Challenge Cup: Hunslet find themselves in a fix at Fax as Batley see off Toulouse

In appalling conditions, that deteriorated as the error-strewn contest went on, a much changed home side led 12-0 at the break and 14-0 inside the last 10 minutes before Hunslet scored a late consolation.

Back rower Ed Barber drove hard for the line after a neat off-load from Australian prop Mitch Cahalane. Centre Steve Tyrer’s conversion drifted just wide.

Halifax weren’t exactly pin-sharp in attack but finally added to their tally on 25 minutes, Gareth Moore hoisting a long, low cross to the right, where Butler claimed it for the try.

This time Tyrer was on target from the sideline and the centre stretched the home side’s lead to 12-0 with a 50 metre penalty on the final play of the half.

The second half was as unspectacular as the first, although Hunslet did produce their first real moment of attacking threat when Joe Sanderson sent Liam Mackay through, only for the cover to converge a metre from the line.

Fax added to their lead almost immediately, Tyrer tapping over a second penalty for a 14-0 lead.

Hunslet finally scored with eight minutes to go through winger Ryan Ince, Daniel Ansell converting, but Fax replied almost immediately, Rob Worrincy touching down in the corner and Tyrer adding the goal.

Halifax: Sharp; Butler, Tyrer, Woodburn-Hall, Worrincy; Johnston, Moore; Tangata, Kaye, Cahalane, Grady, Barber, Morris. Subs: Nelmes, Ambler, Mammone, Cullimore

Hunslet: Watson; Ince, Wilson, Mvududu, Webb; Gibson, Ansell; Hesketh, Lee, Carbutt, Walton, Normington, Mackay. Subs: Flanagan, Sanderson, Flynn, Kenga

Referee: T. Grant.

l Batley Bulldogs booked their place in Tuesday’s fifth-round draw of the Labrokes Challenge Cup with an impressive 34-16 win at Toulouse Olympique.