Pre-Season: Hull vs Pontefract

Pontefract RUFC 12 – 36 Hull RUFC

Hull were eventually convincing winners of this pre season friendly fixture but not before being given a work out by a determined Pontefract side who took the initiative in the third quarter.

The early exchanges saw Pontefract give notice of their intention to make their mark but once Hull had begun to dominate the scrums ,taking the ball against the head on several occasions,  it was they who gained the upper hand . Tries from winger Josh Ratavou and Charlie Beech sandwiched a penalty try giving Hull a seventeen to nil lead at half time. The third quarter saw Hull on the back foot and two tries , one converted , saw the home side within one score of Hull. The response from Hull was heartening as they added three tries, two converted to run out 36-12 winners. Hull’s pack laid the foundation for the win despite being a little rusty. Hull had the better of the collision areas and had several good turnovers but didn’t have the line outs all their own way. 

The backs had some good handling moments and were well served by our new scrum half Harry Pinder. All of Hull’s centres looked strong and had a number of good line breaks but final passes did not always go to hand.

Hull needed a competitive physical encounter and every credit to Pontefract for providing that. 

Hull will have gained a lot from the game and will be able to identify areas that need attention before next weeks league season begins.