An excellent team performance from a battling Oldham side brought victory with outstanding games from a number of players, notably Joe Chandler, Wayne Kerr and Matty Ashe.
Coach Tony Benson must have been proud of his team after seeing them penalised eight times to Hunslet’s once in the first half.
Having given away a converted try after only five minutes when McHugh strolled through, Oldham were soon on level terms.
Ashe regathered his own kick to touch down for an Oldham side who continued to play good, expansive rugby.
An astute Neil Roden pass sent Chandler over for a converted try before an inexperienced referee looked set to allow Hunslet’s March brothers to run the game.
With Ashe also off the field with an eye injury, things looked ominous for the Roughyeds.
However, they continued to make the most of the limited chances they had as a cracking handling move ended with Mick Fogerty putting Paul Reilly over for an unconverted try.
With Ashe having treatment, leaving Oldham a man short, successive penalties told as Clayton went over to make to score 16-10.
Worse was to follow for Oldham when Martin Roden was given 10 minutes in the sinbin, but they extended their lead after the break with an Ashe penalty.
Having seen Martin Roden return, Oldham then lost Fogerty to the sinbin for some apparent interference.
Constant Hawks pressure finally paid off when Oakes scored out wide with the conversion bringing the gap down to two points.
Nevertheless, the Roughyeds began to show their mettle as a clever ball steal by Ashe gave them another converted try.
Further flowing rugby saw the classy Marcus St Hilaire send Lucas Onyango flying in at the corner before a classic break from Chandler ended with him just short.
The Roughyeds’ defence remained solid as Neil Roden extended their advantage with a drop goal.
All that remained was for Robinson to be sent off as Oldham ran out worthy winners.
