Hunslet Hawks had a bad day at the office today (Sunday 31 January 2016) as they were outclassed by Batley Bulldogs at the Fox’s Biscuits stadium, losing 28-6.
On a pitch that one player described as “a bit of a mud bath”, Batley’s superior kicking game proved decisive. This was Hunslet’s third defeat to teams from higher divisions as they prepare for the Kingstone Press Championship 1 campaign, which starts on 6 March.
The Bulldogs scored 20 unanswered points in the first half. Adam Gledhill opened the scoring , crossing the line untouched.
A kick to the corner from Pat Walker was gathered by Wayne Reittie for Batley’s second score, but the conversion was missed.
The Bulldogs were reduced to 12 men when James Brown was sin binned, but Hunslet were unable to make the advantage count. Reittie scored his second try of the match following another kick to the corner, this time from Dominic Branbani.
Sam Scott scored Batley’s fourth try just before half time following an offload from Cain Southernwood. Batley went in 20-0 up at the break.
Things didn’t improve for Hunslet in the second half. Reittie completed his hat trick once more scoring in the corner. Another kick from Walker, to the other wing this time, found Shaun Ainscough who scored to put Batley 28-0 up.
Alistair Leak rounded off the Bulldogs’ scoring following up his own grubber kick to go over for the try. The conversion took the score to 34-0.
Hunslet finally got on the scoreboard with a late consolation try, but the day belonged to Batley.
Hunslet’s next pre-season friendlies are against clubs from Championship 1; away at Keighley Cougars on 14 February and home to York City knights on 21 February.
Full time score: Batley Bulldogs 34-6 Hunslet Hawks
Teams:
Hunslet Hawks: Elliott, Agoro, Duckworth, Waterman, Mapals, Mackay, Thomas, Reed, Tebb, Haley, Crane, Williams, Derby. Subs: Lee, Robinson, Bell, Millburn, Barnett, Carbutt.
Batley Bulldogs: D Scott, Reittie, Squires, Ulugia, Ainscough, Southernwood, Branbani, Hirst, Davey, Gledhill, Chandler, S Scott, Walker. Subs: Craven, Cowling, Leak, Lillycrop, Blake, Brown, Harrison, Day, Tinker.
