Harrogate were the latest side to try and slow down Hull at Chants Ave, but they left east Yorkshire on the wrong side of a 25-0 scoreline. The five-point victory lifted Hull to second in National 2 North.
The visitors kicked off with the wind advantage and they were soon encamped in Hull’s half but a potential scoring opportunity after 10 minutes when a possible penalty goal was spurned in favour of a kick to touch. However, the catch and drive failed and the chance went begging as Hull’s miserly defence held out.
Harrogate continued to maintain their territorial advantage but another catch and drive attempt failed after 18 minutes. Three minutes later, Hull were again under pressure and when prop Tip Kivalu was yellow carded, it seemed Harrogate would score, but Hull held out with a turnover.
The visitors persisted with their catch and drive attempts from penalty awards, but they were unable to post points. It was Hull who finished the first half stronger. After 35 minutes centre Steve Johnson kicked a penalty before the home side showed their opponents how a catch and drive should be executed when Ben Bootham scored .an unconverted try to see Hull lead 8-0 at half time.
With the wind advantage, Hull were expected to take control of the game and they did to score three more tries. After 43 minutes, Hull’s forwards burst through from a lineout 25 yards out and the ball was moved left for Mike Adlard to race in for an unconverted try.
Eleven minutes later, Hull’s scrum half Sam Crane scampered over from a Harrogate scrum, five yards from their own line as Hull started to pull away.
Harrogate never gave up and had some chances to score, but it was Hull who rounded off the game with a good try from winger Keane Naylor who brushed off a tackle to score against his former team after 78 minutes. ReececDean took over the kicking duties and converted to see Hull win convincingly 25-0.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 