Hunslet Hawks 34 York City Knights 18: March brothers instrumental in undermining York's challenge

HUNSLET marched on at the top of Championship One with brothers Paul and David March overcoming strong resistance from their former club York.

With five former York players in their starting line-up and another among the used substitutes, Hunslet had an extra incentive, if any were needed, in their quest to finish as table-toppers for the first time since 1988. With four matches left they hold their fate in their own hands.

Hunslet were without Wayne McHugh, the league's leading tryscorer, and York, keen to boost their chances of finishing in the play-offs, were unfortunate when scrum-half Danny Ratcliffe had an early 'try' disallowed for offside.

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However, the visitors struck first when stand-off Chris Thorman followed up his own kick to score near the posts, Danny Ratcliffe adding the goal.

Tries by winger Waine Pryce and former York prop Scott Woodcock, both converted by Richard Knight, put the Hawks in front as the Knights conceded two many penalties through indiscipline.

Despite the efforts of half-backs Ratcliffe and Thorman and second row Jordan Ross, York fell further behind when centre Tommy Haughey dived over direct from a play-the-ball for an unconverted try, but the Knights' persistence and drive were rewarded with a try between the posts by Jack Lee, Ratcliffe tagging on the goal.

Hunslet responded with a superb try, March brothers David and Paul covering half the length of the pitch before sending Haughey in for his second try of the match, improved by David March to make it 22-12.

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Hunslet underlined their resolve by successfully defending four sets of six tackles near their own line early in the second half but York's overwhelming possession eventually brought a try for loose forward Luke Hardbottle, converted by Ratcliffe to leave four points in it.

Fittingly it was Paul March who pounced on a mistake near the posts to score a vital fifth try for the Hawks, David March adding the goal and going on to improve Richard Chapman's touchdown.

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

York City Knights: Reittie; Wilson, Mitchell, Allan, Lineham; Thorman, Ratcliffe; Freer, Lee, Benson, Ross, Duckworth, Hardbottle. Substitutes: Clough, Williams, Waller, Stearman.

Referee: Clint Sharrad (Manchester).

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