Any hopes the visitors had of spoiling Hull’s promotion party vanished in the second quarter of a one sided game.
It took Hull 20 minutes to find their rhythm but once they got into their stride, Rossendale had no answer to the quick thinking and accurate execution of Hull’s back division.
Hull’s pack once again provided a platform for the side to build a commanding 26-0 lead by half-time.
Hull’s first try came from Stephen Johnson after a good five-yard scrum from Hull with off half Simon Humberstone adding the conversion.
Five minutes later Hull scored through their winger Stephen Hihetah who took a pass between his centres and powered over from 40 yards out as Hull passed the 1,000 barrier for the season. Humberstone added the conversion.
Rossendale then defended well for 10 minures but when they collapsed a scrum as Hull looked to drive over their line a penalty try was awarded to Hull after 38 minutes adding another seven points to the home side’s tally.
Hull’s final try of the half came from centre Ali Heard who dummied his way past two players and handed off another as he ran in a very good try from 35 yards out leaving Hull with a twenty-six point interval advantage.
The second period saw Hull dominate completely and run in six more tries.
A powerful run and well weighted pass from Hihetah resulted in full-back Keane Naylor scoring an unconverted try after 47 minutes.
Four minutes later Hull’s number eight Will Hall burst through Rossendale’s defence and Ali Heard was on hand to touch down with Humberstone converting.
Lee Birch had now come off the bench for Hull and he came in from full-back to force his way over after 56 minutes and Johnson converted superbly from the touchline.
After 60 minutes another Hull break saw Lee Birch run 40 yards before releasing the ball to number eight Hall to race over for a try converted by Johnson.
A break from deep in their own half by Hull saw Naylor shrug off a tackle and run 35 yards before passing to winger Hihetah who rounded off an 80 yard move with Hull’s ninth try of the match.
With time running out Hull still attacked and it was fitting end to the game when centre Ali Heard dummied and powered his way to a try and a hat-trick for himself in a game in which he led the champions out.
The 62-0 win reflected Hull’s dominance not just in this game, but in the league in general and with the biggest crowd of the season watching on, it was a great way for Hull to celebrate winning the National League Three championship.
Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 