Joe Westerman scored twice as Hull FC move into third in the Betfred Super League and leapfrog Wakefield. Here’s what happened in Sunday’s game.
MATCH DETAILS
The Black and Whites were looking to overtake Wakefield into third position in the table and led for the majority of the match after Albert Kelly opened the deadlock early on.
Wakefield struck back but after surviving strong early pressure at the start of the second half, Hull rode the storm.
Two tries from Westerman killed off the match and Trinity could only get a consolation five minutes from the end.
FC got off to the best possible start, with Kelly getting over after only four minutes. He broke through the line before stepping past Max Jowitt.
Veteran Gareth Ellis was sent to the sin bin three minutes later after a high shot and Trinity capitalised. David Fifita’s drive was kept alive and Jowitt was left in open space to strike back.
Marc Sneyd converted a penalty to regain the lead before youngster Connor Wynne crossed for the second home game in a row. Wynne picked the ball up from dummy half and evaded poor defenders.
Justin Horo completed the first half scoring after grounding a grubber. FC led 14-10 at the break.
An early penalty from Sneyd allowed Hull to regain their lead. Westerman crossed for his first of two after latching on to a short pass from Kelly.
The same partnership linked up again as Kelly was able to slip out an offload and Westerman crashed over for a second try.
Jowitt crossed for a consolation try and then Sneyd rounded out the win with a penalty.
FOUR POINTERS
Bizarre season so far
Hull have been far from spectacular this season, however they sit third in the league. It is clear to see a difference in class between the top two and the rest of the league but on their day, any side could beat them.
Kelly stars
Hull’s attack has looked strong over recent weeks but part of that is due to the return of Albert Kelly. The former Rovers man crossed for a try along with two try assists. Along with Sneyd and Jake Connor, that Hull attack is dangerous and could go a long way to securing a top five play-off spot.
Wakefield to struggle?
Without a doubt, Trinity will struggle over the next few weeks mainly due to the absence of half-backs Jacob Miller and Danny Brough. This pairing are crucial to the side and they’ve only won one of three matches so far without them. Wakefield make the trip to Huddersfield next week in what should be an easier task and it will be interesting to see how they fare.
Can Hull secure a play-off place?
Their next fixture is at home to Catalans, a side who have historically struggled at the KCOM. However, a tough trip to Warrington after that beckons before Magic Weekend, especially after a poor visit last season as well as the meeting earlier on in the season. If they want to secure a top five place, they must challenge Wire.
THE RESULT
Hull FC 30
Tries: Kelly, Wynne, Westerman 2
Goals: Sneyd 7
Drop Goals: n/a
Wakefield Trinity 14
Tries: Jowitt 2, Horo
Goals: Hampshire
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
Hull FC: Wynne, Logan, Tuimavave, Griffin, Connor, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor,Houghton, Paea, Hadley, Manu, Ellis.
Interchanges: Westerman, Green, Matongo, Fash.
Wakefield: Jowitt, Jones-Bishop, Lyne, Caton-Brown, Kershaw, Hampshire, Reynolds, Fifita, Wood, Hirst, Kirmond, Horo, Crowther.
Interchanges: Annakin, Arona, King, Pauli.
