Hunslet Show Heart in Fierce Test Against Super League‑Ready Broncos

Hunslet could be forgiven for thinking the gods were against them when Featherstone Rovers pulled out of this year’s competition and London Broncos — unbeaten, full‑time, and Super League bound — were penciled in as the replacement fixture. Twelve wins from twelve, only 124 points conceded all season, and Doncaster the only side to put as many as 20 past them. Not exactly a gentle Sunday afternoon.

But Hunslet didn’t read the script.

Despite a stretched squad and a growing injury list, The Parksiders delivered a performance full of grit, ambition, and no shortage of quality — the kind of display that gives a club belief for the months ahead.

⏱ Early Storm: London Strike Fast

It looked ominous almost immediately. On just 3 minutes, Luke Smith sliced through far too easily, James Meadows adding the extras. Hunslet were under the pump, defending repeat sets against a big, mobile London pack.

Then came the gut‑punch.

Trying to play expansively inside their own 20, a long pass was picked off by Neil Tchamambe, who strolled over untouched. 0–12 after seven minutes — the kind of start that usually signals a long afternoon.

But not today.

🔥 Hunslet Hit Back With Style

Hunslet grew into the contest. Dan Abram sparked things with a break, and on 16 minutes Myles Harrop powered down the left. Lee Gaskell then produced a moment of class — a pinpoint cross‑field kick for Mackenzie Turner to pluck from the sky. Jowitt converted. 6–12, and suddenly the mood shifted.

London responded with two quick tries — Tchamambe again on 20 minutes, then Sadiq Adebiyi on the last tackle for 6–24 — but Hunslet refused to fold.

On 31 minutes, Jowitt’s clever kick created Turner’s second try. 12–24, and the home crowd were right back in it.

Penalties hurt Hunslet late in the half, allowing Emely Bitungane to crash over for 12–30, but the final word before the hooter belonged to the hosts. Good hands opened space for Jayden Hatton, who bulldozed his way over — injuring himself in the process — to make it 18–30 at the break.

💥 Second Half: Courage Under Fire

London came out hunting the kill, pinning Hunslet inside their own 20. But a mix of Broncos errors and Hunslet’s stubborn defence kept the scoreline steady.

Then came a turning point: Lee Gaskell kicked through on the attack but pulled up injured, forcing a reshuffle at the worst possible moment.

On 56 minutes, a loose ball fell kindly for Morea Morea, who sprinted 50 metres to score. 18–36 — a cruel blow for a side still swinging.

Tchamambe completed his hat‑trick on 63 minutes for 18–42, and with Myles Harrop off for an HIA, Hunslet could easily have folded.

They didn’t.

London added late tries through Hussey‑Hord and Morea, but Hunslet kept attacking. Turner almost claimed a hat‑trick of his own, and Jowitt continued to threaten. Right on the hooter, Ethan O’Hanlon looked certain to score before London scrambled desperately to deny him.

🎙 Final Whistle: Pride Intact

London took the points — Meadows kicking a perfect 9 from 9 — but the story wasn’t the scoreboard. Head Coach Kyle Trout praised his players’ resilience, especially given the three injuries that hit either side of half‑time when Hunslet were still in the contest.

This was a performance built on heart, ambition, and refusal to bow to a heavyweight.

🏅 Player Awards

• Billy Jowitt — ‘Tricks of the Trade’ Sponsors Player of the Match

• Dan Abram — Phoenix Bar Supporters Player of the Match

• Standout performances also from Ethan O’Hanlon, Charlie Graham, and Mackenzie Turner.