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Lions see off game Hawks

Jeff Tyldesley
14/ 6/2007

Hunslet 10 Swinton Lions 17 - SWINTON Lions claimed victory in a defensive dogfight away at Hunslet Hawks, writes Jeff Tyldesley.

The 17-10 win keeps the Lions in play off contention as they lie eighth in National League Two.

The Lions took the lead when Liam McGovern converted an elementary penalty near the sticks, awarded for obstruction

It evaporated quickly though as Darren Robinson's precise grubber was dived upon right on the corner flag by Steve Morton, Robinson adding a sublime touchline kick to put the Hawks in front.

But McGovern's flat pass was soon charged onto by Rob Line who sent fellow prop David Bates under the posts for his first for Swinton, McGovern converted to put Swinton ahead 8-6.

Andy Saywell had a certain try ruled out after Dean Gorton committed a forward pass.

The Lions went into the break ahead when Marlon Billy rose above Andy Robinson to pluck Ashall's chip out of the air and McGovern goaled, to make it 14-6.

Hunslet's Matty Firth then scampered through unimposing Swinton cover to score but unbelievably Arren Robinson scuffed his kick wide from just in front in front of the post.

With the match still close with 10 left, the Lions played conservatively with McGovern banging over a drop goal from 40 metres out. 1

The gamebreaker followed after Paul Alcock trapped Bramald under the Hunslet posts. From the resultant drop out Alcock was just short but Dave Foster tackled Mike Smith from an offside position and McGovern kicked another two penalty points to give the Lions victory.

In the dying stages, McGovern missed another penalty, Saywell had his second try of the day disallowed off Ashall's pass and Swinton trainer Darren Fleary was sent off for entering the field at the wrong time.