Hull’s trip to one of the clubs fighting against being in the bottom three, was not as easy a task as some might have predicted. Harrogate have a young side who despite having had only three victories this season, gave everything and even had a chance of going ahead in the first half when they picked up a loose ball only to be brought back for a scrum.
The scoreline was a fair reflection of the game for a side that scored five tries to one as Hull did, but the home side gave Hull a game and a performance that belied their current league position.
Hull got off to a good start scoring their first try through winger Keane Naylor as early as the ninth minute. The conversion was missed and it was the home side who scored next when their off-half Rory McNab kicked a penalty goal after 17 minutes.
With scoreline just 5-3 in Hull’s favour, Harrogate were well in the game, but a further unconverted try for Hull by their full-back Reece Dean after 23 minutes saw Hull leading 10-3 at half-time.
The second period saw Hull tighten their grip on the game and further tries by centre Stephen Johnson after 48 minutes and Keane Naylor after 57 minutes with the second try giving Hull the bonus point and the conversion seeing Hull in command at 22-3.
However, Harrogate never stopped trying to get back into the game and after 72 minutes, McNab chased the kick through and was first to the touchdown. McNab converted his own try to get his side just 12 points in arrears, but Hull had the last word when Reece Dean went in for his second try and despite being unable to convert his own try Hull were comfortable winners 27-10.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 