Hunslet 32 Oxford 12: Hawks back on top after Oxford victory

But they were far from convincing in the first half, trailing 6-12 after a catalogue of mistakes against an Oxford side which included Karl Temata, recruited on loan from London Broncos.

Oxford struggled to escape their own half in the early stages but the Hawks wasted some promising positions with poor choices, careless handling and indiscipline before the visitors took a 30th-minute lead.

Tommy Connick followed up his own kick to score under the posts and tag on the goal, but three minutes later Hunslet were level as Liam Hood sent Luke Stenchion galloping over and Danny Ansell added the extras.

Oxford regained the lead just before half-time when Yannick Parker caught Jordan Rice’s kick and touched down on the right, Connick’s conversion only just clearing the bar.

Hunslet badly needed to raise their game in the second half and they hit back with two converted tries in a four-minute spell from Danny Maun and Jimmy Watson to open up an 18-12 lead.

David March then sent Watson and Maun racing over for their second tries, Ansell improving Maun’s touchdown with Oxford at last looking a spent force.

Jamaine Akaidere strode over for the Hawks’ sixth try as Barry Eaton’s men underlined their second-half improvement.

Hunslet Hawks: Kain, Brickwood, Watson, Maun, Akaidere, Grimshaw, Ansell, Houston, March, Reed, Broughton, Oakes, Mackay. Substitutes: Haley, Stenchion, Wilson, Hood.

Oxford: Crabtree, Briggs, Mullkeen, Brooker, Parker, Rice, Connick, Davies, Thompson, Hadden, Baird, Bentley, Temata. Substitutes: Ellison, Hayles, Evans, Sharratt.

Referee: M Woodhead (RFL).