Hinckley inflict first defeat for Hull

For the fourth weekend in succession, Hinckley conceded an early try in the ninth minute. The Hornets failed to deal with an attacking line-out five metres from their own line. Although the catch-and-drive was held, the ball was fed along the line for Hull centre Ali Heard to cross for a relatively simple try which Reece Dean converted.
With a stiff breeze behind them, Hinckley responded quickly going over five minutes later after Hull had been penalised in their own half, and Tom Wheatcroft was able to set up a similar attacking line-out at the other end. Jamie Skerritt took the line-out ball at the back of the line and the pack drove him over for the score. Joe Wilson hit the post with the conversion attempt.
Hull extended their lead as the game moved into the second quarter when a deliberate knock-on 10 metres from Hinckley’s line gave Dean a relatively simple penalty opportunity which was gratefully accepted.
At this stage there was little to choose between the two sides but Hinckley managed to get the next score after 30 minutes. A penalty for offside 30 metres from the Hull line gave Wilson the chance to set up the catch-and-drive and in a replay of the earlier try, Skerritt took the ball at the back, and the pack drove over. This time, Dave Peck claimed the score. Wilson converted to take Hornets 12-10 clear.
And that was how it remained until the interval, although Hull should have gone in ahead. With a couple of minutes remaining and wing-man Tomasi Tanumi in acres of space and the line open, a wayward forward pass to Tomasi was called by the referee which was a let-off for Hornets.
In the second half, Hinckley were playing into the breeze and it took a while for them to adjust their game. It was no surprise when Hull re-took the lead in the 52nd minute from another Dean penalty. Replacement flanker Ollie Ashworth was carded for going off his feet in the ruck. Hull set up the line-out 10m out and, although Hinckley held the maul, they were adjudged to have done so illegally and Dean notched the score.
From that point on though, it was all Hinckley. After 57 minutes, another penalty allowed the visitors to set up yet another catch and drive opportunity deep in the Hull 22m. The maul was held but the ball was recycled allowing Joe Glover to dart over from close range for the try.
A few minutes later, Hinckley again forced the penalty and again set up a catch-and-drive opportunity 15 metres from the Hull line. The resultant try came as the pack set up the perfect maul and drove to the line with Luke Coltman claiming the score and the bonus point. Wilson kicked the extras.
The fifth try came shortly afterwards. Hinckley claimed the ball from a line-out on halfway and went through the phases to work their way to the line. In the end, it was Ollie Ashworth who drove over from short range.
The game appeared over at 13-29 but Hull did register another try with time running out. Hinckley were penalised in their own 22m and the Hull pack forced their way over for a score.
With normal time almost up, Hinckley were still able to grab a sixth try. Recovering the ball from the kick-off, a delightful passage of play saw the Hornets work the ball towards the line. A classic jinking Callum Dacey run took the ball deep into the Hull 22m. Hamilton went close but Ashworth was again on hand to collect the off-load and go over by the posts to end an eventful afternoon for the young flanker. Wilson claimed the extras to take the score to 18-36 and the referee blew for full-time.