Hunslet RLFC 32-12 London Skolars
Hunslet RLFC rounded off a poor season with some sunshine as they won the League 1 Shield, a competition designed for the bottom 8 teams in League 1.
Photos by Paul Johnson / Phoenix Photography
The spectre of a fruitless season spurred Hunslet on as they came out of the blocks strong and looked never in doubt of winning this match despite a valiant effort from the travelling London Skolars.
The deadlock was broken on 15 minutes after a deft kick by scrum half Joel Gibson was scooped up by Liam Mackey to score, and a moment later it looked as if Hunslet would stretch their lead when Mackay set Webb free only for the ball to end up being kicked dead.
Bryan did manage to barge over with six defenders around him for the Skolars, but after Lewis Reed made some hard yards George Flanagan dummied and went 20 yards to score a great try to put Hunslet back in command 12-6.
Probably the try of the game came on 35 minutes when London passed to the left drawing in the defence only for the ball to be passed overhead inside to a flying Michael Brown who scored beneath the posts.
Just when it looked like all square at half time Hunslet struck. Quick hands to the right on the last tackle meant Muffy Mvududu could squeeze James Duckworth in at the corner. The consistent golden eye and boot of Joe Sanderson converting to give Hunslet an 18-12 lead at the break.
The outcome never looked in doubt when on 45 minutes Mufaro Mvududu broke down the right hand side, before Hunslet then shipped quickly to the left where Danny Ansell fed a lovely ball to Liam Mackay who celebrated as scoring.
London Skolars briefly threatened, especially when a try was disallowed for a knock-on when it looked a sure four points.
Having unusually missed the last conversion Joe Sanderson made it 24-12 with a penalty under the posts, and when the kick off did not travel 10 yards Sanderson converted brilliantly from the centre spot, making it 26-12.
Hunslet now feeling it was in the bag and away from the jaws of defeat started to play some flowing rugby, and when Sanderson stole the ball one on one and James Duckworth went 30 yards to score it sealed the deal.
32-12 then at full time may slightly flatter Hunslet, but they were the best side. Sanderson deservedly winning man of the match, but with stand out performances from Liam Mackay and Jack Walton also.
Next season promises much with hopefully new investors, and with luck this Shield victory may spur Hunslet on to better things.
Teams:
Hunslet RLFC: Jimmy Watson, James Duckworth, Mufaro Mvududu, Cameron Leeming, Marcus Webb, Joel Gibson, Joe Sanderson, Michael Haley, George Flanagan, Lewis Reed, Liam Mackay, Danny Williams, Jack Walton. Subs: Dean Roberts, Danny Ansell, Josa Kenga, Jack Coventry.
London Skolars: Michael Bishay, Smokie Junor, Joshua Allison, Lameck Juma, Michael Brown, Jermaine Colemean, Jy-mel Coleman, Michael Sykes, Charlie Lawrence, Lamont Bryan, David Williams, Edward Mbaraga, Robert Butler. Subs: Philip Lyon, Michael Greenhalgh, Ryan Chester, Lewis Robinson.
Referee: N Bennett
This post was written by Ian Pickles usung our Create an article for South Leeds Life page.
