O’Donnell double helps Hull beat Scunthorpe

In a game where the visitors had nothing to lose, Hull were held for most of the first half by a side who lacked nothing in defensive commitment but ultimately could not match Hull’s firepower and greater creativity.

Hull went behind after just two minutes when Scunthorpe’s full back Jack Leaning kick a straightforward penalty. Hull’s response was immediate with Simon Humberstone kicking a penalty for Hull.

The game then entered something of a stalemate as the home side attacked consistently, but the visitors held out against Hull’s superior scrummaging and catch-and-drives from lineout.

Hull broke the deadlock after 35 minutes when they fielded a kick ahead by Scunthorpe and good handling saw Mike Adlard sprint clear under the posts with Humberstone adding the conversion.

Four minutes later a carbon copy try from another Scunthorpe kick ahead saw Hull centre Stephen Johnson storm over. The conversion was missed but Hull were starting to dominate even though Hull’s former winger Will Robinson reduced the arears with a penalty right on the half-time whistle to see Hull leading 15-6 at half-time.

Hull were soon into their stride and a series of forward drives saw Tom o’Donnell score under the posts with Humberstone kicking the conversion. Hull had prop Tip Kivalu yellow carded for an offence after the try was scored.

Scunthorpe had a chance to score through a Robinson penalty but it went well wide. Scunthorpe then had a period of territorial advantage and when Johnson was yellow carded, Hull were under further pressure as Scuthorpe’s forwards took the game to Hull with number eight Ben Hyde going over from a forward drive to score a try and see his side reduce the arrears to 22-11.

Hull then gained a further advantage after 74 minutes when their forwards drove for the line. The ball was then moved left and captain Ali Heard touched down for an unconverted try.

Scunthorpe then took advantage when Hull had Laurence Cowen sent off as the wing forward Grant Elliot went over.

Hull rounded off the afternoon with another forward drive with O’donnell touching down for his second try of the game and Humberstone converting to see Hull home 34-16.