The Black & Whites’ Wheelchair side will take plenty of positives from their Wheelchair Magic Weekend clash against Halifax Panthers, which ultimately saw them go down 24-68.
An outstanding first-half from Hull saw them score four tries and go in at the break just two points behind the reigning Wheelchair Super League champions at 24-26.
Tristain Norfolk scored a hat-trick, while returnee Steve Sampher also registered his name on the scoresheet, and despite the Panthers pulling away comfortably after the restart, FC will use the match as another learning curve as they continue their development.
Teams News
Hull welcomed back both Steve Sampher and player-coach Mike Swainger ahead of the second magic round of the season.
However, the Black & Whites were without numerous players including Ash Baker and Dave Gill as the team was brought down to two substitutions.
The opposition welcomed back international Seb Bechara in their bid to overturn their defeat against London Roosters last time out.
Match Report
FC began the game strongly as Tristan Norfolk scored in the opening minutes of the match due to Halifax being unable to deal with the kick off.
It wasn’t long before the Panthers took possession and ran in 22 points in quick succession thanks to a brace from Kieron Johnston and further tries from Tom Martin and Rob Hawkins.
Hull didn’t let this faze them thought as they began a first-half comeback thanks to tries from both Sampher and Norfolk who capitalized on Halifax errors to bring their side to within touching distance.
The next try went the way of World Cup winner Hawkins as he used his speed to touch down after his side claimed a goal line drop out.
However, the final points of the first half would go to Hull as Norfolk scored his third try of the match after a strong defensive showing in the later stages of the first half.
Half-Time: Hull FC 24-26 Halifax Panthers
Halifax came firing out of the blocks in the second-half as Jordan Halt and Hawkins crossed over the line within the first ten minutes.
However, the next few minutes belonged to Hull as they came close on numerous occasions but were unable to convert their chances.
The Panthers’ pairing of Halt and Hawkins went over for their second and third tries respectively but FC managed to stay in the game thanks to two drop-outs on the back of plays by Mike Swainger and Norfolk.
Despite this, the reigning Super League champions proved to be too much for the Hull side as Hawkins ran in a further three tries.
Full-Time: Hull FC 24-68 Halifax Panthers
Squads:
Hull FC Wheelchair: Mike Swainger, Josh Edwards, Tristan Norfolk, Steve Sampher, Martin Norris, Liam Stancliffe, Michael Midgeley
Halifax Panthers Wheelchair: Rob Hawkins, Seb Bechara, Keiron Johnston, Tom Martin, Wayne Boardman, Jordan Holt
Scorers
Hull FC: Tristan Norfolk (2, 20, 32), Steve Sampher (15)
Goals: Mike Swainger (4/4)
Halifax: Kieron Johnston (4,9), Tom Martin (6), Rob Hawkins (13, 27, 47, 52, 69, 77, 79), Jordan Holt (45, 59)
Goals: Rob Hawkins (8/9), Wayne Boardman (2/3)
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