Hunslet 26 Whitehaven 18: Hawks’ response is just reward for boss Eaton

Hunslet coach Barry Eaton was pleased with the way his side responded after three straight defeats over the Easter period.

“I am absolutely delighted,” said Eaton. “The boys had had some good composure, after going eight points down, but we showed good composure and got ourselves back in the game.”

It was Whitehaven who opened the scoring five minutes in through Richard Leopi but the South Leeds side were in front when Jack Lee burrowed his way over from acting half before the ball came out in the tackle and was shipped out wide to on loan Rhinos star James Duckworth who just got the ball down in time.

Whitehaven then regained the lead through Rhoddri Lloyd who managed to power his way over from close range to go into the break ahead. Whitehaven made the best possible start to the second half, as Tyla Hepi scored.

This seemed to spark Hunslet into life. Mvududu did well to hold onto a flat pass from Andy Kain before rounding Lepori and going over under the sticks.

Watson then scored probably the try of the game as a Luke Briscoe break was backed up by George Flanagan who didn’t quite have enough pace to get over himself but showed great strength to hold the ball up for Watson.

The scoring was then completed when Flanagan spotted a gap in the Whitehaven defensive line and managed to get the ball down.

Hunslet: Watson, Duckworth, Briscoe, Maun, Barnett, Kain, Brown, Mulhern, Lee, Brennan, Keinhorst, Martin, Mackay. Substitutes: Flanagan, Mvududu, Haley, Lyons.

Whitehaven: Lepori, Burns, Bannister, Parker, Calvert, Aiye, Brocklebank, Davies, Coyle, Chaplhow, Lloyd, McAvoy, Allen. Substitutes: Hepi, Brooks, Newton, Fox.

Referee: C Leatherbarrow (RFL).