Knights claim victory
The York Knights secured a Super League victory against Hull FC, marking the first time in their history that they secured a third consecutive Super League victory. This result added to Hull FC‘s ongoing difficulties in away matches. The Knights achieved their sixth win of the current campaign, moving them up to ninth in the table and placing them above Hull FC, who have recorded only one away win this season.
The match saw York overcome a 16-8 deficit at half-time. Tries from David Nofoaluma, Jon Bennison, Denive Balmforth, and Nikau Williams contributed to their score, with Bennison also adding two kicks. This performance inflicted further challenges on the Black and Whites, who had initially held a lead at the interval after scoring three tries within 12 minutes, but then experienced an error-prone second half.
As the match neared its conclusion, York faced pressure from their opponents. Veteran hooker Paul McShane made a crucial last-ditch tackle, dislodging the ball from Herman Ese’ese just inches from the try line as the Hull forward attempted to level the score.
Match progression and key moments
The Knights initiated the scoring with the first two tries of the game. Nofoaluma scored in the left corner in the eighth minute, followed by Bennison collecting a try after two clever chips from Cody Hunter, establishing an 8-0 lead for York.
Hull FC responded when Aidan Sezer scored his first try. This was followed by Tom Briscoe scoring, and Joe Batchelor adding another try from an offload by Hugo Salabio. With Zak Hardaker converting twice, Hull entered half-time in a strong position.
York‘s comeback began early in the second half, with Balmforth scoring a try just three minutes after the restart. Bennison added the extras, and a subsequent penalty from him leveled the score at 16-16. This period highlighted a lapse in discipline for Hull, who conceded six penalties in the initial 20 minutes of the second half. Williams then scored, giving York the lead and diminishing Hull‘s belief.
Despite Hull‘s efforts to press late in the game, York managed to secure the victory. McShane‘s defensive play, including a crucial tackle on Ese’ese near the try line, was vital in preventing Hull from scoring.
Coaches’ perspectives
Mark Applegarth, head coach for York Knights, expressed pride in his team’s character, particularly in the second half. He noted that he was displeased at half-time, feeling that York had allowed Hull back into the game due to a lack of intensity. He challenged his players for a response, which he felt they delivered, especially at the start of the second half. Applegarth highlighted the team’s grit, desire, and character during the final 15 minutes, where they were largely defending in their own half.
Andy Last, interim head coach for Hull FC, conveyed his disappointment with 60 minutes of his team’s performance. He stated that the first 20 minutes indicated an issue with attitude, though the subsequent 20 minutes were better. Last emphasized that the team did not perform well in the crucial period after half-time, citing ill-discipline and easy opportunities for York to advance. He mentioned discussing discipline the previous week and expressed frustration, believing Hull could have won the game. Last also acknowledged the disruption caused by Jed Cartwright‘s departure to St Helens, which necessitated late changes to the team, but stressed it was not an excuse for the performance.
Squad information
The York Knights squad included Mataafa, Bennison, Galeano, Williams, Nofoalume, Hunter, McShane, Martin, Inman, Va’a, Buchanan, Field, and Thompson. Interchanges were Balmforth, Vaughan, Foster, and Hingano.
Hull FC‘s squad featured Moy, Barron, Briscoe, Hardaker, Martin, Arthur, Sezer, Ese’ese, Bourouh, Hill, O’Neill, Batchelor, and Bell. Interchanges included Aydin, Clark, Cust, and Salabio. Tara Jones served as the referee for the match.
Ahead of the match, Andy Last named his 21-man squad for the Betfred Super League Round 18 clash. This marked Hull FC‘s first competitive visit to the LNER Community Stadium, and only their second encounter with the Knights in the Super League.
Last made three changes to the squad that was announced for the Magic Weekend fixture against Hull KR. Harvey Barron returned after completing head injury protocols, Ethan O’Neill returned from a hamstring issue, and Yusuf Aydin was available after completing a six-game suspension. These three players replaced Davy Litten, Will Hutchinson, and Jeremiah Mata’utia, who returned to Leeds following the end of his loan spell. Several players remained sidelined due to injuries, including Will Pryce (ACL), John Asiata (hamstring), Sam Lisone (pectoral), Ligi Sao (shoulder), Arthur Romano (ankle), Connor Bailey (clavicle), Brad Fash (MCL), Will Kirby (knee), and Joe Ward (ACL). The 21-man squad for Hull FC was announced.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”