Pearson penalty wins it for Elland

Cayci Pearson’s fine penalty in the closing seconds gave Elland to a 24-23 victory over Hunslet Warriors in Division One of the National Conference League yesterday.
Elland v Hunslet Warriors
Chris Cullimore and Luke ReadElland v Hunslet Warriors
Chris Cullimore and Luke Read
Elland v Hunslet Warriors Chris Cullimore and Luke Read

A game of fluctuating fortunes at Greetland was marred by an injury to Elland winger Alex Milburn, who landed badly on his head and neck.

Play was held up for almost an hour in the second half whilst an ambulance was summoned and the player treated but early indications were that nothing was broken or damaged.

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Elland had started in storming fashion with a try after two minutes.

Man of the match Andy Shickell broke the line and passed inside for Chris Cullimore to score under the sticks. Pearson added the simple conversion.

Hunslet were unable to cope with giant forward Pearson, who scored two tries in quick succession from short range.

Pearson added both goals and Karl Fairbank’s side had romped into an 18-0 lead after only 12 minutes.

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However, Warriors showed why they were fifth in the league by coming back strongly, scoring twice in the next five minutes.

The first came on the back of an Elland penalty and the second after a great kick enabled them to regain possession.

At 18-10 it was game on and Hunslet clawed back another four points before half time after good handling out to the wing.

The visitors maintained the momentum at the start of the second half and their next try made it 18-18.

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Then came the Milburn injury before a great last 30 minutes of action.

Tom Harnett made a strong run to score in the corner for Elland but Hunslet took advantage of a big hole in the home defence to level the score at 22-22.

Warriors banged over a drop goal entering the last 10 minutes but then gave away a penalty and Pearson, who had just limped back onto the field, landed a great goal.

Elland are up to ninth, ahead of next week’s hosts Milford Marlins, who had a notable 15-12 win at Kells yesterday.

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