Dewsbury Rams 16 Hunslet Hawks 8: Craven inspires Rams to derby success over county rivals Hunslet

DEWSBURY were forced to come from behind in order to claim their third Championship victory of the season as they edged past Hunslet in a full-bloodied West Yorkshire derby.

The visiting Hawks took a narrow two-point lead into half-time but were unable to kick on in the closing period.

Warren Jowitt’s men had the three points sealed following back-to-back tries courtesy of James Craven and Austin Buchanan.

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Hunslet ended a 16-minute stalemate through Joe McLocklan, who landed a penalty goal to make it 2-0.

Rams went close through Greg Scott shortly after but persistence, in the end, paid off as Craven leaped highest to collect a Scott Spaven bomb on the half-hour. Patch Walker added the extras, 10 metres in from touch.

Undeterred, the South Leeds outfit hit back just four minutes later when McLocklan sent John Oakes crashing over from close range.

A comedy of errors occurred early in the second period as the two sides desperately went in search of another breakthrough.

However it was Dewsbury who were next to score.

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Walker hoofed a kick downfield and Craven was on hand to superbly collect, again. The full-back darted 20 metres to slide over beneath the uprights.

In a bid to put matters beyond doubt, Dewsbury upped the ante and got over the line for a third time.

Craven went from scorer to provider as he combined with centre Ayden Fall, who fired wide to wingman Buchanan. Walker’s conversion attempt sailed wide of the mark but the damage was done.

Dewsbury Rams: Craven, Scott, Esders, Faal, Buchanan, Walker, Spaven, Jones, Flanagan, Crossley, Spicer, Barker, Tonks. Substitutes: Wainwright, Hood, Nicholson, Southernwood.

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Hunslet Hawks: Hodgson, Brickwood, Davies, Clayton, Kain, McLocklan, Smith, Yates, L. Haigh, L. Haigh, Henderson, Blakeway, Oakes, D. March. Substitutes: Bradbury, Lewis, Lowe, Toothill.

Referee: G Hewer (Whitehaven).

A late try from Miles Greenwood earned Oldham a 20-20 draw in their Championship One clash against London Skolars.