Hunslet ARLFC delivered a commanding and professional performance on their trip to Wigan St Judes, tightening their grip on the chasing pack as the NCRL Premier Division heads into its decisive phase.
With West Hull still setting the pace — an immaculate 16 wins from 16 keeping them clear at the summit — the battle immediately beneath them is becoming increasingly tense. Waterhead currently occupy second place, but only a single point separates them from Hunslet, who continue to build momentum at exactly the right time.
The visitors settled quickly and were rewarded inside seven minutes when Tyler Dargan finished a well?constructed early move. Danny Rowse, coaxed out of retirement to lend his experience to Hunslet’s play?off push, added the extras with the kind of calm assurance that has long been his trademark. That early strike set the tone, and Hunslet soon tightened their grip further through another familiar face.
Craig McShane, also back in the fold, crossed twice in quick succession — touching down on 13 and 17 minutes, each time giving Rowse another straightforward opportunity from the tee. His accuracy ensured Hunslet carried an 18?0 lead into the break.
St Judes, to their credit, refused to fold. Their effort after half?time was spirited, physical and determined, but Hunslet’s defensive resolve was equally impressive. Every carry was met with line speed, every offload pressured, and every half?chance snuffed out before it could develop.
The hosts’ hopes of a comeback were all but extinguished after 46 minutes when Josh McClelland took the ball deep inside his own half and scorched the length of the field for a stunning solo try. Rowse again converted, and as the clock wound down St Judes’ discipline wavered.
Three kickable penalties were conceded in the final ten minutes, all of which Rowse dispatched clinically to complete a seven?goal haul and seal a 0?30 victory, a result that keeps Hunslet firmly in the hunt.
Results 25th July 2026
Premier Division
Thatto Heath Crusaders 32 – York Acorn 18
West Bowling 20 – Waterhead Warriors 22
West Hull 50 – Rochdale Mayfield 8
Wigan St Judes 0 – Hunslet ARLFC 30
Division One
Dewsbury Celtic 30 – Leigh Miners Rangers 26
Dewsbury Moor Maroons 32 – East Leeds 12
Kells 20 – Stanningley 12
Pilkington Recs 16 – Oulton Raiders 17
Shaw Cross Sharks 31 – Oldham St Annes 6
National Conference – Cumbria
Distington 60 – Hindpool Tigers 0
Dalton 50 – Maryport 10
Seaton Rangers 30 – Millom 24
National Conference – North West
Ashton Bears 26 – Saddleworth Rangers 6
Crosfields 36 – Woolston Rovers 12
Ince Rose Bridge 42 – Clock Face Miners 10
Orrell St James 40 – Leigh East 0
National Conference – Yorkshire A
King Cross Park 70 – Stanley Rangers 16
National Conference – Yorkshire B
Featherstone Lions 36 – Bentley 6
Siddal Academy 18 – Milford 14
Skirlaugh 50 – Hull Dockers 12
National Conference – South
Bristol All Golds 26 – London Chargers 24
Hammersmith Hill Hoists 54 – Bedford Tigers 6
