Hull were ultimately disappointed to only draw a game that they looked like winning after Simon Humberstone’s 80th minute penalty seemed to have sealed a seven-point victory but an exaggerated 10 minutes of added time saw them lose two men to the sin bin before Huddersfield converted try levelled the scores.
Hull started well and a penalty converted by Simon Humberstone gave Hull a third minute lead. Huddersfield’s full back Tom Hodson matched that with a similar effort after 14 minutes.
Huddersfield were giving the visitors plenty to think about at the scrum, but Hull were taking Huddersfield lineout ball on a regular basis so possession and territory were about equal. As half-time approached it was Huddersfield who summoned up the energy to mount a concerted attack on the Hull line with centre Will Milner forcing his way over for an unconverted try to see the home side lead 8-3 at half-time.
The second half saw Hull hit the ground running and after Hull had established good field position, a scrum in Huddersfield’s ‘22’ saw number eight Latu Makaafi power over brushing off three tackles on his way to the line for an unconverted try.
Hull then took control for the next 20 minutes and a fine Humberstone penalty after 48 minutes saw Hull lead for the first time. Ten minutes later, Hull eased further ahead when a lineout was won near the home side’s line and good hands saw the ball arrive in winger Keane Naylor’s hands and he touched down to see Hull 16-8 ahead.
Huddersfield the benefitted from a couple of penalties and from a lineout they fashioned a good drive for second rower Ross Thornton to get the touchdown.
Hull reestablished their authority with two well taken penalties by Simon Humberstone, the second of which came after 81 minutes.
Hull’s concentration may have wavered but Huddersfield took full advantage of Hull’s depleted forces as Paul Hamber and Will Hall were both yellow carded. A catch and drive saw back row man Nick Sharpe credited with the try and with Huddersfield supporters holding their breath, veteran scrum-half Joel Hinchcliffe calmly converted to tie the scores at 22-22 to see Hull come away with a hard fought point from their first game back in National 2 North.
Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 