Hornets retain National Cup
HFH U16 29 Hunslet U16 10 HORNETS retained their National Cup crown with an emphatic win over Hunslet.
They travelled with just 13 players as a crazy calendar clash meant England internationals Lewis Dodd and Brad O’Neill had to sit out the final as they were playing against France the following day.
However, using this as a spur the 13 lads went out and played some outstanding football in scorching conditions.
Hornets took the lead on 10 minutes when Dan Hill finished a set move at the corner flag.
The lead was soon increased when man-of-the-match Joe Barnes jinked his way over for a try that he also converted.
Hunslet tried to break through but the Hornets’ defence was solid with Elliott Smith, Keenan McDaid, Lewis Lambert, Harry Delaney, Connor Burgess and Ethan Cain working overtime to defend the line.
Just on half-time, Hornets struck again when Hill left four defenders in his wake to score his second try. Barnes converted and Hornets led 16-0 at the interval.
Hornets knew the first score in the second half would be crucial and they got it when Harvey McDaid pounced on a Barnes kick to score the decisive try. Barnes converted then popped over a drop goal to make it 23-0.
Hunslet never gave up but fine work from Lewis Talbot, Dan Rice, Jaime Duffy and Will Smith kept their line intact.
McDaid added a second try running a great line onto a Barnes pass. Again Barnes converted and the game was safe at 29-0. The heat and fatigue finally had its say and a couple of late tries were some consolation for Hunslet. ●