Hull claim bonus point in loss at Otley

Hull lost a game they might have won had they not spurned two very kickable goals to go for the seven point catch and drive option.

Nevertheless a never-say-die approach saw them secure the bonus point with a well-deserved last minute try.

Hull kicked off but after holding Otley’s first foray they missed a tackle in the third minute allowing Otley winger Paul Petchey the chance to race in from 40 yards with Otley’s off half Ben Smith adding the conversion to see his side take an early seven point lead.

Hull responded almost immediately when full back Reece Dean started a move deep in his own ’22’ which ended with Hull’s winger Keane Naylor scoring 15 yards in from the touchline. Simon Humberstone converting to level the scores at 7-7.

Hull then lost concentration from the kick off and  conceded a penalty which the home sides Ben Smith converted. Hull again responded and started to play some good attacking rugby showing good ball retention and control.

Hull’s reward took a while to come, but when Otley’s second row Sam Willet was yellow carded deep in his own half, Humberstone kicked the ensuing penalty to level the scores after 28 minutes.

Both sides had moments of pressure but it was Hull who almost conceded the lead when Otley broke through but dropped the ball five yards out after 40 minutes to see the scores level at the break.

Otley started brightly in the second period but Hull were looking comfortable until they gave away a penalty in the 51st minute which Otley’s Ben Smith converted.

Shortly afterwards, Hull were out flanked on the left hand side allowing Otley’s full-back Josh Hall to race in for a try in the corner which Smith converted.

Hull hit back with a Humberstone penalty but with time running out Otley fashioned an excellent catch and drive with the try being awarded to substitute forward Ben Steele with Smith yet again converting.

Hull then produced a massive late effort in which the forwards played a pivotal roll driving the ball deep into Otley’s ’22’. With the final whistle approaching, Hull chipped the ball into the touch in goal area for Mike Adlard to touch down with Humberstone’s touchline conversion ensuring Hull earned a richly deserved bonus point.