Promotion hopes all but over after Rossendale loss

Hull’s hopes of winning promotion back to National Two North are all but over following their 21-13 defeat at Rossendale.
Hull started the day one place below and eight points behind Rossendale, who now look certain to finish second after opening up a 12-point gap on Gary Pearce’s side with just three games to play.
Neither side were able to play free flowing rugby on a soft pitch affected by heavy rain in Lancashire in the days leading up to the game.
Playing with the slope advantage in the first half, Rossendale scored three tries to take a 21-0 lead thanks to a penalty try and tries from Alex Isherwood and Sammy Atiola.
Hull ended the first half with a Tyler Price penalty to make the interval score 21-3.
Playing down the slope in the second half, Hull fancied their chances of overcoming the deficit and close the gap on their hosts in the table.
But it wasn’t to be as Pearce’s side shot themselves in the foot time and time again with unforced errors and poor decision making.
Rossendale were twice reduced to 13 men, the second time in injury time, but Hull couldn’t find a way over the try line until late in the game when Tomasi Tanumi ploughed his way over for a converted try.
A missed penalty in front of the posts with the last kick of the game denied Hull a losing bonus point to sum up a very frustrating afternoon for the visitors.
Hull now have three home games against Sandal, Doncaster Phoenix and Kendal to finish the season knowing they need Rossendale to lose all three of their remaining fixtures to stand any chance of securing the play-off place.
It’s too much to hope for leaving Pearce to plot another push for promotion next season.