserved hat trick. Beharrell converting 24-12
Goddard’s try was the game breaker and two more were added quickly, Jude Ferreira gathered a Beharrell kick to score and Cam Berry scooted over from acting half back, both were converted by Beharrell. 36-12 to Hunslet on the hour.
On 65 minutes Matty Beharrell went close but was tackled well, before Josh Jordan-Roberts showed his strength to add another to the tally. Beharrell converting 42-12.
With 4 minutes remaining Jude Ferreira scored the try of the match, Jack Render took a kick deep in his own half before feeding Jimmy Watson who linked with Josh Jordan-Roberts who then sent Jude Ferreira in the clear, the centre showing his pace to go the full length to score. Beharrell converting 48-12.
The game ended on a sour note as with Newcastle looking to score Alfie Goddard pulled off a try saving tackle only for the ref to deem it a high tackle. Both teams got involved in afters and Goddard and his Newcastle opposite Coggle were sin-binned.
But on the hooter it was Hunslet who took the points and sit in third place of the Betfred League 1, behind Keighley Cougars and Oldham on points difference.
Coach Dean Muir was not happy with how his side started each half, but was happy with the win and praised winger Jack Render for his work coming inside and taking the ball up.
“Although the three-quarters scored 7 of the 9 tries, the work to create space out wide is done by hard yards down the middle” said Muir.
Alfie Goddard received both sponsor’s (Hunslet ARLFC) and Supporters’ Player of the Match, but there were also good performances from Ferreira, O’Hanlon, Syme, and Billy Gaylor who took the game to Newcastle in the latter stages.
Hunslet travel to Rochdale Hornets next Sunday (24 March, 3pm).
Teams:
Hunslet RLFC: Jimmy Watson, Alfie Goddard, Will Adams, Jude Ferreira, Jack Render, Harry Williams, Matty Beharrell, Harvey Hallas, Ross Whitmore, Toby Everett, Josh Jordan-Roberts, Aaron Levy, Jordan Syme. Interchanges: Billy Gaylor, Cam Berry, Spencer Darley, Ethan O’Hanlon. 18th player: Aidan Scully.
Newcastle Thunder: Luke Jeremy, Francis Coggle, Daniel White, Thomas Siddle, Bradley Ward, Oliver Bibby, Jack Potter, Harry Price, Tyler Heppie, Harry Lowery, Patrick Burns, Nixon Putt, Nathan Newbound. Interchanges: William Bate, Sylvester Namo, Daniel Takyl-Hindmarsh, Aaron Harlow-Stephenson. 18th player: George Birch.
Photo: Alfie Goddard scores. Credit: Craig Irvine
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