Hull FC registered a surprisingly easy 28-0 victory over their neighbours Hull Kingston Rovers in front of 18,104 spectators tonight at the KC Stadium, almost certainly ending the Robins’ play-off hopes and making their own supporters wonder what might have been this season if they had been able to put more games like this together.
And the Black and Whites gained revenge for two defeats by the Robins earlier in the season.
They were on top throughout the game, and led 12-0 at half-time through tries by Fetuli Talanoa and Setaimata Sa, with two goals from Jordan Rankin and captain Gareth Ellis, who signed an extended contract recently, leading the way.
The Robins had been directionless and indisciplined in attack, and things didn’t get any better for them in the second half, although they did force an early goal-line drop-out, which was as good as it got for them.
Hull scored three more tries – two of them from winger Tom Lineham, the second of which involved an interception of Kris Keating’s pass and a 90-metre dash to the line. Their other try was scored by former Castleford star Jordan Thompson, and Rankin kicked two more goals.
The wet, cold conditions at the KC Stadium reflected the mood of the Hull KR supporters by the end of the game.
For a fuller report, analysis and pictures, see Monday’s edition of League Express.