Hull raced into a 33-point lead and ended the first half with a runaway 40-7 advantage only to see a dramatic second-half comeback from Billingham to make the scores a lot closer than most expected at the interval.
Hull started well with backrower Paulos Latu getting over the gain line at will but it was Fynlay Hobson on Hull’s right wing who intercepted Billingham’s first attack to sprint 70 yards for a try converted by his full-back Reece Dean after five minutes. Three minutes later Reece Dean kicked a penalty goal to make it 10-0.
Two minutes later, Hull’s pressure told again with slick handling putting in left winger Harry Dawkins for an unconverted try. After 17 minutes good foot workfrom Billy Addy, a chip ahead and collection at speed saw Hull’s centre Peter Hudson- Kowalewicz sprint in for Hull’s third try.
A couple more Dean penalties in the 23rd and 26th minutes saw Hull in command at 26-0. When Hull scored their bonus point try from a forward surge from close range which was credited to Evi Uriburu-Gray and converted by Dean, Hull looked unassailable.
As the half drew to a close, a mix up in Hull’s defence saw Billingham’s scrum half Elliott Husband go over for a try converted by full back Peter Evans. Hull still had time to get to the Billingham try line with centre and captain Ali Heard dummying and crashing his way over for his second try in successive weeks to give Hull a 40-7 lead at the break.
The second period could not have been more different. Hull lost precision and conceded three tries, two of which were converted. The first came after 64 minutes through Billingham’s winger Joe Scarborough converted by Evans.
With Hull ringing the changes they seem to lose some of their former cohesion and further tries to Billingham’s centre Croark after 68 minutes which was converted, and substitute scrum-half Jamie Lane had given Hull a real jolt, but the home side held out for their first victory of the season thereby ending Billingham’s unbeaten start to their season.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 