Half-back duo prove key for Hunslet at Crusaders while Batley Bulldogs slip up against London Broncos

Hunslet took the lead early on when they shifted the ball to the left flank and Tom Ashton had the strength to knock off a couple of attempted tackles on his way to the line.

Crusaders drew level through Cam Brown, who somehow managed to get on the end of Brad Billsborough’s grubber kick to touch down.

George Roby then fired a short ball to Alex Eckley for the loose forward to crash over for North Wales but Hunslet soon levelled the scores as Sion Jones barged his way over next to the sticks. And the visitors led at the break as Kiedan Hartley touched down.

The hosts levelled matters at 18-18 early in the second half after Gav Rodden collected the ball and had the pace to break away, finishing underneath the posts.

Brown then kicked a penalty from 20 metres out, nudging Hunslet 20-18 ahead, before landing an outstanding 40-20 to put his side in good field position near Crusaders’ line.

The visitors took full advantage as Brambani put Hartley through for his second try.

Both sides finished the match with 12 men as the contest became a little heated, with Hartley sin-binned for a shoulder charge and Roby sent off for a swinging arm.

Elsewhere in the Betfred Championship on Saturday, Batley Bulldogs were beaten 40-6 at home to London Broncos.

Batley’s try came from Elliot Hall at the end of the first half following a break by Jonny Campbell.