Hull FC continued to pile the pressure on top of the table Thatto Heath on Sunday afternoon with a fourth consecutive victory, defeating Illingworth 26-14 at the University of Hull.
The Black & Whites remain six points behind the league leaders, but with two additional games in hand, FC still find themselves well and truly in the title hunt in Women’s League One.
Team News
Hull named a strong side as they looked to make it four wins in a row.
Abbi Turner partnered Ruby Ellis in the halves, while Jade Key started from hooker.
Both Izzy Smith and Maddie Smith started in the backs.
Kacey Sexton and Evie Sexton were joined by Chloe James, Lucy Attree and Kayleigh Waller in the forwards.
The Match
FC started the game excellently. A high kick was allowed to bounce by Illingworth and Charlie Lawson was inches away from taking the ball in for the first score. It didn’t take long for the first score though, with Kayleigh Waller taking in a short ball and darting through the line. The conversion was dragged wide.
It was back to back tries for the home side. FC shipped the ball out wide and Poppy Lyon went in in the corner. The conversion was off target.
Illingworth nearly hit back with a break down the middle before Evie Sexton pulled off an incredible tackle from behind to end the threat.
Hulls third came after 20 minutes. A crossfield kick was taken well by Evie Sexton, who offloaded it to Charlie Lawson. She sidestepped two defenders to touch down. Waller hit the post with the conversion attempt.
The visitors thought they were over a few moments later, but a three strong tackle bundled the attacker over the sideline.
The visitors had their best chance so far after half an hour, forcing a drop out. From the resulting set, they went down the short side on the last and managed to burrow over. The conversion was successful.
FC immediately hit straight back though. Evie Sexton picked up the ball from dummy half and charged at the line, pushing off one defending to score. The conversion was wide.
The last act of the half saw Hull with a late chance, but the ball went to ground.
Half Time: Hull FC Women 16-6 Illingworth RLFC
FC started the second half on top. A great defensive set left the Black and Whites attacking the line, and were a clean catch from going over but a knock on returned the ball to the visitors. Another great chance went begging five minutes later after another error.
The home side capitalised on their next chance though, with Evie Sexton bursting through a tackle to score her second of the afternoon. Waller converted the try.
Jack Coates’ side had another great chance on 55 minutes, with Kayleigh Waller diving on a loose ball ten metres out, before finding Lawson who couldn’t get over the line. Illingworth quickly turned defence into attack but Hull managed to slow play down and get the ball back.
Illingworth thought they were in as the game headed into the final quarter, but Ruby Ellis was quickest to react to the cutout ball and got possession back for FC.
The visitors did manage to get over shortly after. The ball was shipped out to the left, with the fullback pushing over the defender for the try. The conversion was wide.
The away side spent a prolonged period of time attacking the Hull line after the try and with ten minutes to go, the right winger dived over for the next try of the match. The conversion didn’t have the legs, leaving an eight point ball game. Illingworth were nearly over on the next set too, having an overlap on the right side, but Hull shifted well in defence to end the threat and get the ball back.
The game was wrapped up by Hull with three minutes to go. Alisha Roper spotted a gap in the line and darted through it for the try. The conversion was wide.
The final whistle went with Hull on the attack, who picked up their fourth consecutive win.
Full Time: Hull FC Women 26-14 Illingworth RLFC
Squad:
Hull FC: Izzy Smith, Poppy Lyon, Charlie Lawson, Maddie Smith, Alyx Worth, Abbi Turner, Ruby Ellis, Chloe James, Jade Key, Lucy Attree, Evie Sexton, Kacie Sexton, Kayleigh Waller.
Interchanges: Rebecca Cowling, Izzy Halls, Lucy Jarvis, Abby Price, Nat Romano, Alisha Roper, Georgia Smith.
Scorers:
Hull FC Tries: Waller (2), Lyon (6), Lawson (20), E. Sexton (35, 48), Roper (77)
Hull FC Conversions: Waller (50)
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