Hunslet Hawks 26 York City Knights 12: Class of Keinhorst sees Hawks to deserved win

Luke Helliwell’s close-in penalty gave Hunslet an early lead and substitute Brad Singleton almost scored with his first touch, after smart approach play from Tommy Haughey and David March who proved to be outstanding in the pack.

However, the first try was not long delayed, Liam Welham’s pass sending winger Waine Pryce over against his old club and Helliwell’s successful kick making it 8-0.

Sustained pressure ended in winger Nat Browne racing in at the left corner for York’s first try of the match, four minutes before the interval, and Tom Carr’s well-taken touchline conversion saw the Hawks’ lead cut back to two points.

However, for the second time in the match Helliwell elected to go for goal when Hunslet were awarded another penalty under the posts and they led 10-6 after what had been a closely-contested first-half.

Dual-registered pair Jimmy Watson and Keinhorst combined for what was the try of the match, Watson taking a quick tap and racing away after York had kicked the ball ‘dead’.

Keinhorst was up in support to score under the posts, Helliwell being on hand again to add the extras.

York hit back with a breakaway try from Liam Kent – which was converted by Carr, but Keinhorst’s second touchdown, again improved by Helliwell, gave the Hawks some breathing space at 22-12.

Another ex-York player, second rower James Houston, scored the Hawks’ fourth try just before the end as they completed their fourth win of the season.

Hunslet Hawks: Watson; Chisholm, Keinhorst, Welham, Pryce; Grimshaw, Helliwell; Yates, Haigh, Haley, Haughey, Houston, March. Substitutes: Hood, Brickwood, Menzies, Singleton.

York City Knights: Carr; Morrison, Ford, Briscoe, Browne; Brown, Nicklas, Bell, Brining, Potter, Scott, Kent, Smith. Substitutes: Presley, Sullivan, Stenchion, Latus.

Referee: R Laughton (RFL).