Pryce’s hat-trick of ‘tries’ chalked off as Hawks lose to Dewsbury

The 6ft 7in Pryce, released by Bradford at the end of last season, lacked sufficient pace when, after intercepting near his own line, he was caught near halfway. However, soon afterwards his short burst brought him the opening try in the corner.

Both sides struggled to complete their sets but the Rams punished poor home defensive work with tries by Jy-Mel Coleman and Lucas Walshaw, Dale Morton converting Coleman’s touchdown.

Hunslet went close on several occasions but stout tackling and poor finishing prevented them from scoring in a first half which ended with Dewsbury 14-0 ahead.

A similar pattern after the break saw Hawks backs Lee Mapals and Liam Welham denied tries wide out and there was a long delay while referee Dave Merrick received treatment for an ankle injury before limping off and being replaced by touch judge Andrew Tolley.

Persistent Hunslet finally crossed their opponents’ line in the 64th minute when stand-off Danny Grimshaw celebrated his return from injury by darting through to score on the left, David March’s kick sailing just wide.

Pryce then had those three tries disallowed in rapid succession by the stand-in official, much to Dewsbury’s disgust.

Aaron Brown was at the hub of Dewsbury’s best moves but they must improve on this showing if they are to make the play-offs.

Hunslet Hawks: Watson; Mapals, Nathaniel, Welham, Brickwood; Grimshaw, Ansell; Yates, Hood, Menzies, Haughey, Oakes, March. Substitutes: Haigh, Houston, Singleton, Bush.

Dewsbury Rams: Craven; Morton, Hale, Pryce, Scott; Brown, Coleman; Aizue, Wright, Nash, Spicer, Walshaw, Donaldson. Substitutes: O’Brien, Lillycrop, Hepworth, Tonks.

Referee: D Merrick (RFL).