Sheffield Eagles 18-22 Hunslet RLFC
Hunslet chalked up their second win of the Championship season last night (23 May 2025) at the Steel City Stadium despite a late Sheffield Eagles fight back.
Head Coach Dean Muir asked for a ‘big performance’ after last time out’s 58-8 defeat at York and his team repaid him with a deserved win.
From the off the Parksiders took control with Billy Jowitt and Lachy Hanneghan at the helm forcing Sheffield back with their kicking. 6 minutes in after Hunslet pressure and Cam Berry found a tiny gap at the ruck to reach over and score, Jowitt converting. 6-0 and a good start.
Sheffield got on the attack after Hunslet had ran the ball into touch, but their handling was poor and as the game stopped for an injury Hunslet were on top.
Revitalised after the break Sheffield got a penalty and on 23 minutes shipped the ball wide for former Hunslet man Jack Mallinson to score. Cory Aston converting. 6-6
After another lengthy halt in play Hunslet found themselves on the front foot. Greg Eden was dangerous attacking from full-back and Liam Welham was making good yards, but the kicking of Kobe Rugless and Billy Jowitt was really making the difference.
On 32 minutes Brad Clavering for the umpteenth time released the ball for Rugless to ship it out to Billy Jowitt who stepped his way over to score. The conversion hitting the post. 6-10
Cam Berry and Brad Clavering, both coming back from injury, were having good games, but as half time approached Hunslet found themselves down to 12 men after Harrison Gilmore instinctively picked up a ball in an offside position.
With Sheffield taking advantage of the numbers they tried one too many passes as Lachy Hanneghan swooped in to intercept and go the full length to score with Jowitt converting 6-16.
We were now in added time, and although Sheffield were pulled back for an obstruction in the act of scoring Hunslet deservedly led at the break 6-16.
As the second half began the next try was vital. Hanneghan was unlucky with a neat kick through, but on 44 minutes Sheffield put the ball to ground and Coby Nichol picked up and showed a clean pair of heels to score. Jowitt converting 6-22.
Another try would see Sheffield off and both Greg Eden and Keelan Foster went close, but Sheffield held firm. The play was all in Sheffield’s half and with Rugless and Jowitt pegging the Eagles back with their kicking you felt a try would come soon.
However, the tide turned and after Hunslet forced a pass Sheffield got on the front foot. A set repeat and quick passing sent Jack Billington through on 62 minutes and with Aston’s conversion it was 12-22.
The re-start went straight out gifting Sheffield good field position. Hunslet held firm for 12 tackles (Liam Welham putting in a try saving hit). But a penalty for a late hit after a kick meant Sheffield could get the lively Jack Billington on the ball again, who on 71 minutes waltzed over for his second try. 18-22
It was going to be a tense finish. Sheffield attacked, but Hunslet held firm. The hosts did spill the ball a few times, but with Greg Eden clearing the lines, Lachy Hanneghan attempting an intercept, and Liam Welham being held up Hunslet held on for a well fought victory.
In the end this was a good team performance. For 70 minutes Hunslet were in control and although missing Lee Gaskell and Matty Fletcher late on they had enough to get over the line.
Man of the Match could have gone to anyone. Eden and Jowitt were outstanding, Berry and Rugless lively at the ruck, Hanneghan and Welham ran hard and Clavering off-loaded at almost every tackle. There was also a good debut for 19 year old Lloyd McEwan-Peters.
With confidence Hunslet entertain Oldham next Sunday (1 June at 3pm) at the South Leeds Stadium.
Hunslet RLFC: Eden, Nichol, Liam Welham, McEwan-Peters, Turner, Hanneghan, Jowitt, Hallas, Berry, O’Hanlon, Gilmore, Larroyer, Clavering. Interchanges: Syme, Foster, Rugless, Webb-Campbell. 18th Player: Wood.
Sheffield Eagles: Mallinson, Millar, Kris Welham, Carter, Dawson-Jones, Aston, Bussey, Battye, Johnson, Dickinson, Roberts, Foster, Billington. Interchanges: Gwaze, Butterworth, Broadbent, Peachey. 18th Player: Hodgson.
Photo: Billy Jowett crosses to score
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