Hull fell to defeat at the hands of Leigh Leopards on Saturday afternoon, going down 24-16 at the MKM Stadium.
The visitors ran into a 16-0 lead after just a quarter of an hour, and the visitors remained in control of the contest for the majority of the remainder of the game.
FC rallied in the closing stages, with second-half scores from Jake Clifford and Liam Sutcliffe, but it wasn’t enough for Tony Smith’s men as the Leopards held on.
Team News
Tony Smith made two changes to the side that took St Helens last weekend, with Liam Sutcliffe returning to the squad, and captain Carlos Tuimavave taking to the field for the first time this season.
The pair replaced Jordan Lane and Danny Houghton in the match day squad, who picked up knocks against the Saints.
Ben McNamara and Jake Trueman remained unavailable through injury, while Connor Wynne, Denive Balmforth, Matty Laidlaw and Nick Staveley continue their loan spells at dual-registration partners Newcastle Thunder.
Young back Davy Litten retained his spot on the wing after impressing last weekend.
The Match
Leigh made the most of some early field position as Kai O’Donnell powered over from close range for the opening score of the game after four minutes.
The visitors made it back to back early tries just two minutes later, swinging the ball over to the left edge with some quick hands allowing Josh Charnley to go over in the corner.
Charnley had a second try before the 15 minute mark, taking a wide ball and showing pace to race away and finish in the corner once more.
Hull got themselves back in the match on the 25 minute mark – Brad Dwyer made a break from within Hull’s half, and found an offload to Carlos Tuimavave on his return. The ball was ripped away by the Leopards, but eventually ended up in the hands of Liam Sutcliffe, who’s pass to Litten saw the youngster race away for a diving finish in the corner. Clifford converted to reduce the deficit to ten points.
Hull were reduced to 12 men when Ligi Sao was sent to the bin for a high shot on the stroke of half-time, but Reynolds couldn’t add the penalty goal.
Half-Time: Hull FC 6-16 Leigh Leopards
Adrian Lam’s side extended their lead further ten minutes after the break as Reynolds knocked over a successful penalty goal.
Hull were dealt another blow when Ligi Sao was sent to the sin bin for a second time, and Leigh made the most of their advantage as Josh Charnley went over for his hat-trick try.
FC gave themselves a lifeline when Jake Clifford picked up Andre Savelio’s lovely offload to race away and touch down under the posts. After some superb support play to create the try, Clifford added the goal too.
The Black & Whites set up a tense fianle when Liam Sutcliffe touched down with nine minutes to play, taking a short ball from Brad Dwyer from a tap restart and powering over. Clifford missed the kick and the gap was six points.
The gap was quickly eight though and out of Hull’s reach when Reynolds sent over another penalty goal with five minutes to play.
Full-Time: Hull FC 16-24 Leigh Leopards
Squads:
Hull FC: Tex Hoy, Adam Swift, Carlos Tuimavave, Liam Sutcliffe, Davy Litten, Joe Lovodua, Jake Clifford, Jack Brown, Brad Dwyer, Chris Satae, Andre Savelio, Josh Griffin, Brad Fash.
Interchange: Ligi Sao, Joe Cator, Cam Scott, Scott Taylor
18th Man: Kane Evans
Leigh:Gareth O’Brien, Josh Charnley, Ricky Leutele, Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe, Ben Reynolds, Lachlan Lam, Tom Amone, Edwin Ipape, Rob Mulhern, Kai O’Donnell, Joe Shorrocks, JOhn Asiata.
Interchange: Ben Naukbuwai, Ava Seumanufagai, Matt Davus
18th Man: Ed Chamberlain
Scorers:
Hull FC Tries: Litten (26), Clifford (60), Sutcliffe (71)
Hull FC Goals: Clifford (2/3)
Leigh Tries: O’Donnell (4), Charnley (6, 14, 57))
Leigh Goals: Reynolds (4/7)
Peregrine Property Man of the Match: Davy Litten
Attendance, in association with Grabutts: 10,952
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