Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence College Development Squad came from behind three times to defeat Leeds City College 16-14 on their return to action yesterday afternoon.
It was the first hit out in well over a year for the College Development Squad, and despite a scrappy start to the game, the Black & Whites showed great character to score a winning try in the 73rd minute.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the college team were unable to play throughout 2020 in what turned out to be a frustrating year.
Since restrictions have been eased, the College Development Squad have been working hard down at the Hull FC Centre of Excellence, which now boasts over 110 young players!
But Leeds City College, who are part of Leeds Rhinos’ Development squad, took the lead inside five minutes when Jordan Wyke scampered over from close range.
Kai Green levelled for Hull when he grounded a Callum Rutland grubber kick at the third time of asking, but Leeds regained their lead within another ten minutes as Tyler Dargan weaved in and out of defenders to score under the sticks.
Rutland was involved in Hull’s second try, taking the ball into the line before offloading to Darcy Sheriff, who had enough skill to get over the line.
Despite trailing 10-8 at the break, FC showed resilience to stay in the tie and their perseverance was rewarded when Reece Hudson crashed over from close range, only for Tyreese Ruan to put Leeds back in front with 15 minutes to play.
When it mattered most, Hull showed more composure in the final third and managed to breach the Leeds defence for a fourth and final time. After a quick play-the-ball, FC shifted the ball out wide and Owen Hagues was on hand to dot down and score the match-winner with seven minutes left.
Hull squad: Chatham, Winstanley, Murray, Sheriff, Kirkup, Rutland, Gregg, Hudson, Yeaman, Gardner, Green, Cromack, Newlove, McAuley, Hagues, Morgan, Smith, Birch, Laidlaw, Mafi
Leeds squad: Dargan, Stephenson, Sykes, Dixon, Malas, Webener, Wyke, Exley, Parker, Brown, Hart, Deakin, Day, Higgins, Ruan, Lewis
Interested in joining the Hull FC Centre of Excellence and playing Rugby League for our Centre of Excellence sides, as well as studying for your degree?
The Hull FC Centre of Excellence is currently recruiting students for the new academic year in 2021/22, and if you’re looking to take the next steps for a career in professional sport, this could be the right choice for you.
Our Centre of Excellence has a bespoke offer which combines an education pathway with an elite sports programme. Students have the opportunity to work alongside industry experts from the entire sports sector obtaining industry experience which cannot be replicated by any other education industry in the city.
On completion of our NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports and Physical Activity learners are presented a variety of progression routes. Learners can opt to stay within the Centre of Excellence registering onto a Level 2 in Fitness Instruction and a Level 3 in Personal Training to become fully qualified Personal Trainers.
Learners also have the option to stay within the Centre of Excellence through our Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma in Sports Science (Coaching Science). Finally, the third exit route available is University, learners will have accumulated enough UCAS points to exit the Centre of Excellence at this stage to attend University.
To find out more or to apply online now – click here
Check out some of the best images from this afternoon’s action in the gallery below:
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