Bureta Brace Not Enough To Beat Tigers

In a game played in a strong wind on the Tigers deceptively sloping pitch, the home side ran out 36-17 winners, but not before some very anxious moments in the second half.

For Hull, the decisive moment came on 52 minutes when a great move was only halted when the final pass, just eight yards out, went to ground and a possible score line of 22-17 was lost which would have put Hull in striking distance of their rattled hosts.

All of this looked unlikely after a first half when Sheffield Tigers had the edge in the scrum and a penalty count 16-3 in their favour. This meant that they had most of the possession and territory. Add to that Hull ‘s two first-half yellow cards and even a score line of 22-3 in the hosts favour didn’t look too bad.

Hull kicked off with the wind at their backs and second row Liam Regardsoe took the short kick and smashed his way into Sheffield’s ’22’. This was the high point of the half for the visitors.

Sheffield Tigers replied to that attack and after consistent pressure Barney Goatley forced his way over for a try on 15 minutes converted by Will Baker.

A few minutes later Hull’s defence could not hold Sheffield’s winger who made the most of a lucky bounce to race away for a try for converted by Baker. The home side’s third try came a few minutes before half-time through their hooker Louis Townsend which went unconverted. Ireland added a penalty for good measure.

Hull’s response was a well taken penalty by off half Reece Dean to see Hull trailing 22-3 at the interval.

The second half was a very different story. With Charlie Beech dominating at prop, Hull began to get some possession and the forwards and backs started to pose problems.

After 47 minutes Hull’s centre Bureta Faraimo took a good pass 25 yards out and brushed off four tackles on his way to a great try under the posts. Dean’s conversion saw Hull back in the game at 22-10. Five minutes later it seemed Hull would score again, but the chance went and the penalty by Ireland after 63 minutes put Hull three scores adrift.

After 70 minutes, and despite having had two more yellow cards Hull pounced again when a deft chip through by Dean saw Faraimo collect and go over under the posts for a well-worked try converted by Dean.

Hopes of a spectacular Hull comeback were erased by a late flurry of points by the home side who scored a try through their centre after 70 minutes and a couple of Baker penalties.

Hull had two yellow cards in the second period with Sheffield Tigers receiving one. Hull’s overall penalty count against and yellow cards contributed much to their defeat in a game where they competed very strongly in the second half and with a full compliment might have done even better.