Widnes Vikings 40-12 Hunslet RLFC
Hunslet took their only fit 18 players to Widnes today (31 August 2025) in the Betfred Championship, but played with grit and determination for a large part of the game against a Widnes side pushing for the playoffs.
With youngsters such as Zach McSwiney, Finley Balback, Joe Ward and Ryan Westerman in the squad, along with Ethan Wood and Liam Carr who haven’t had many minutes this season, The Parksiders put in an intense tackling performance in the first half, and but for a silly ten minutes could have pushed Widnes close.
From the off Hunslet were up quick in defence, and with Gaskell’s kicking were in the mix. Coby Nichol did well to stop an attempted 40/20 and although Widnes threatened, Hunslet had a chance to score when Gaskell and Jowitt combined to send Nichol close.
It took Widnes 13 minutes to open the scoring, after a knock-on from a kick and a penalty for offside. Good quick passing to the left sent Jon Bennison over. Declan Patton converting. 6-0
Although Widnes were making mistakes Hunslet had a good shape, but the kicks near the line were too deep for the attacking Parksiders.
On 19 minutes though, the pressure told as Larroyer and Clavering drove in well, before Finley Balback sold a dummy to score on the right hand side. Jowitt converting 6-6
Decisions don’t seem to go Hunslet’s way, and Widnes could put on more pressure after a ball kicked at a Hunslet man was deemed to have been played at.
Billy Jowitt was superb at full-back and Jimmy Watson was tackling anything that moved, but Hunslet couldn’t clear their lines until Lee Gaskell put a cheeky kick in for Coby Nichol who was tackled high and awarded a penalty.
Although Hunslet were playing and tackling well, penalties were their downfall, as on 35 minutes after two Hunslet infringements Jake Maizen found a half gap and stretched over to score for the Vikings. 10-6
Hunslet tried a kick and chase on the hooter, but Mackenzie Turner was blocked off, so at the break Widnes led 10-6 with all to play for.
From the off in the second half Widnes were on the attack. Hunslet looked to have warded off the early pressure, but a break on the right and a missed tackle meant Jack Owens could score for the Vikings on 43 minutes. Patton converting 16-6
Hunslet have suffered from conceding tries in quick succession many times this season, and another rush of blood to the head led to this same outcome. A short kick off didn’t go 10 yards and from the penalty Widnes were able to put pressure on Hunslet. Adam Lawton finding a gap on 47 minutes to score. 22-6
Although Hunslet had a chance to reply when Fletcher’s pass to Clavering was ruled forward, Widnes again broke on the right and a certain try was saved when Gilmore was rolled onto his back by a brilliant Billy Jowitt tackle. Hunslet’s defence scrambling though couldn’t keep Adam Lawton from getting his second try three tackles later. 28-6 on 54 minutes.
Widnes were now on top and on 62 minutes Fozard went through broken defence to score. Patton converting for 34-6. Would Hunslet now cave in?
A change of personnel for Hunslet and on 68 minutes on debut Zach McSwiney, who had been lively round the ruck found a gap and dived over for debut try 34-12.
Although Jake Maizen got his second try for Widnes on 74 minutes when Gilmore who was tackled by Watson and Jowitt slipped a good ball out of the tackle, Hunslet finished strongly and were unlucky not to score on the hooter when Ward and Nichol collided both chasing a Lee Gaskell kick.
For 60 minutes in this game Hunslet were competitive, especially with players who had not had much football this season. But the old habit of conceding multiple quick tries did for them early in the second half.
Still Head Coach Kyle Trout will be pleased with some of the performances and intensity in Hunslet’s play. Jowitt and Watson were excellent, Balback’s skill is coming to the fore and Carr and Wood ran hard and well, whilst Clavering kept the ball alive.
Hunslet take on Sheffield Eagles next week at the South Leeds Stadium. Sunday 7 September, kick off 3pm.
Widnes Vikings: Maizen, Butt, Owens, Fleming, Bennison, Patton, Gilmore, Murray. Johnstone, McWhirter, Roberts, Condon, Hall. Interchanges: Fozard, Lawton, Gregson, Bibby. 18th player: Bent.
Hunslet RLFC: Jowitt, Turner, Watson, Westerman, Nichol, Gaskell, Balback, Carr, Fletcher, Larroyer, Wood, Gilmore, Clavering. Interchanges: Hallas, O’Hanlon, McSwiney, Ward. 18th player: Welham.
Photo: Westerman and Balback halt Widnes (RLPIX.COM)
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