Hunslet Hawks 12 Batley Bulldogs 34: Battling Hawks grounded by Hesketh’s double for Bulldogs

TWO tries in three second-half minutes by substitute forward Sean Hesketh helped Batley to complete a hat-trick of wins over Hunslet this season.

Batley coach Karl Harrison warned his side to be wary of a backlash after the Hawks’ recent run of four defeats, including a 70-12 thrashing at Sheffield in their last outing, and although there was a big improvement from the home side, four of Batley’s tries were scored by prop forwards.

The match marked the start of Paul March’s three-month testimonial, the Hawks player-coach easing his way back as a substitute after a knee infection cleared up. However, March must have been disappointed by the way Batley winger Wayne Reittie was allowed to break through several tackles on his way to scoring the first try in the 12th minute.

The touch judges disagreed over whether Paul Handforth’s conversion attempt had gone through the posts so Batley had to be content with the four points. Hunslet drew level seven minutes later, hooker Luke Haigh diving over straight from a play-the ball, but Danny Ratcliffe’s kick veered wide.

March left the bench in the 26th minute to direct his team’s operations but both sides made unforced handling errors near their opponents’ line, causing a prolonged stalemate. Eventually the Bulldogs were penalised for dissent and Ratcliffe nudged Hunslet ahead for the first time with a successful kick four minutes before the break.

Batley, who began the day in third place, stepped up the pace after half-time with Adam Robinson, Alex Brown, Hesketh and Handforth to the fore. Handforth was held inches short of the line but the Bulldogs soon regained the lead when Robinson took Hesketh’s pass to score between the posts, Handforth adding the goal.

Byron Smith used his power to force his way over for Batley’s third try just after the hour, Handforth’s goal extending the lead to ten points. Stout defence prevented a try for Kris Lythe with the visitors’pack on top.

Lively stand-off Danny Grimshaw dummied his way over for Hunslet’s second try, David March adding the goal, but Hesketh’s two converted tries and a late touchdown by Alex Bretherton ended the Hawks’ hopes.

Hunslet Hawks: Kain; Pryce, Clayton, Oakes, Tuffour; Grimshaw, Ratcliffe; Sullivan, Haigh, Huston, Kelly, Haughey, D March. Substitutes: P March, Dooler, Lowe, Yates.

Batley Bulldogs: Preece; Rettie, Walton, Maun, Brown; Handforth, Mennell; Smith, Lythe, Potter, Bretherton, Manning, Lindsay. Substitutes: Buttery, Hesketh, Robinson, Toohey.

Referee: M Thomason (Warrington).