In a game that had everything, Hull yet again raised their game to win with the last play of the game against a determined and hard working Hull Ionians who pushed Hull all the way.
Hull received the kick off and were looking to exert early pressure in the opening period and it took just five minutes for them to score as centre Steve Johnson took the tackle and released fellow centre Duell Trueman who went on an arcing run to score the first try after four minutes. Simon Humberstone conversion giving Hull a 7-0 lead.
Helped by the breeze Hull Ionians worked their way upfield and a very efficient catch and drive saw them score an unconverted try through hooker Ben Stephenson after ten minutes. Ionians were next on the scoreboard when another catch and drive was illegally halted by Hull and a seven point penalty try was awarded to see Ionians in the lead after 19 minutes.
Hull then assumed a measure of control and after 30 minutes with props Charlie Beech and Ben Bootham called into the pack they were able to work a catch and drive themselves seeing Ali Thompson, Hull’s hooker get the touchdown with Simon Humberstone adding the conversion.
Better was to come for Hull as they approached halftime when a perfect chip ahead by Reese Dean saw winger Mike Adlard collect the ball and race in for an unconverted try to see Hull leading 19-12 at halftime.
The second half was only one minute old when Hull swept forward and after a forward drive from a line out Hull’s off half Simon Humberstone got the touchdown and converted his try to see Hull in the driving seat at 26-12.
If Hull thought it was game over Hull Ionians had other ideas. Having scored their fourth try and secured promotion Hull may have lost concentration for a moment and the visitors made the most of the possession that they started to dominate.
Their centre Lewis Minikin jinked his way through Hull’s defence after 48 minutes and his conversion saw his side just seven points adrift of Hull.
As Ionians retained possession and put Hull’s line-out under pressure it was centre Minikin who touched down again after 62 minutes to see his side just two points adrift at 26-24.
The visitors were starting to sense a famous victory and a further catch and drive try awarded to their front row man Josh Thundercliffe looked to have won them the game after 75 minutes.
Hull then raised their game as they have done so often this season and having pinned Ionians in their own 22 metre area Hull received a penalty and from the resulting line out a catch and drive try awarded to full back Reece Dean saw breathless contest end in a Hull win and for them to gain promotion in the last play of the game against a very good Ionians side.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 