There can be no hiding from the fact that this was a disappointing result for Hull who had managed at least two tries or more in every match so far this season, but managed only one at Plymouth.
Hull had a series of setbacks when they lost wingers Mike Adlard and Keane Naylor to injures sustained last week and so did not travel. The loss of Duell Trueman to injury early in the first half was a further unwanted blow. A yellow card to winger Jack Edwards early in the game and to forwards Kivalu Tiploma and Cam Curry in the second half, just made the task in hand that much more difficult.
Plymouth were quickly into their stride with an early penalty try after seven minutes. Two more tries by Speare and Oulton with one conversion by off half Putt saw the home side lead 17-0 after just 20 minutes.
Hull struck back with a good try from winger Edwards, but a further converted try by Plymouth’s hooker Salter gave the home side a comfortable 26-5 half-time lead.
The second half gave Hull no relief as Plymouth ran in four more tries. Two going to Salter and one each to number eight Stupple and scrum half Oulton. Putt kicked three conversions to see his side winners by the margin of 45-5.
Hull’s preparations were disrupted through injury and during the game by yellow cards and further injury so this result has to be seen in that context, but the side will be looking to bounce back next week against a useful Taunton side at Hull’s Chanterlands Avenue ground.
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