A hard fought game saw Hull get much the better of the second half after a couple of late scores in the first half saw Sheffield give their supporters hope of getting something out of the game.
Coach Gary Pearce felt Hull’s tremendous desire was never more obvious than when they held out a ferocious Sheffield assault on the line in the last three minutes and he was delighted with a good five-point victory against tough opposition.
Hull started the game well with second rower Cameron Curry leading the way in his first game back since December. With the forwards getting the upper hand, it took Hull just seven minutes to score when centre Duell Trueman went in for a good try converted by Simon Humberstone.
Hull looked to be dominating affairs when Keane Naylor latched onto a great crossfield ball to score an unconverted try. Then after 30 minutes, Mike Jobling scored Hull’s third try after a catch-and-drive from a line out. Humberstone’s conversion looked to have Hull on their way but Sheffield were not giving up.
A Sheffield move started deep in their own half ended with full back Robbie Davidson scoring a try converted my Mark Ireland after 34 minutes. Ireland followed that with a penalty to his keep his side in touch at half-time just nine points adrift at 19-10.
Hull responded quickly in the second half with a copy book catch and drive try from prop Ben Bootham which was converted by Humberstone to see Hull ahead 26-10.
Sheffield gathered themselves and despite finding Hull’s scrum hard to handle, they had plenty of possession and whilst threatening to mount a challenge, they were unable to free themselves from Hull’s great defence.
Hull then came back strongly and after considerable forward pressure near the home sides line the ball was released and Hull’s full back Reece Dean scampered over for a try converted by Humberstone after 76 minutes to see Hull in an unassailable lead at 33-10. Late home side pressure was kept at bay to see Hull stay top of the league.
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