Castleford Lock Lane vs Hunslet Warriors - match report

Hunslet Warriors gave themselves a much-needed lifeline for Conference Premier Division survival after defeating title hopefuls Castleford Lock Lane 16 – 12.

Tries from Man of the Match, Johnny Dawson and Daryl Gaunt along with two penalty goals from Gary McClelland provided the victory over their West Yorkshire rivals.

McClelland nearly got the Warriors up and running inside the first five minutes. However, his shot at goal from 40 out wasn’t successful.

Instead, it was Lock Lane who grabbed the opening score of the afternoon. Paul Brown sidestepped his way over beneath the uprights. Danny Rowse added the extras.

The heavens were well and truly open for the majority of the first 40, and Dawson used the conditions to slide over to make it six apiece.

Lock Lane were close to regaining the lead when a break down the right side left the hosts inches shy of the Warriors line. The league’s top try scorer, Adam Garlick, found himself held up when trying to poach one himself on a last tackle play.

But, the Warriors lost possession of the ball on the following 20 metre restart, to give Lock Lane another attacking set. They made best use of the position, as Danny Holmes crossed down the left.

The Warriors, who are currently second bottom, kept their opponents scoreless in the second half, and drew back level again as Daryl Gaunt used his strength to power over.

The pressure was beginning to mount on Lock Lane throughout the second 40, and Hunslet went ahead for the first time when they were awarded a penalty for interference. McClelland slotted over the shot from 20 metres out.

Garlick, with 23 tries to his name. Tried everything to increase his tally, and to nudge his side back in front going into the final ten minutes. After shrugging off attempted tacklers, the ball squirmed from his grasp at the vital moment.

The hosts became their own worst enemy, as a kick from a 20 metre tap went sailing over the touchline out on the full. The Warriors seized upon Lock Lane’s error to push themselves four points ahead when McClelland added his second penalty of the game.

There was a late scare for Hunslet in the final minute of play when Garlick surged to the line in the hunt for a potential match-winning try. But, the Warriors defence prevented him getting the ball down to claim two vital points.