If the first two games of the season have shown anything, it’s that you need to keep 15 players on the pitch at all times. So far, Hull RUFC have accumulated five yellow cards and a red shown to co-captain Cam Curry which led to a three-game ban. Had a full quota of players finished the opening two games at Bishop’s Stortford and at home to Darlington MP, the club would probably have one win on the board, if not two. Reflecting on Saturday’s 29-22 loss to Darlington, director of rugby Gary Pearce admits the first 35 minutes was some of the best rugby he has seen his players play.
“I’m really pleased with how we’ve started the season,” Pearce said.
“Arguably, we were the better team in both games and we should have been 30 points up against a very dangerous side by the end of the first half on Saturday.
“That was some of the best rugby we’ve played in a long time.
“We are short of a couple of forwards but I cannot fault the effort of the players.
“At this level, when you make an error, it gets punished.
“Referees have been very hot against us with five yellow cards and a red so far in our first two games.
“We can’t win games with any players off the pitch and we have to be able to manage referees better.
“Every ref is different and maybe we don’t be so over keen with our tackles.
“Cam is a big loss to us especially with our lineouts, as is Laurence Cowen.
“We said we’d learn a lot about this league in the first month, and that is still the case.
“We just need to get up to speed quicker, but overall I’m pleased with the start to the season.”
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 