RUGBY UNION
HESSLE produced a splendid all-round display to defeat Hemsworth 29-11 at Livingstone Road, crossing for five tries in the process to earn a bonus point and five league points overall.
With fellow Yorkshire Division Three strugglers Northallerton and York RI both losing, this was an ideal way for Hessle to embark on the second half of the season.
The hosts' pack took control from the start and full-back Josh Moore came close to opening the scoring following a 40-yard dash along the touchline, only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle.
Against the run of play, Hemsworth took the lead with a penalty goal following a rare visit to the home 22.
Five minutes later, Ashley Hedges brought off a crushing tackle on the visiting centre and at the same time secured possession before galloping away on a 45-yard run for a well-taken try. Callum Cone surprisingly missed the conversion attempt from near the posts.
Adam Goodrum linked with Moore deep in the Hessle half and the full-back raced away but, with a try looking likely and with two players in support, he chose the wrong option and the chance was lost.
However, after 30 minutes, the strong Hessle pack drove the opposition back in a scrum near the Hemsworth line and Paul Barwick touched down for a try, goaled by Cone.
The visitors got into the Hessle 22 for only the second time and were successful with a penalty attempt to make it 12-6 at half-time.
After the break, Joe Colville was prominent with two dazzling breaks and, as Hessle continued to dominate, Danny Latus stormed into the Hemsworth 22. The ball was recycled and some precision handling through the backs ended with Jimmy Harrison racing over for a try in the corner.
Ollie Spicer figured in another attack with a long run which almost produced another score.
Hessle kept the pressure on and from a scrum Hedges gained the touchdown for his second try to make it 22-6.
Moore showed his defensive qualities with a try-saving tackle, before Hemsworth eventually scored a try from a catch and drive.
In the 71st minute, Cone found touch from a penalty kick to the corner and from the line-out Hessle, whose work in the set-pieces had been outstanding, drove towards the line from where Barwick powered over for his second try.
Cone converted with a fine kick from near the touchline to complete an excellent afternoon for Hessle.