Knights achieve historic win
Knights achieve historic win
The York Knights secured their third consecutive Super League victory, a first in the club’s history. This result further highlighted Hull FC’s struggles away from home this season. The Knights managed to overcome a 16-8 deficit at half-time, marking their sixth win of the current campaign. This win propelled them to ninth place in the league table, moving above Hull FC, who have only recorded one away victory this season.
The match saw David Nofoaluma, Jon Bennison, Denive Balmforth, and Nikau Williams score tries for York. Bennison also contributed with two successful kicks. For Hull FC, Aidan Sezer, Tom Briscoe, and Joe Batchelor scored tries, with Zak Hardaker converting twice.
Match progression and key moments
York initiated the scoring with two early tries. Nofoaluma touched down in the left corner in the eighth minute, followed by Bennison collecting a try after two clever chips from Cody Hunter, putting the Knights 8-0 ahead. Hull FC responded around the 25-minute mark when Aidan Sezer broke through the defence to score a try.
Hull FC continued their momentum, with Tom Briscoe scoring in the 30th minute and Joe Batchelor adding another after receiving an offload from Hugo Salabio. With Hardaker’s conversions, Hull FC held a strong lead at the interval. However, York began their comeback early in the second half, with Balmforth scoring a try just three minutes in. Bennison added the extras and then a penalty, levelling the score at 16-16.
Hull FC’s discipline faltered in the second half, conceding six penalties within the first 20 minutes. Nikau Williams then jinked through to score, giving York the lead. As the game neared its conclusion, veteran hooker Paul McShane made a crucial last-ditch tackle, dislodging the ball from Hull FC’s Herman Ese’ese near the try line, preventing a potential equalising score.
Coaches’ reactions
Mark Applegarth, head coach for the York Knights, expressed pride in his team’s character, particularly after their second-half performance. He acknowledged the team made the second half challenging for themselves but highlighted their grit and desire. Applegarth noted his dissatisfaction at half-time, feeling his team had allowed Hull FC back into the game by lacking intensity and contact.
He challenged his players for a response, which he felt they delivered perfectly at the start of the second half. Despite facing continuous defensive pressure in the final 15 minutes due to some unforced errors, Applegarth praised his team’s ability to hold on against a quality Hull FC side.
Andy Last, interim head coach for Hull FC, conveyed his disappointment with 60 minutes of his team’s performance. He pointed to a lack of attitude in the first 20 minutes and criticised the team’s ill-discipline in the second half, which he felt prevented them from building pressure. Last highlighted that the team’s collective and individual failures were evident, despite the game being close.
Last also addressed the departure of Jed Cartwright to St Helens, acknowledging it caused disruption and required late changes to the squad. However, he stated that this was not an an excuse for the team’s performance. The 21-man squad for Hull FC included players such as Harvey Barron, Ethan O’Neill, and Yusuf Aydin, who returned from injury or suspension.
Several Hull FC players remained sidelined due to various injuries, including Will Pryce (ACL), John Asiata (hamstring), Sam Lisone (pectoral), Ligi Sao (shoulder), Arthur Romano (ankle), Connor Bailey (clavicle), Brad Fash (MCL), Will Kirby (knee), and Joe Ward (ACL). The match was officiated by referee Tara Jones.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
