KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP ONE

MICHAEL Crabtree’s hat-trick of tries were in vain as Oxford RL lost 46-20 to Hunslet Hawks at Iffley Road.

Having been hammered 68-6 by the same opponents in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup a week before, Oxford could take some positives from the defeat.

Crabtree’s treble came in the final 17 minutes after Hunslet has dominated the opening hour.

Andy Ballard scored two tries and added seven goals for a personal haul of 22 points.

Lee Mapals and David March also went over twice for the Hawks, who had further four-pointers from Stuart Kain and John Oakes.

Hunslet led 34-0 before Jordan Rice bagged Oxford’s opening try.

Crabtree then took over, completing his treble with two stunning runs from the halfway line.

Jimmy Rowland kicked two conversions.