In a thrilling Betfred League 1 fixture on Sunday, Hunslet’s head coach Alan Kilshaw expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance as they secured a 30-20 victory over North Wales Crusaders. Despite trailing 16-6 at halftime, the Parksiders staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, dominating their opponents and emerging triumphant.
Hunslet started strongly, taking an early lead through Jack Render’s try. However, North Wales Crusaders fought back and managed to gain a 10-point advantage before the break. Kilshaw’s halftime message focused on the players running harder, tackling better, and improving their completion rate.
The second period saw Hunslet’s resurgence, with Sam Hallas scoring two tries, and Josh Jordan-Roberts and Jimmy Watson also contributing with tries of their own. Matty Beharrell displayed exceptional kicking accuracy, converting five goals from five attempts. The Crusaders managed to snatch a late consolation try through Josh Lynch’s interception, but it wasn’t enough to dampen Hunslet’s dominant second-half display.
Reflecting on the game, Kilshaw acknowledged that the Crusaders’ ability to slow down the pace of the match affected Hunslet’s original game plan. However, the team adapted well to the circumstances and remained resilient throughout. Kilshaw expressed his frustration with the referees’ decisions, citing a disallowed try due to a clear knock-on, as seen in the video footage.
Despite the setbacks, Kilshaw praised the team’s leadership group for their strong performance and ability to rally themselves. He highlighted the contributions of Beharrell, who created numerous opportunities, and Myles Lawford, who set up one of Hallas’ tries. Kilshaw also commended Spencer Darley on his impressive debut, while mentioning Nathan Newbound’s promising return from injury for Castleford Reserves.
In defence, Jimmy Watson showcased his skills with two crucial try-saving tackles, while Joe Burton and Alfie Goddard made important defensive contributions at crucial moments. Kilshaw expressed his satisfaction with the team’s resilience and emphasised the significance of this victory, considering North Wales Crusaders’ previous comfortable win over Hunslet in the corresponding match last year.
Furthermore, the head coach expressed relief that his team emerged from the game without any injury concerns. As the end of the season approaches, Kilshaw remains confident in the depth and options available to Hunslet, particularly with the return of key players and the strong performances from their reserves.
The Hunslet dressing room was filled with a sense of accomplishment following the game, recognising this win as a significant breakthrough against a challenging opponent. Kilshaw praised his team’s determined performance and their ability to overcome a team that had previously dominated them.
With this impressive victory, Hunslet reaffirms their position as a formidable force in the Betfred League 1. Their ability to adapt, rally together, and showcase resilience bodes well for their future matches as they continue to strive for success in the remainder of the season.
