Rochdale Hornets 28 Hunslet Hawks 22: Hunslet lose their early impetus and Hornets happy to apply sting

HUNSLET Hawks failed to build on a 22-10 half-time lead as they were beaten by fourth-placed Rochdale Hornets.

The visitors performed well in the first half with player-coach Paul March calling the shots and his forwards responding well.

But they lost the plot in the second half, the turning point coming from the first set of six when Hunslet had a 'try' disallowed for a forward pass. From then on a litany of errors and wrong choices saw them fail to add to their tally and Hornets took full advantage.

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On 10 minutes Paul Raftery received a yellow card for a late hit on March and the latter took full advantage, sending Tommy Haughey through a gap to score. Danny Grimshaw converted.

March again spotted a gap from acting half and nipped in from close-range to touch down, Grimshaw adding the extras.

Hunslet winger Michael Mark then fumbled Danny Samuel's grubber, the kicker on hand to score, and Paul Crook converted from out wide.

Hornets were penalised in their own 22 and Neil Lowe took a quick tap and cantered in for a try. English finished off a training-ground move for the hosts with a try although Hunslet looked to be in the driving seat when, in the final minute of the half, March combined with Haughey to send Charlie Wabo in for a try. Grimshaw tagged on the extras.

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In the 45th minute Mark was again at fault, fumbling a kick, and Dean Gorton pounced to score. Andy Saywell ran in another for the hosts before Crook burrowed his way over.

Hunslet did not lie down but with errors rife there was to be no way back and late drop-goals from Hook and Craig Ashall confirmed Hornets' victory.

Rochdale: English, Fagborun, Gorton, Reid, Saywell, Crook, Roper, Raftery, Wood, Hayes, Samuels, Bowman, Ashall. Substitutes (all used): Cookson, Cocker, Powell, Smith.

Hunslet: Kain, Mark, Oakes, Pryce, Grimshaw, March, Sullivan, Haigh, Dooler, Wabo, Haughey. Substitutes (all used): Lowe, Woodcock, Chapman, Kelly.

Referee: Mohammed Drizza.