Hull’s pack had the edge in a close game at Chants Ave which saw the home team win by just three points after another good second half performance.
Hull played the first 40 minutes against a strong breeze and had their number eight Latu Makaafi yellow carded for a high tackle but the hosts kept the half-time score down to just two penalty goals to trail 6-0. Both sides were keen to move the ball but good defences were hard to break down.
After 10 minutes Wharfedsle’s off-half Jack Blakeney-Edwards kicked a good penalty to take his side into a 3-0 lead.
Both sides had attempts at catch-and-drives after penalties allowed lineouts but defences held. After 25 minutes Hull’s number eight was yellow carded to signal an extended spell of Wharfedale pressure. Hull’s defence was outstanding and the visitors could find no way through
A late fist half penalty converted by Blakeney-Edwards saw Wharfdale lead 6-0
at the break.
The second half saw Hull quickly move into the Wharfedale ’22’ and after Hull won an attacking lineout after 47 minutes, number eight Makaafi drove over the line for an unconverted try to put Hull just a point behind the visitors.
Hull then endured a few moments of pressure after dropping the ball at the kick-off but having regained possession quickly turned defence into attack.
A good lineout just six yards from the visitors line saw a near perfect catch-and-drive result in another try for Makaafi which Hull’s Simon Humberstone convert to give Hull a 12-6 lead.
Wharfedale reduced the arrears with a further Blakeney-Edward’s penalty after 55 minutes but Hull were not to be denied. A lengthy period of pressure saw Hull held up twice over the line and had a try ruled out when winger Mike Adlard was adjudged
to have knocked on over the line .
A late flurry by Wharedale, helped by Hull giving away a string of penalties , was withstood by Hull’s outstanding tackling to ensure Hull recorded their fourth consecutive victory.
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