KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP ONE

OXFORD RL could not hold on to a half-time lead as they lost 32-12 at Hunslet Hawks.

The visitors led 12-6 at the break, with Tommy Connick and Yannick Parker scoring tries.

But Hunslet ran in 26 unanswered points in the second half to reclaim top spot in the table.

The opening quarter was a cagey, with both sides coughing up possession and producing no clear-cut chances.

However the game came to life on 27 minutes when the visitors took the lead.

Scrum half Connick’s superbly-weighted kick proved too much for Hunslet full back Stuart Kain and the Oxford man pounced on the loose ball to open the scoring.

Connick converted for 6-0, but Hawks were soon level, with Liam Hood’s flat pass sending Luke Stenchion over and Danny Ansell adding the extras.

Oxford’s persistence was rewarded with a try just before half-time when Parker claimed Rory Sharratt's kick and touched down for Connick to convert.

Hunslet, who had already beaten Oxford 40-26 in the league and 68-6 in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup, bounced back to make it a hat-trick.

Tries from Danny Maun and Jimmy Watson, both converted by Ansell, put Hawks 18-12 ahead.

Oxford felt Hunslet got away with a knock-on before Watson went over for his second.

The visitors continued to press, but Maun was put over for his second, with Ansell converting for 28-12.

Hunslet sealed an ultimately comfortable victory when Jamaine Akaidere went over in the corner late on.

Oxford will look to bounce back when they host Gateshead Thunder at Iffley Road on Sunday.