Rochdale Hornets 40 - 4 Hunslet Old Boys

Photo: Journeaux

Rochdale Hornets 40 - 4 Hunslet Old Boys

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Hornets completely outclassed amateurs Hunslet Old Boys in a Challenge Cup game marred by the thuggish behaviour of the Pennine Premier League leaders and their travelling supporters.

John Cookson opened the scoring early on and with Hornets camped in the Hunslet half Dave Sutton quickly increased the lead going over in the corner.

With Hunslet struggling to cope with Hornets slick rugby, their fists began to fly and Hornets could be forgiven for thinking they were in a boxing ring rather than on a rugby pitch.

With the officials seemingly blind to the Hunslet misdemeanours, Hornets did well to keep their composure and went further ahead through Gaz Langley.

Half time: Hornets 16 - 0 Hunslet Old Boys

The second half had only just got under way when Dave Sutton went over for his second of the game, and Sutton completed his hat-trick with a 50 yard sprint after good work by Wayne English.

The Hunslet supporters had been very raucous from the start and as the game progressed their behaviour deteriorated further and the home supporters, stewards and match officials were the target of their obscene chants.

Hunslet's poor on-field discipline wasn't helping and Hornets physio Kay Bowyer had a busy day patching up the Hornets' players.

Midway through the second half the referee finally spotted one of the many Hunslet punches and sent Foster off.

Hornets again kept their composure and responded in the best possible way with Gaz Langley going over in the corner.

Another Hunslet player was sent to the sin bin before a loss of Hornets concentration, from an otherwise faultless defensive display, allowed Hunslet in for a late conciliation try.

Hornets had the last word, however, with veteran Wayne English jinking his way to the line.

Full time: Hornets 40 - 4 Hunslet Old Boys


Attendance: 414
Man of the Match: Dave Sutton
Match sponsors: Geldard Electrical Supplies