Whitehaven continued their recent improved form with a close 18–16 victory But it maybe shouldn’t have been that way
Entering the final queater of the game Haven had built a comfortable 18 nil lead , only for Hunslet to launch a furious late comeback that fell just short.
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🔵 First Half: Hunslet’s errors prove costly
Whitehaven struck first after 10 minutes when Ciaran Walker pounced on a short last‑tackle kick to score. Hunslet created chances but repeatedly let themselves down with handling errors — dropped passes, fumbled kicks, and missed opportunities inside the Whitehaven 20.
A penalty goal from Walker on 33 minutes extended the lead to 0–6, and Hunslet’s frustrations grew when multiple near-tries were ruled out or lost through mistakes. Just before the break, Whitehaven went down to 12 men after an illegal halt on a near-certain Hunslet try, but the Parksiders still couldn’t convert pressure into points.
Half-time: Hunslet 0–6 Whitehaven
⚪ Second Half: Whitehaven surge to 18–0
Hunslet started the second half poorly, fumbling possession while playing against 12 men. Whitehaven capitalised immediately:
- Jack Kellett stepped inside to score (44’), converted by Walker — 0–12.
- A booming drop-out, carried by the wind, travelled 90 metres and handed Whitehaven prime field position.
- Former Hunslet forward Brad Brennan crashed over on 60 minutes, Walker converting — 0–18.
At this point, Whitehaven looked comfortable and Hunslet looked beaten.
Hunslet’s late comeback: three tries in 15 minutes
With 20 minutes left, Hunslet finally woke up.
- Harrison Gilmore latched onto a Lee Gaskell kick to score (63’). Abram converted — 6–18.
- Gilmore repeated the exact same move minutes later — 12–18.
- Charlie Graham broke down the right edge to score (72’), but Abram couldn’t convert — 16–18.
Hunslet were suddenly dominant, twice held up over the line, and Whitehaven were hanging on.
Final Twist: The missed penalty after the hooter
With seconds remaining, Whitehaven’s Ben Pearce was penalised for a high tackle. Hunslet opted for the kick to level the game.
But in strong wind, the ball twice blew off the tee. Lee Gaskell reset, struck it… and pushed it wide.
So Haven held on for a dramatic 18–16 win but only Just ! They now sit 9th in the standings as they enter the last month of fixtures , Can they maintain that form and secure aplay off place ?
⭐ Key Performers
- Ciaran Walker (Whitehaven) — Try + reliable game management in tough conditions.
- Brad Brennan (Whitehaven) — Game‑star forward, powerful carries, crucial try.