Newly promoted Rossendale’s ability to use turnover ball to release their pacy backs proved decisive in a close encounter where tremendous defence by both sides limited scoring opportunities.
Hull had a slight edge in territory and possession for most of the first quarter despite losing open side wing forward Josh Omond who was replaced by the hard running Danny Ward. However Hull were then put under real pressure for the first time by the visitors and although they just kept out Rossendale’s winger Davui who was forced into touch they fumbled the ensuing lineout and Rossendale scrum half , Callum Whelan was on hand to scoop up the ball and dive over for a try converted by his full back Kieran Tyrer to go seven points up. Hull responded quickly as their off half Reece Dean kicked a good penalty after thirty minutes .With Hull’s pack having by far the better of the scrums and starting to get scrum penalties they built good pressure and after thirty eight minutes a penalty to the left hand corner was followed buy a classic catch and drive to see Hull over for a try credited to second rower Mike Jobling with off half Reece Dean landing a magnificent touchline conversion to put Hull into the lead 10-7. With Hull reorganizing after a further injury to full back Duell Trueman Rossendale achieved an immediate turnover and good handling saw the ball arrive with centre Tom Carter who touched down for an unconverted try to retake the lead at the half time whistle 14-10.
The second half started badly for Hull .After they lost a lineout in their own 22 metre area Rossendale kept possession for multiple phases and eventually put full back Tyrer in for an unconverted try to go into a 17-10 lead after forty seven minutes . Hull were still having the better of the forward exchanges with substitute prop Beech leading the charge . All the forwards were making punishing runs and when they achieved yet another scrum penalty ,the kick for touch was followed by another well worked catch and drive from fifteen metres with Charlie Beech getting the try which went unconverted. Hull were still looking for that elusive score to put them in the lead but injuries and replacement meant constant reorganization After sixty four minutes newcomer Jack Iceton came on for his first game and made an instant impact with some forceful running into the collision areas. He and the rest of the powerful Hull pack kept up the pressure on the visitors and after sixty eight minutes a penalty award to Hull saw off half Dean calm convert it and gain Hull three points and take a one point lead with ten minutes to go. As in the first half, the lead was shortlived as Hull conceded possession and once again Rossendale’s pace was put to good use with substitute Nick Fontaine getting on the end of a great offload to score the unconverted try that sealed the game for the visitors. Despite a great effort by Hull in the last five minutes it was Rossendale who prevailed to win 22-18 leaving Hull with just a bonus point.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 