Hull FC continue their good run of form after a convincing 34-10 victory over the Leeds Rhinos.
MATCH DETAILS
Hull FC survived an early scare after trailing 10-0, however four tries in thirteen minutes was part of the thirty-four unanswered points as they extend their run to three victories in a row.
Pressure now mounts on David Furner’s side as they only have one victory from their opening six fixtures.
Leeds started well with the opening score coming after only four minutes. Harry Newman scooting over from dummy half for his first try for the club.
The Rhinos extended their lead after eight minutes when former Black and White Tom Briscoe score in the corner leaving the Rhinos 10-0 ahead.
Hull struck back through Ratu Naulago, when Albert Kelly’s pass found the Fijian, who touched down for his fourth try in only three appearances. Hull then took the lead after Masi Matongo barged his way over the line for his first of the season putting Hull 12-10 up after 25 minutes played.
In the following minute Hull broke into the Leeds half through Mark Minichello. The Italian international slipped a pass off to Marc Sneyd, who was able to finish it off. The fourth try during that thirteen minute period came through Jamie Shaul, who raced away from the snatching Leeds defenders, as Hull took control.
The Black and Whites weren’t done there. Kelly this time got a try of his own after evading defenders by jinking away. Sneyd converted again to give Lee Radford’s side a 30-10 lead at the interval.
Despite only one try in the second half it was full of chances to both sides. Leeds continually attacked Hull’s right hand side, however they weren’t able to breach the line.
With around twenty minutes left Bureta Faraimo raced down the right side, before his delicate kick was grounded by second rower Dean Hadley. The Black and Whites held on to their 34-10 led to give them their first home victory of the year.
FOUR POINTERS
Hull on a roll
After three wins in a row Hull are in a far better position. In their last two matches they’ve been rampant at times scoring 22 unanswered points against Huddersfield and 34 against Leeds which shows Hull are a strong side. Wakefield are the next side they face in a match which could go either way.
Furner feeling pressure
Leeds were expecting a strong season and to be challenging the top five, however only one win in the opening six will mount pressure on the Rhinos. The Rhinos have an easier task next week against a London side who are yet to register an away win this season. They then travel to France the following week.
Ellis injury
The former Rhino Gareth Ellis left the field with a head injury and didn’t return. The 37-year-old returned from retirement and has been involved in all three victories. His leadership will be sorely missed if he is unable to face Wakefield next week.
Hull could be challenging top 5
After the returns of players such as Albert Kelly and Scott Taylor, Hull look like a serious threat to the league. They have began to play some exciting rugby and have found a formula to victory. With some difficult fixtures, the next few weeks will determine in what direction the East Yorkshire side go.
THE RESULT
Hull FC 34
Tries: Naulago, Matongo, Kelly, Sneyd, Shaul, Hadley
Goals: Sneyd 5
Leeds Rhinos 10
Tries: Newman, Briscoe
Goals: Lolohea
SQUADS
Hull FC: Shaul, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Griffin, Kelly, Sneyd, Houghton, Minichiello, Westerman, Matongo, Manu, Paea, Naulago. Interchanges: Taylor, Hadley, Thompson, Ellis.
Leeds Rhinos: Walker, Briscoe, Hurrell, Handley, Lolohea, Myler, Parcell, Merrin, Sutcliffe, Ferres, Peteru, Oledzki, Newman. Interchanges:ย Cuthbertson, Singleton, Dwyer, Donaldson.
