Hunslet Hawks 28 Blackpool Panthers 12: McHugh leads way after Hawks prevail

McHugh, who started the game on 19 tries, along with Blackpool's Damien Munro, scored a spectacular try from halfway during an overwhelmingly one-sided first half against the Panthers.

Munro, normally a winger, was switched to full-back, reducing his opportunities to add to his tally until he moved into his flank role later in the game.

Richard Knight (ankle) and Neil Lowe (cold) were ruled out for Hunslet but David March, Dave Clayton and Danny Grimshaw were all passed fit.

Sustained Hunslet pressure was met with stout defensive work from Blackpool until hooker Luke Haigh scored near the posts in the 13th minute, David March was on hand to add the goal.

Blackpool were pinned back in their own half for long spells, with March brothers Paul and David especially prominent for the Hawks. However, there was a lack of finishing power from Hunslet and after Clayton had a try disallowed in the corner, David March decided against taking a tap penalty near the Blackpool line, electing to pocket two easy points instead.

Blackpool made countless errors, conceding penalties galore and looking anything but promotion contenders.

It was no surprise when hooker Richard Chapman left the bench to wriggle his way over for Hunslet's second try, March again converting in the 29th minute.

McHugh then sprinted in for his long-distance try, March landing a fourth successful kick out of four to send the Hawks in at the break leading 20-0.

Blackpool could only improve and centre Casey Mayberry raced away down the left for their first try, improved by Tom Hemmingway, but indiscipline continued to hamper their efforts.

David March landed another penalty for Hunslet before converting his own try and although centre Martin Ainscough scored the visitors' second try just before the end, the Hawks were good value for a victory which leaves them leading Oldham on points difference at the top.

Full-back Stuart Kain handled safely throughout, further frustrating Blackpool's efforts.

Hunslet Hawks: Kain; Pryce, Clayton, McHugh, Oakes; Grimshaw, P March; Sullivan, Haigh, Houston, Dooler, Haughey, D March. Substitutes: Woodcock, Chapman, Wabo, Helme.

Blackpool Panthers: Munro; Woodcock, Mayberry, Ainscough, Miller; Forber, Hemmingway; Best, Clough, Holland, Halliwell, Alcock, Haggerty. Substitutes: Keavney, Anderson, Ratcliffe, Llewellyn.

Referee: Craig Halloran (Dewsbury).