Hull FC couldn’t return to winning ways in West Yorkshire, despite a spirited effort at the John Smith’s Stadium, eventually going down 24-18 after a late fightback.
Herman Ese’ese’s second try in three weeks, Logan Moy’s first Super League try and Cam Scott’s long range effort provided bright sparks for Hull, but a brace from Jake Bibby and tries from Seb Ikahihifo and Sam Halsall meant Hull’s effort wasn’t quite enough to claim the points, despite a spirited late comeback.
Team News
Simon Grix made just one change to the squad, with Davy Litten coming onto the bench in place of Zach Jebson.
There was a reshuffle to Hull’s forward pack, as Tiaki Chan made his first start for the club, with Brad Fash dropping to the interchange bench. Ligi Sao moved from the back row to loose forward in the only other change.
Carlos Tuimavave (hamstring), Mitieli Vulikijapani (knee), Nick Staveley (knee) and Cobie Wainhouse (knee) all remain sidelined for Hull.
For the Giants, former Hull man Jake Connor returned to the interchange bench after missing last week’s defeat to Leigh Leopards, with Adam Milner missing the clash.
The Match
Hull made a promising start to the clash in West Yorkshire, pinning Huddersfield in their own 30 and creating a couple of early chances for Liam Sutcliffe.
However, the Giants scored with their first attack of the game. Tom Briscoe was unable to deal with a kick under heavy kick pressure, and from the resulting set Oliver Russell threw a wide pass to Kevin Naiqama which he batted on for Jake Bibby to squeeze over in the corner.
Hull remained in the arm wrestle, but Huddersfield forced back to back drop outs, and made their pressure tell after a quick ruck allowed Leroy Cudjoe time and space to hit Seb Ikahihifo on a short line to crash over from close range.
After winning their first penalty of the match for a high tackle on Cam Scott, Hull struck back.
Jack Ashworth carried hard at the line and played the ball quickly, and Ben Reynolds turned the ball back inside for Herman Ese’ese to crash over under the posts, with Reynolds conversion reducing the gap to a converted try.
With time running out in the first half Ligi Sao was caught offside 40 meters from the Hull line, which gave Oliver Russell the opportunity to extend Huddersfield’s lead, and his kick sailed through the uprights to send the hosts in eight points to the good at the break.
Half Time: Huddersfield Giants 14 – 6 Hull FC
Hull had the first chance of the second half, Cam Scott showing a clean pair of heels to the Huddersfield defence, his pass found Ben Reynolds who looked to be away, but Jake Bibby got across in time to force a knock on inches short of the line to prevent the loanee from scoring.
Hull came close a second time in the opening five minutes of the second half, again down the Hull right, Ligi Sao this time bursting through but the support from Scott was tracked by Esan Marsters and the chance came to nothing.
For a third time in the opening exchanges of the half, Hull came close – this the closest of the three as Logan Moy crossed, but play was pulled back for an obstruction in the build up.
Despite Hull’s early dominance of the half, Huddersfield scored the first points, as the West Yorkshire side created a 3 on 2 on the last play which allowed Jake Bibby to stroll in in the corner.
Huddersfield put the game to bed with just over 15 minutes remaining, Sam Halsall slipping out of Tom Briscoe’s tackle to get over in the corner.
Tiaki Chan was penalised for a late tackle on Adam Clune, who had tried to buy a penalty the set previously for the same incident. Oliver Russell kicked the goal from 20 meters out to extend the Giants lead.
Hull reduced the hosts lead in the final 10 minutes, Ligi Sao carrying hard into the Giants line and finding an offload to the lively Moy, who this time wasn’t to be denied his first Super League try.
For the second time in consecutive weeks, the Black & Whites sparked hopes of a comeback in the closing stages, as Cam Scott raced 50 meters from a long Logan Moy pass, with Ben Reynolds goal reducing the deficit to 6 points.
Full Time: Huddersfield Giants 24 – 18 Hull FC
The Lineups:
Huddersfield Giants: Tui Lolohea, Sam Halsall, Esan Marsters, Kevin Naiqama, Jake Bibby, Oliver Russell, Adam Clune, Chris Hill, Tom Deakin, Luke Yates, Sam Hewitt, Harry Rushton, Leroy Cudjoe
Interchange: Ashton Golding, Jake Connor, Oliver Wilson, Seb Ikahihifo
Hull FC: Logan Moy, Harvey Barron, Liam Sutcliffe, Cam Scott, Tom Briscoe, Jake Trueman, Ben Reynolds, Herman Ese’ese, Danny Houghton, Yusuf Aydin, Tiaki Chan, Jordan Lane, Ligi Sao
Interchange: Brad Fash, Davy Litten, Jack Ashworth, Morgan Smith
The Scorers:
Huddersfield Giants Tries: Jake Bibby (10, 56), Seb Ikahihifo (27), Sam Halsall (63)
Goals: Oliver Russell (4/6)
Hull FC Tries: Herman Ese’ese (35), Logan Moy (73), Cam Scott (77) |
Goals: Ben Reynolds (3/3)
Attendance, in association with Garbutts: 4102
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