Hunslet RLFC 56-24 Coventry Bears 24
Hunslet RLFC got back to winning ways in their attempt to finish in the League 1 play offs with a convincing win over Coventry Bears at a sunlit South Leeds Stadium on Sunday (2 July 2017).
Last week’s impressive performance at full time Toronto Wolfpack seemed to inspire Hunslet as good early pressure led to an opening try on 10 minutes, Nyle Flynn going over off a short Danny Ansell pass.
Ten minutes later the home side were in again, this time acrobatically as Joel Gibson leaped to score in the corner after good Hunslet handling. The Goal kicking is in good hands these days as Joe Sanderson converted both tries.
Just as it looked like Hunslet were about to post a cricket score Coventry suddenly found some form. A mixture of poor defence and good Coventry pressure saw them sneak in the right hand corner and then minutes later barge over under the posts to level up at 12-12.
A high floating restart though saw Hunslet gain possession and from this Joe Sanderson showed skill putting Liam Mackay through for an important try.
A series of injuries meant the first half seemed to last forever and with legs tiring Hunslet attacked to the right where Joe Sanderson’s lovely long pass sent Tommy Brierley over in the corner. Hunslet led at the break 20-12.
No sooner had the second half started though, then Coventry put the cat back amongst the pigeons. Jamal Hunte tearing down the right wing leaving a trail of Hunslet defenders in his wake. The try of the game perhaps, but certainly an awakener for Hunslet.
Again the home side gained possession from the kick off and it was soon time for George Flanagan to post a trademark try from close range. 26-18.
By now the big Coventry forwards were tiring and Hunslet were starting to get on top. Liam Mackay scoring a second after good pressure and George Flanaghan going over after a Jake Normington break.
The openness of the game, and to be honest poor defending meant that Coventry managed another try before Hunslet finished with a flourish. Mufaro Mvadudu and Jack Lee scoring past tired defenders and ironically Jack Coventry had the last say for Hunslet scoring off a lovely Joel Gibson pass.
Hunslet always looked too strong for the visitors, but too often invited them back into the game. Joe Sanderson stood out with some excellent ball handing skills and the forwards never tired on a warm day. More is to come from this Hunslet team yet, let’s hope they can carry the Toronto spirit into the remainder of the season.
This post was written by Ian Pickles using our Create an article for South Leeds Life page.
