Hull travelled to Leeds hoping that the return of key players would help them gain a positive result. It was a frustrating afternoon as seven line outs lost on Hull’s own put in, and two yellow cards, meant that Hull played 20 minutes with 14 men and conceded a large proportion of what should have been their possession to an eager opposition.
There were good moments and some of Hull’s handling between forwards and backs looked impressive, but without an end result. Hull started well and playing up the hill, they made real progress winning the put in at a line out, only to lose the ball and see Leeds make the most of their opportunity and good backing up saw flanker McGuire go in for a try converted by off-half Whiteley after just five minutes.
Leeds’ second try seemed fortunate, as they appeared to lose the ball in a tackle, but play was waved on and full-back David went over for a try converted by Whiteley after 13 minutes. Minutes later Leeds were knocking on Hull’s door again and as the pressure mounted, flanker Will Hall was yellow carded. Leeds forwards then forced their way over from a catch-and-drive with hooker Williams getting the touchdown with Whiteley converting after 20 minutes.
The bonus-point try came from further forward pressure from Leeds and flanker Williams went over for a try converted by Whiteley to see his side dominating at 26-0 after 27 minutes. Hull lacked nothing in effort and just before half-time they managed to sustain some pressure of their own and a beautifully weighted kick from full-back Reece Dean saw number eight Alex Todd touch down for an unconverted try to get Hull off the mark on the stroke of half-time.
The second period did not start well for Hull as Laurence Cowen-Leak was yellow carded moments before the start of the second half, giving the visitors an immediate numerical handicap. However, Hull kept working and despite conceding an unconverted try to Leeds centre Williams after 52 minutes, they had better moments and their scrum began to get the better of Leeds.
The last few minutes saw Leeds centre Mountain go in for an unconverted try with Hull centre Johnson gaining a consolation try for Hull which was converted by Dean to see a final score of 36-12 to the home side.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 