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Hawks fall

Jeff Tyldesley
15/ 2/2007

Swinton Lions 38
Hunslet Hawks 20

SWINTON Lions kicked off the new season with an encouraging win to shoot straight to the top of their Northern Rail Cup group.

After dominating the first half, the Lions allowed National League Two rivals Hunslet Hawks back into the game before a sensational Andy Saywell interception try decided matters.

It was a scrappy affair but Lions coach Paul Kidd was more than happy with the seven-try success.

Dave Newton and Gareth Hayes were particularly impressive for Swinton, who seem to be getting better with each game they play following some disappointing pre-season friendly results.

Kidd said: "It was a pleasing win and it was a constant arm wrestle. That is just what you need coming off the back of a tough pre-season."

Dave Newton touched down Craig Ashall's grubber kick to score his first of two tries and give Swinton an early lead.

Martin Moana's pass found Chris Morley's splendid arching run soon after. Liam McGovern converted both tries and added a penalty goal.

Hunlset hit back when Danny Murgatroyd steamrollered two tacklers to bag a converted try.

Rob Line notched a similar score for Swinton and McGovern again tagged on the extras.

Eddie Mack took advantage of Hunlset's inventive kicking game as the deficit was reduced to 20-10.

McGovern's kicks then set up and added the extras to a Wayne English try right on the half-time hooter.

Hunslet improved after the break and were rewarded with a Matt Bramald converted try.

Saywell then scored the game-breaker, intercepting a Will Cartledge pass and racing 90 metres to the line.

Newton benefited from strong Swinton pressure and Chris Hough sent John Walker in for his first professional try before the Hawks scored a late consolation via Danny Cook.

Team: English; Saywell, Woods, Conway, Billy; Moana, McGovern; Johnson, Wood, Hayes, Newton, Morley, Ashall. Subs used: Hough, Walker, Smith, Line. Tries: Newton (2), Morley, Line, English, Saywell, Walker. Goals: McGovern (5).

Attendance: 432.