A game that had everything was decided by the pack power of a good Rotherham side, was eventually the deciding factor against a Hull side who were at least the equal of their promotion chasing opponents in open play.
Man of the match Harrison Astley regularly found space with his pace, change of direction and sidestep. Paulos Latu crashed forward at every opportunity making a try for the energetic prop Tim Bairstow and whilst both players stood out, every Hull player enhanced his reputation.
The ability to come back with two tries in the last 10 minutes says much for the team’s spirit and resilience. Jamie Naylor showed his pace at scrum-half after the ever abrasive Harvey Harding moved to backrow from scrum half after Latu Makaafi went off.
Few sides have scrum-halves like Harvey who can slot in to the back row as well as he does. Duell Trueman made ground regularly and was instrumental in creating a try from deep inside his own half.
Ali Heard came back into the side and was solid in defence and attack. Jamie Shaul scored another try and defended very well. Reece Dean has coped very comfortable at full-back and his goal kicking is so valuable.
Hull’s pack have been working hard to develop continuity, big possession and once again secured good lineout ball despite losing three on their own ball.
Paulos Latu may have been the stand out forward going forward, but every forward took the ball strongly into contact and looked for constructive criticism offloads.
If Hull can maintain the form of today there are further wins to come this season in the final few games.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 