Hull’s props laid the foundation for their 27-16 victory at home to Chester with some immense scrummaging which resulted in two penalty tries.
Trailing 11-6 at half-time, the home side once again rallied after the interval to claim their first win of 2020.
Trailing 11-6 at half-time, the home side once again rallied after the interval to claim their first win of 2020.
Hull started well but they were unable to retain possession long enough to put real pressure on Chester’s defence.
Chester then started to put together some good phases of play and as Hull fell off side they took advantage with a penalty goal from their centre Ben Foden.
Hull responded within three minutes with a penalty from their off-half Simon Humberstone.
Chester kept up the pressure when they took their own kick off and then made good use of a maul which they took 30 yards for their second row man Jimmy Lloyd to be awarded the try which went unconverted after 17 minutes.
Both sides had their moments in the next 12 minutes but is was Hull who scored next from a Humberstone penalty after 30 minutes, but once again Hull conceded a penalty immediately to see Chester’s Foden kick another penalty to see his side 11-6 in front at half-time.
Having brought on props Charlie Beech and Ben Bootham just before the interval, Hull were starting to push the Chester eight.
Hull then had a succession of scrums near the Chester line and the visitors had no answer conceding a penalty try and having a man yellow carded as Hull took the lead in the 53rd minute to make it 13-11.
Chester gathered themselves and with Hull giving away penalties Chester made good use of a lineout and catch and drive to see second row Scott Robson crash over for an unconverted try after 60 minutes.
Hull then gained good field position and a succession of scrums once again led to a further penalty try after 71 minutes.
With Hull looking more assured they then scored a great try with forwards and backs handling beautifully before Tom O’Donnell took the last pass to crash over under the posts for a try converted by Humberstone after 79 minutes.
Chester threw everything at Hull in the last five minutes but the home side stood firm to emerge 27 -16 winners.