Rochdale Hornets 28 - 18 Hunslet Hawks

Rochdale Hornets 28 - 18 Hunslet Hawks

To use the well worn cliche, in a game of two halves Rochdale Hornets turned on the style in the second half to defeat Hunslet Hawks in the season's opener at Spotland Stadium.

In a very scrappy first half, punctuated by needless penalties, Hunslet were first on the score sheet when Barnett scored out on the wing. The conversion attempt missed.

Hornets hit back through Joe Philbin after Hunslet struggled keeping onside. Crook's turn to miss with a conversion attempt.

Hornets started to dominate Hunslet but paid for not making that domination count when they fell for a dummy and Hunslet took the lead again on the half hour mark. This time the conversion attempt was successful, giving Hunslet a six point lead.

The score was level again when Joe Philbin was first to react to a dropped ball and walked over the line unopposed. Crook added the extras.

With half time fast approaching, Hunslet took the lead again following a well executed cross field kick. The conversion attempt failed.

Half time: Rochdale Hornets 10 - 14 Hunslet Hawks

The second half couldn't have been more different, having blown off the cobwebs, Hornets put in a storming performance that left Hunslet stunned.

Captain Wayne English set the tone early in the half when he kicked through to score a great try. Crook with the extras.

That two point lead soon increased to eight when Samir Tahraoui blasted through Hunslet to run 50 metres and, with defenders hanging off him, score under the posts. Having found his range Crook made no mistake with the conversion.

The game was put beyond any doubt when 'pocket rocket' Stu Biscomb was first to react to a loose pass to barge over. Crook again adding the two.

Hunslet did cross the line again late on for their only score of the half but it was far too little too late and did nothing to dent the exuberant celebrations of the Hornets' supporters at the final whistle.

Rochdale Hornets: Wayne English, Chris Riley, Jack Johnson, Joe Tiara, Corey Lee, Paul Crook, Danny Yates, Samir Tahraoui, Ben Moores, Warren Thompson, Joe Philbin, Jordan Case and James Tilley.
Interchanges: Alex McClurg, Matty Hadden, Stuart Biscomb, Ben Evans, James Dandy, Kieran Walpole