Hull’s first victory against a top-four side was based on a team effort of relentless tackling and good use of possession when they had the ball.
Hull started with real intensity, keeping the visitors in their own half was helped by a great kick from his own half to inside the Wharefdale ‘22’ by scrum-half James Naylor in the first few minutes. From this position Hull maintained the pressure and most of the side handled the ball before hooker Mike Jobling dived over in the left hand corner.
Dean increased Hull’s lead with a penalty after 15 minutes, and in doing so, brought up his 500th point for the club. Both sides had opportunities to score, but Hull were the more likely to add to their lead.
They finally did so as half-time approached. They took a scrum ball and retained possession with back row forward Evi Uriburu-Gray diving through a tackle in the right hand corner for an unconverted try too see Hull ahead 15-0 at half-time.
Wharfedale have not climbed to fourth place without being a very good side and the second period saw them move the ball at every opportunity. An early try was only stopped over the Hull line when Hull ‘s Harrison Astley’s tackle saw the ball knocked on and Hull’s defensive wall held out.
They held out until the 54th minute when winger Joshua Prell went in for a good try after consistent pressure from Wharfedale.
Hull then had a couple of key moments going into the visitors half. Wharfedale offended at the breakdown and two magnificent penalties from the boot of Hull’s Reece Dean saw Hull’s lead extend to 21-5 on 58 and 75 minutes.
Wharfedale were not finished yet and a late catch and drive try awarded to substitute forward Ben Patchett closed the gap to 21-10.
With plenty of stoppage time to be played Wharfedale were still in the game, but they were unable to unlock Hull’s defence and the home side were left to celebrate a very hard fought victory.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 