ANDY LAST was once again left to rue Hull FC’s inability to “nail the moments” in another derby defeat.
The Black and Whites went down 34-20 at home to Hull KR, despite earning an early twelve-point lead, for a sixth straight loss and ninth in succession to their rivals.
“It would have been great to get two points for an unbelievable crowd, on the back of a season when we’ve really struggled, so I’m disappointed we couldn’t get the win for them,” said interim coach Last.
“It was a hotly-contested derby but unfortunately for us again there were a couple of moments we didn’t nail.
“We got off to a great start, which we felt would be important for us. It couldn’t have gone any better.
“But the introduction of our bench gave them a bit of momentum. Jez Litten started to roll that ruck and we weren’t able to get any ascendancy there. They just rolled us down the filed.
“The (first) try we conceded was a real soft one, a barge over (scored by Tom Amone).
“In the second half Rovers did what they do, which is suffocate you. They dominated field position – I ended with neckache looking one way all the time. That pressure forces you into uncharacteristic errors.
“Then we’re down by six, get some good-ball field position and we make a poor play choice and (Joe) Burgess runs away and puts the final nail in the coffin.”
Last hailed former Hull FC hooker Litten for his man-of-the-match display, saying: “Jez is just a different level.
“His ability to pick the right pass, run, challenge the defenders, his kicking game, how he rolls the ruck, he’s an exceptional player and Hull KR are lucky to have him. He was absolutely huge for them.”