Hunslet in 12-try blitz to oust rivals Oxford

There were two tries each for Danny Maun, David March and Lee Mapals, while Andrew Ballard kicked 10 goals.

The lead was 16-0 after only 10 minutes, Liam Hood, Maun and Brooke Broughton scoring tries and Ballard landing two conversions.

When Oxford eventually threatened the home line, hooker Alex Thompson knocked-on in the left corner. The visitors’ indiscipline in the tackle repeatedly cost them territory and when they gave away yet another penalty, Matthew Tebb dummied his way over.

March grabbed two tries in rapid succession. The veteran Hawks captain then supplied the pass for Maun to grab his second touchdown.

Lewis Reed and Mapals added further tries and with Ballard landing eight conversions from nine first-half attempts, the Hawks had a 52-0 advantage at the interval.

Although the wind had dropped, Oxford improved in the second half, with their forwards stepping up their game, but for the most part Hunslet’s defence proved sound.

Thomas Coyle, Luke Stanchion and Mapals added further tries for the Hawks and after twice going close, Thompson snatched a consolation try for a well-beaten Oxford.

Hunslet Hawks: Watson, Mapals, Wilson, Maun, Ballard, Grimshaw, T Coyle, Haley, Hood, Stenchion, Oakes, Broughton, March. Substitutes: Tebb, G Clarke, Reed, J Davies.

Oxford: Rowland, Mulheen, Hoggins, Brooker, Crabtree, Rice, Connich, T Davies, Thompson, Hadden, Baird, O’Keefe, C Clarke. Substitutes: Bailey, Osborn, Ellison, Newton.

Referee: M Thomason (Warrington).