Opening Day Defeat for NCL Side

Hunslet Club Parkside demonstrated that they will be a force to be reckoned with at Premier Division level, during a dominant display at Chevinedge on Saturday. The visitors had a large pack and prop Jamie Fields and loose forward Ben Shulver were both prominent throughout the game, prompted by their lively half back, Danny Rowse.

Siddal failed to carry out the game plan and gave away too many penalties to allow Hunslet to dominate both possession and territory in a one-sided first half. Full back Craig McShane dummied his way under the post from acting half back after 2 minutes. Michael Hayward was next to score out wide after 15 minutes and further tries followed from Craig Miles and Kieran Murphy. All four conversions were landed by Fields, two from the touchline and after he took a break, Rowse struck a penalty just before half-time to leave the scores at 0-26.

After a half-time talk from new coach Anthony Murray, Siddal improved in the second half. The game was a more even contest and it was Siddal who were first to score after 65 minutes when hooker Danny Rushworth won the chase to a kick to slide over by the corner flag. Tom Hirst made the conversion to reduce the deficit to 6-26.

Hunslet finished on top, though, with further tries from Fields, Hayward and stand off Andy Hullock, two of which were converted for a 6-42 scoreline.

Rowse was named man-of-the-match for the visitors, with George Ambler being nominated as Siddal's MOM. Ambler was supported well by Byron Smith, Dom Booth and Rushworth.

Updated 11:55 - 31 Aug 2019 by Joe McCormack