Hull FC rounded off the Magic Weekend with victory over Hull KR in an entertaining clash at St James Park, coming out on top in a high scoring affair.
Two of the five debutants crossed for tries, with Connor Wynne and Joe Lovodua also crossing, whilst Luke Gale’s success from the kicking tee proved to be the difference to guide Hull back to winning ways and maintain their place in the top 6.
Team News
Brett Hodgson made six changes from last weekend’s fixture with Leeds Rhinos, with five players turning out for the Black & Whites for the first time, and Hull without as many as 12 players through injury and suspension.
Loan signings Jack Walker, Josh Simm and Ellis Longstaff all came straight into the starting thirteen, with Academy graduates Charlie Severs and Matty Laidlaw debuting from the interchange bench. Club captain Luke Gale also returned to the team after recovering from concussion.
Hull KR interim Head Coach Danny McGuire also made changes for the Robins, with former Skirlaugh prop Zack Fishwisk also making his debut, whilst Will Tate came into the side for his first appearance of the season on the wing.
The Match
Hull FC & Hull KR played out an entertaining first half at St James’ Park to close Magic Weekend, with both sides having reason to be pleased going into the break.
Hull opened the scoring in the opening exchanges thanks to a penalty goal by Luke Gale after a penalty awarded at a scrum 10 meters from the Robins line.
Hull KR grew into the game from there, and after a penalty was given against Gale the Robins made the most of their territory and scored the first try of the game through Matt Parcell, latching onto an Albert Vete offload, which was awarded after a lengthy video referee check. Lachlan Coote was off target with what looked to be a comfortable position.
Hull got their first try of the game through Connor Wynne after a smart play on the last tackle by Luke Gale to direct the attack down the short side to Jack Walker, who hit Wynne with a long pass and the centre had the power to fend of Rowan Milnes to score. Gale slotted the conversion from the touchline.
The Black & Whites second try of the game came in similar fashion down the shortside on the last tackle, this time Jordan Lane made a half break and was able to offload to Joe Lovodua to round under the posts.
Hull KR reduced the deficit five minutes before the break, Sam Wood crossing for the Robins on Hull’s left and having the strength to get under the defence and score.
As the hooter sounded for half-time the Robins equalised, Mikey Lewis grubber kicking to himself and able to ground the ball despite pressure from Ellis Longstaff – again Coote was off target with his goal kick to send the sides in level at the break.
Half Time: Hull KR 14 – 14 Hull FC
Hull started the second half like a house on fire, scoring with their first two sets of the half, both coming through Ellis Longstaff.
The first came after all three loanees linked together, Jack Walker throwing a long pass to Josh Simm who made a break down the wing and fed Longstaff to cross.
His second was a well worked play after Hull found themselves in good field position thanks to a penalty for a high tackle on Connor Wynne. Darnell McIntosh fended out of a tackle and made a break, Luke Gale kicked through on the fourth play and Longstaff was able to ground.
Hull made an error in centre field from the kick-off set which the Robins capitalised on through Jimmy Keinhorst, though Coote was again off target with his conversion attempt, which would prove costly in the end.
With 25 minutes to play Brad Fash was sent to the sin bin for a crusher tackle on Matt Parcell, and Rovers made the most of their man advantage, scoring two tries in that period from Mikey Lewis.
Another of Hull’s men on debut crossed for a try that was to prove to be the winner. Darnell McIntosh crabbed across the field from the right wing, throwing a long cut out pass on the money to Josh Simm who stepped the cover defence to score. Gale again was on target with his goal kick.
Hull KR thought they’d won the game as Elliott Minchella went over, but after a lengthy check the on field decision was overturned by the video referee.
Luke Gale rounded off the scoring with a penalty goal 40 meters out to maintain his 100% record after Ellis Longstaff was taken high.
Full Time: Hull KR 28 – 32 Hull FC
The Line ups:
Hull KR: Lachlan Coote, Ben Crooks, Sam Wood, Shaun Kenny-Dowell, Will Tate, Mikey Lewis, Rowan Milnes, Albert Veter, Matt Parcell, Korbin Sims, Dean Hadley, Frankie Halton, Elliott Minchella; Jez Litten, Jimmy Keinhost, Will Maher, Zach Fishwick
Hull FC: Jack Walker, Darnell McIntosh, Connor Wynne, Josh Griffin, Josh Simm, Joe Lovodua, Luke Gale, Chris Satae, Danny Houghton, Brad Fash, Ellis Longstaff, Jordan Lane, Jack Brown; Charlie Severs, Jacob Hookem, Matty Laidlaw, Scott Taylor
Scorers:
Hull KR: Matt Parcell, Sam Wood, Mikey Lewis (3), Jimmy Keinhost | Lachlan Coote (2/6)
Hull FC: Connor Wynne, Joe Lovodua, Ellis Longstaff (2), Josh Simm | Luke Gale (7/7)
Attendance: 25233
Campbell Engineering Man of the Match: Jack Walker
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