Jobling Scores In Disruptive Defeat at Leeds

Hull were faced with changes even before the game started with Mosese Nasilasila’s work commitments which meant winger/centre David Halaifonua went in the back row and Duell Trueman started on the wing.

Despite this disruption, in the first 25 minutes Hull more than hold their own with both sides intent on playing open rugby. Hull were putting pressure on Leeds from the kick off and Hull’s off-half Reece Dean opened the scoring after three minutes with a penalty.

Hull went back on the attack from the kick off and only a forward pass prevented them scoring the game’s opening try. After 12 minutes Leeds swept forward and only desperate defence saw Hull hold Leeds up over the line. 

Both sides had their moments but it was Leeds who, having weathered a lot of Hull pressure, were coming more into the game. But it was Hull who had worked an overlap after 28 minutes which saw their opportunity eclipsed as an interception by Leeds winger Junior Nu’u saw him race in for an unconverted try.

Hull seemed to lose some composure at this stage and Leeds grabbed the initiative and scored two quick tries through centre Tim Williams and back row man Jake Brady with off-half Seremaia Bai Turagabeci converting Williams’ try.

Leeds looked to be heading for half-time with a 17-3 advantage but Hull kept on working their way upfield and a second Dean penalty on the stroke of half-time saw the score at 17-6 as the players went in at the break.

The second period started badly for Hull with Leeds scoring an unconverted try through centre Dixon after 43 minutes which Turagabeci converted.

Hull never stopped moving the ball and having established good field position and a good catch-and-drive ended with hooker Mike Jobling spinning off the mail to touch down near the posts with Reece Dean adding the conversion after 49 minutes.

Hull then lost Latu Maka’afi to a leg injury following winger Harrison Astley into the sick bay and Hull were forced to reorganise once more with Paulos Latu replacing him.

Hull forwards were holding their own but Leeds always looked dangerous in open play and three tries from winger Harry Dukes with one being converted by Turagabeci completed the scoring to see Leeds comfortably take the win.