Hunslet delivered a strong and disciplined performance at Waterhead Park, earning a deserved win and their first victory over NCRL Premier Division top four opposition this season.
The game was played in bright but breezy conditions, with a sizeable home crowd adding plenty of edge to the afternoon.
The visitors struck early when George Rayner, returning to the side, finished a sharp right edge movement after quick hands created space on Hunslet’s first attack. Harry Shackleton converted from wide out for 0–6.
Hunslet tightened their grip when Callum Cameron was sin binned on 11 minutes. They made full use of the advantage, first with a penalty from Shackleton, and then when Joe Abson took a pass from Jamie Field and crashed over beside the posts to extend the lead to 0–12.
Waterhead responded through Harrison Dodd, who finished a tidy left edge move with decoy runners opening the gap. Kegan Brennan converted, pulling the score back to 6–12 at the break.
Hunslet began the second half with real intent. Morris Kamano was held up over the line, but the pressure told moments later when Jack McShane fed Shackleton close to the posts and the scrum half stepped through to restore a two score advantage at 6–18.
Waterhead kept battling and narrowed the gap again when Ciaran Dean powered onto a short ball, spun in contact and grounded to the right of the posts. Brennan’s second conversion made it 12–18 with eight minutes remaining.
Hunslet’s response was decisive. Ben Shulver crashed over, Shackleton adding the extras for 12–24. The final act came in the closing seconds when Tommy Corke spotted a gap and finished to seal a terrific afternoon for the visitors.
A strong crowd added to the occasion, boosted by Hunslet’s under 9s and parents, who travelled in numbers and played a mini tournament against Waterhead’s juniors beforehand, giving the afternoon a further community feel.
Waterhead scorers:
Tries: Harrison Dodd, Ciaran Dean
Goals: Kegan Brennan (2)
Hunslet ARLFC scorers:
Tries: George Rayner, Joe Abson, Harry Shackleton, Ben Shulver, Tommy Corke
Goals: Harry Shackleton (4)
Players of the Match:
Waterhead: James Perks
Hunslet ARLFC: Harry Shackleton
Full-time: Waterhead Warriors 12–28 Hunslet ARLFC
By Ste Beech
