Super League: Hull FC 22-40 Leeds Rhinos
- Published
Mixed emotions as Jake Connor (second left) shows frustration for Hull while Leeds celebrate the second of Ash Handley's three tries
Betfred Super League |
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Hull FC (10) 22 |
Tries: Fonua, Savelio, Griffin, Brown Goals: Sneyd 3 |
Leeds (16) 40 |
Tries: Walker 2, Handley 3, Donaldson, L Sutcliffe Goals: Martin 6 |
Challenge Cup finalists Leeds moved up to fourth in Super League with victory over a Hull FC side only drafted in to play less than 24 hours previously.
Hull scored early tries from Mahe Fonua and Andre Savelio, but were overhauled by the break by Jack Walker's double and Ash Handley's sharp finish.
Handley completed a hat-trick after the break to add to tries from James Donaldson and Liam Sutcliffe.
Tries from Josh Griffin and Jack Brown kept Hull's interest up until late on.
The Airlie Birds stepped up to provide opposition for Leeds late on Wednesday, after Castleford had to withdraw because of Covid-19 cases and injuries, but their own lack of personnel - they had 13 players out and unavailable - took its toll, as did a lack of preparation.
Having seen the Rhinos book a Wembley date last weekend with a perfect exhibition in the wet against Wigan, Richard Agar could have been forgiven for praying for another deluge as his side's sleepy start was punished by Hull in cool, crisp conditions.
When they awoke they found their gear quickly, Luke Gale taking the ball to the line and Walker engaging the defence with his running threat.
Donaldson plunged in after the break while Brad Dwyer split the Hull defence to tee up Handley for his second after a really slick first-half effort.
Andy Last's side deserve huge credit for stepping up to play at the last minute, and their positive approach was rewarded with early points.
Fonua marked his 150th appearance with a score after a steamroller move, and Savelio hit a line off Ben McNamara's pass to ensure Cameron Scott's thrilling gallop down the right was not wasted.
Despite being pegged back and then swamped on the scoreboard, they did not stop plugging away.
Jake Connor booted a brilliant 40-20 kick to set position for Griffin's try and after Marc Sneyd followed suit, Brown prised his way in as Hull showed plenty of grit and grind, only for Sutcliffe's climb and finish and Handley's intercept to finally put the game beyond doubt.
Leeds: Walker; T Briscoe, Hurrell, L Sutcliffe, Handley; Myler, Gale; Seumanufagai, Leeming, Oledzki, Martin, Thompson, Prior.
Interchanges: Holroyd, Dwyer, Smith, Donaldson.
Hull FC: Connor; Scott, Tuimavave, Fonua, Faraimo; McNamara, Sneyd; Sao, Johnstone, Bowden, Savelio, Griffin, Fash.
Interchanges: Satae, Wynne, Bienek, Brown.