Mike Adlard’s hat-trick of tries was a highlight in another maximum points haul for Hull as they moved to within touching distance of a promotion play-off place. Hull (two remaining fixtures) are now 13 points clear of Harrogate (three remaining fixtures) who lost to Lymm.
A blistering first half saw Hull move to an unassailable 26-0 lead with a powerful forward display lead by number eight Joe Stafford.
Good possesion and forward play lead to an early, typical Stephan Hihetah try which saw the winger blast his way to the line after just two minutes as he was driven over the line.
Two Mike Adlard tries in the 18th and 32nd minutes, one of which from 30 yards out as he beat four defenders with pace and elusive skills saw Hull pulling clear. Stephen Johnson converted both Adlard’s tries to make the margin 19-0 with eight minutes of the first half remaining.
The visitors superiority was confirmed when their scrum was repeatedly illegally halted until a penalty try was awarded adding another seven points to Hull’s total seconds before the half-time whistle.
The second period was a drawn encounter at seven points apiece with Mike Adlard completing his hat-trick with a try converted by Johnson after 62 minutes and Dino Noto scoring a converted try in the final minute for Kendal saw Hull comfortable 33-7 victors. Hull’s scrummage was once again a key factor in Hull’s dominance.
This result means that with Harrogate losing by a point at home to Lymm only a three game maximum points haul by Harrogate and a collapse to no points at all by Hull in their remaining games can deny Hull the playoff spot.
Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 