Hessle cut Oaks down to size

TWO tries from Hessle’s new scrum-half Oliver Ainsworth helped his side to a 24-16 success at Sheffield Oaks in Yorkshire Division Four South East.

The game was a closely-fought affair and the scores were level at the interval. Hessle led by only one point with 12 minutes left, but a converted try and penalty saw the visitors home.

Hessle’s first try came after five minutes when Ainsworth sold a dummy before racing clear to touch down for a fine individual effort. Jack Donkin added the conversion.

Stuart Crooks and Joe Weir came close but the Oaks defence was up to the task.

The hosts did not get into the Hessle 22 until the 34th minute, but five minutes later they crashed over from close range and the goal was added to level the scores.

Three minutes into the second period Donkin weaved his way to the line for a well-taken try which Ainsworth converted.

Indiscipline began to creep into Hessle’s game and the Oaks stand-off was on target with two penalty goals for 14-13.

Ainsworth took advantage of an error by the defence to pounce for his second try, which Donkin converted, but in the 75th minute Hessle were caught offside and the successful penalty made it 21-16.

Oaks pushed for an equalising score but Hessle pulled clear when Donkin landed a penalty from wide out.