This weekend, the National 2 North served up more drama in its penultimate weekend of the season. At the top of the table, Rotherham are now favourites to win the title, while Hull Ionians remain in a fight to avoid relegation, despite beating Sheffield RUFC the previous week.
Hull had a disappointing day at third-placed Sheffield and could the visitors not overcome the handicap of four yellow cards and an adverse penalty count of 18-8 in the first half.
The day had its undoubted highlights as Reece Dean’s first half try and conversion lifted him above James Cameron’s record for most points scored in a season of 254 that has stood since the 2008/09 season. Congratulations Reece.
Sadly the game did not end as such a remarkable record deserved. Playing into the wind Hull performed well enough but it was Sheffield who drew first blood with a try that came from a catch and drive lineout after a penalty award. Sheffield’s Robert Fawdry got the unconverted try.
The home side were much encouraged by this success and over the next 10 minutes, helped by a string of penalties, they persisted with working on their catch and drive technique. After 20 minutes they succeeded in getting another try from a close quarters lineout, but not before Hull’s first yellow card was awarded against prop Jamie Major.
Four minutes later and another penalty and another line out which was not a classic affair, but as the ball was moved left, flanker Matt Adcock was on hand to touch down after 24 minutes with scrum half Elliot Fisher adding the conversion.
Hull were not out of the game by any means, and as the half wore on, they looked capable of getting a score. It duly arrived when after 33 minutes, Hull opted for a scrum after a penalty award and quick handling and good ball retention ended with Dean going over about half way between the posts and touchline. His conversion not only getting Hull back into the game, but securing the most points in a season by a Hull player.
The half closed with Hull getting a second yellow card as second rower Liam Regardsoe was sin-binned as Hull trailed 17-7 at halftime.
The second period started well for Hull with centre Bureta Faraimo blasting his way over for a try converted by Dean to see Hull right back in contention. Hull were ringing the changes with prop Charlie Beech and winger Jamie Shaul coming on for Major and Duell Trueman after 47 minutes.
Almost immediately Hull stole two Sheffield line outs but the bounce of the ball meant possession was lost and Sheffield began to grow in confidence. Another forward drive saw second row man Archie Crapper plunge over for an unconverted try. After 55 minutes, another catch and drive from a lineout after a penalty saw Sheffield’s pack drive Hull back with the home sides James Flint getting the try which was converted by scrum half Fisher.
Hull then brought on Charlie Rawlins for Keane Naylor but Hull were soon down to 14 men when Regardsoe was yellow carded for a second time which meant it was upgraded to red leaving Hull to play the last 24 minutes with 14 men.
Hull battled away but a further Sheffield try from second row Parsons after 59 minutes saw Sheffield well ahead. A late try from full back Hooper that went unconverted sealed Hull’s fate. The late yellow card for substitute winger Rawlins added to Hull’s woes.
Hull may not have received the rub of the green, but four yellow cards and a huge penalty disparity would test any side. Hull have had some excellent results over the past three months but this was never going to be easy against a side anxious to bounce back after a below par display the previous week.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 