Hull take on a rather different challenge this week when they make the long journey up to Alnwick. In the last few weeks, Hull have dominated a number of sides in the lower reaches of the league scoring a huge number of points in the process.
Alnwick sit in the middle of the table and they have won their last five games including a decisive victory over a useful Ilkley side. Alnwick have a good home record and Hull director of rugby Gary Pearce is only too aware that this game will be different level of physicality some his side have encountered in the last few weeks.
This week Hull welcome back both specialist scum halves, Harvey Harding and Robert Watts into the squad. The forwards will see the return of back row man Rupert Kay who has recovered from concussion and hooker Tom Rice who has now recovered from a stomach infection. If everyone else keeps clear of injuries during training Hull will have all but one of the squad available.
The past few weeks have seen Hull scoring freely from all areas of the field and as a result confidence is high. The likelihood is that this week line breaks will be harder to come by and Hull may need to be more patient and apply pressure for a little longer before getting the results in terms of points on the board. Hull’s scrummage has been a potent weapon this season but Alnwick will look to match them in this department so Hull cannot assume that they will dominate from the start. Line-out ball is essential in keeping a side’s momentum going and Hull will need concentrate on being consistently accurate to achieve that aim.
Hull’s 18-game winning run has been a remarkable effort by everyone involved and that sequence can extend to 19 if the side can take into account the challenge a determined Alnwick side will make.
Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 