Second Best At Chester

Hull were eventually overcome by a workmanlike Chester side who took full advantage of their scoring opportunities and another adverse penalty count of 13-8 against Hull to claim all the points and see the visitors travel  back over the Pennines empty handed.

Hull have frequently gone behind early in games this season and they did so again at Chester. The home side almost scored in the second minute but made no mistake moments later when their centre Andrew McMinimee kicked a penalty goal. Three minutes later Chester moved the ball left and helped by a forward pass straight from the basketball training ground saw their winger Ben Raubitschek touch down with McMinimee adding the conversion to see his side 10-0 up in just seven minutes.

Hull were looking to respond quickly but a good passing move down their left wing saw a try ruled out after 10 minutes as Fynlay Hobson put his foot in touch as he scored. Hull were having the better of the exchanges at this stage and when a catch and drive from a lineout was illegally halted and Hull were awarded a penalty try to see them only three points adrift after 24 minutes.

With both sides finding it difficult to breakdown obdurate defences, it seemed Hull would go into the second period just 10-7 behind when they gave away another penalty right on half-time. Chester had spurned two earlier awards but made no mistake this time and the kick to touch and ensuing catch and drive saw them score a try through their number eight David Jones converted once again by McMinimee to see his side 17-7 ahead at the break.

The second half saw Hull introduce substitute prop Charlie Beech and winger Mike Adlard replacing Jack Baldry and Keane Naylor. Hull immediately went on the offensive and a drive from a lineout was only halted a few yards short as Hull were penalised to the relief of the home side after just 42 minutes.

Hull then had further pressure but when they failed to score the home side seized the initiative. Having achieved good field position, Chester won a scrum and centre Ben Ivory went over near the posts with McMinimee adding the conversion after 56 minutes.

Hull’s response was a catch and drive unconverted try awarded to the hard working back row man Adam Brankley after 58 minutes to see Hull still in the game at 24-12. Hull then brought on David Halaifonua and Mosese Nasilasila.

A 66th minute McMinimee penalty for Chester was quickly followed by another catch and drive try for Hull awarded to Hull number eight Will Hall converted by Hobson after 68 minutes to see Hull just 27-19 behind.

However, the final 10 minutes saw Chester score tries through McMinimee and Jones with McMinimee converting his own try to see his side win comfortably 39-19.