Hunslet’s second wind hits the Crusaders

North Wales Crusaders 16-46 Hunslet RLFC

Hunslet produced 40 minutes of their best rugby of the season at Eirias Stadium in Colwyn Bay today (July 21, 2024) as they ran out comfortable winners in a game that looked in the balance at half-time.

The North Wales Crusaders have been tough opponents in recent seasons and under manager Carl Forster they were prepared for this game from the start.

Hunslet held firm in the early parts of the game but an old ghost came back to haunt them as Rob Massam (back from retirement) took a high shot to give the Crusaders the lead on 6 minutes. 4-0

The Crusaders looked to have extended their lead moments later but Cole Oakley’s attempt was ruled out for obstruction.

Hunslet started to get into the game though, and after Jordan Paga failed to clear a Matty Beharrell shot, a mistake by Crusaders gave Hunslet good field position. Quick hands in the 15th minute sent Jack Render to the corner, a try looked unlikely but the big winger was too strong and brushed past the defense to score. Beharrell converts 4-6

Crusaders equalized moments later when Reid took 2 points for a high tackle, then on 29 minutes a shot got in behind the Hunslet defense and Rob Massam pounced again to score. 10-6

North Wales were perhaps just over it, but in the 32nd minute, with the Crusaders on the attack, on-loan winger Noah Booth read the play and intercepted to sprint 90 meters to score. 10-12 after Beharrell converted.

Although Reid missed a chance to level for the Crusaders when his penalty attempt sailed wide, there was nothing in it as the teams headed to the dressing rooms for the break. 10-12

The second half started with Hunslet on the front foot. On 45 minutes after only Hunslet’s second penalty of the game, Cam Berry shot and scored from close range. Then 3 minutes later a Jack Coventry drive set up Beharrell who put Ferreira in the clear. The center drew the defense brilliantly and sent on Jack Render for his second of the afternoon. Both tries were converted by Matty Beharrell 10-24

The Crusaders were shell-shocked and although an attacking volley caused a scare for Hunslet as he returned from his post, the Parksiders did not take their foot off the gas.

Jude Ferreira was held up short, then in the 58th minute after another penalty quick hands allowed Aaron Levy to put Joe Law through a goal to score. Beharrell converts 10-30.

Although both Cam Berry and Aaron Levy left the field with injuries, Hunslet struck again. This time on 65 minutes a shot from Matty Beharrell was cleared out of the sky by Jack Render for the player to score one of his trademark tries to complete his hat trick. 10-34

Things got worse for the hosts when Davies was sent to the sin bin and in the 73rd minute another Beharrell shot was deflected for Joe Law to score his second of the afternoon, converted by Michael Knowles. 10-40

The restart went straight as the Crusaders began to want their full-time hooter. Noah Booth went close in the right corner before in the 78th minute Liam Carr shed his tacklers to score another fine try after coming off the bench, converted by Knowles. 10-46

Although both Paga and Ferreira went close for Hunslet, North Wales had the final say when in the 80th minute Lane found an opening to score. Reid adding the extras. 16-46

But at the full-time hooter there were smiles all round for the traveling Hunslet faithful. With George Flanagan injured and Matty Fletcher missing through suspension, there is still talent to add to this squad and potential headaches for manager Dean Muir in the coming games as the competition for places heats up.

Jack Render took the Man of the Match supporters bus for the treble, but there were also strong performances from Joe Law, Michael Knowles and Ross Whitmore.

Hunslet remain third in Betfred League 1 and host Workington Town next Sunday (July 28) from 3pm as we head into the final five league games of the season.

TEAMS

Hunslet RLFC: Watson, Booth, Law, Ferreira, Render, Paga, Beharrell, Hallas, Whitmore, Knowles, Jordan-Roberts, Levy, Syme, Berry, Carr, O’Hanlon, Coventry, Tomlinson.

North Wales Crusaders: Lane, Massam, Taylor, Smith, Thewliss, Moss, Coates, Evans, Baldwin, Barratt, Oakley, Davies, Foster, Carr, Baker, Costello, Holmes.

Photo: Jack Render and Jude Ferreira. Credit: Phil Hodgson

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