Bairstow Try Seals Dramatic Win At Harrogate

In a bottom of the table clash that meant a great deal to both clubs, Hull won the lineout battle taking two of Harrogate’s and losing one of their own. They also had to  overcame a two-to-one yellow card deficit and an adverse penalty count to win 31-26 in a game where the lead changed seven times.

Hull started by conceding four penalties in as many first-half minutes and this allowed the home side to secure a lineout near the Hull line and a well-rehearsed catch-and-drive saw them score their fist try converted by their full back Rory McNab.

Hull’s reply was not long in coming when after 10 minutes back rower Adam Brankley made good ground from a lineout and as the ball was moved to Hull’s right flank, winger Harry Dawkins was on hand to beat four men on his way to a very well worked, but unconverted try.

Hull had been looking menacing and just when it seemed Harrogate would get back into the game, Fynlay Hobson intercepted 45 yards out and raced to the line and then converted his own try to put Hull in the lead 12-7 after 25 minutes.

That advantage was short lived as Hull kept conceding penalties and Harrogate made good use of their good fortune from an attacking line out, scoring a converted try after 29 minutes.

From the kick-off Hull secured the ball and after driving forward number eight Paulos Latu handed off three players and evaded another defender on his way to a dramatic try well converted by Hobson to see Hull leading 19-14 at the break.  

The second half saw Hull almost score from their own kick-off but the ref deemed their was illegal obstruction by the visitors, so Harrogate were relieved to get a penalty award. A few minutes later another Hull try looked certain but a forward pass saw another chance go begging.

After 51 minutes Hull’s number eight Paulos Latu was yellow carded and the home side took full advantage of their numerical advantage with another catch and drive routine enabled a further touchdown for a try converted by McNab after 55 minutes.

The restart saw Hull secure possession and scored again with off half Harrison Astley converting from the touch line.  Two minutes later Harrogate levelled the scores with winger Green latching on to a good chip ahead for an unconverted try after 58 minutes.

As the clock ticked down it was Hull’s pack who took control and prop Tom Bairstow drove over the line for the final score of the match after 70 minutes to put his side ahead 31-26 and give his captain Mike Jobling something to celebrate on his 250^th appearance for the club.