Hull must have felt very disappointed that although they went toe to toe with Sheffield Tigers, they were denied victory by two late penalties.
In an attritional battle, the game was reduced to a mainly forward battle by gale force winds and driving rain.
In an attritional battle, the game was reduced to a mainly forward battle by gale force winds and driving rain.
Both sides had to dig deep as the penalty count rose in a disjointed game.
Sheffield full-back Mark Ireland eased his side ahead with a penalty kick after 11 minutes but Hull were giving the home side plenty to think about with aggressive defence and some useful tactical kicking from their half-backs, Harvey Harding and Simon Humberstone.
Nevertheless, it was Sheffield’s Ireland who added another penalty after 23 minutes to see his side lead 6-0 which remained the score at the half-time break.
The second half was similar to the first, but Hull started to gain a foothold in the Sheffield half and it was the home side’s turn to be on the receiving end as Hull levelled the score with two penalty goals by Humberstone in the 49th and 53rd minutes.
As the game approached the final quarter, Humberstone kicked another penalty in the 59th minute to take a 9-6 lead and it seemed Hull would take the points.
But Sheffield rallied and Ireland landed a penalty goal that levelled the scores with 10 minutes left on the clock.
But Sheffield rallied and Ireland landed a penalty goal that levelled the scores with 10 minutes left on the clock.
With three minutes of added time already having been played Shefffield were awarded another penalty and Sheffield’s hero Ireland sealed victory for the home side leaving Hull to travel back home with a losing bonus point to show for their efforts after a 12-9 loss.
Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 