Knights secure historic victory
The York Knights achieved a significant milestone by securing their third consecutive Super League victory, a first in the club’s history. This result came after a comeback against Hull FC, who continued their struggle with away form. Mark Applegarth’s side overcame a 16-8 deficit at half-time to clinch their sixth win of the campaign, moving them to ninth in the table and above Hull.
The Knights’ tries came from David Nofoaluma, Jon Bennison, Denive Balmforth, and Nikau Williams, with Bennison also adding two kicks. This performance inflicted further disappointment on the Black and Whites, who had established a lead in the first half with three tries in 12 minutes but then delivered an error-strewn second half.
Hull FC’s first-half lead and second-half struggles
York scored the initial two tries of the match, with Nofoaluma expertly finishing in the left corner in the eighth minute, followed by Bennison collecting after two clever chips from Cody Hunter, putting them 8-0 ahead. However, Aidan Sezer’s try in the 25th minute brought Hull FC back into contention. Tom Briscoe then scored in the 30th minute, and Joe Batchelor completed the turnaround with an offload from Hugo Salabio. With Zak Hardaker converting twice, Hull FC held a strong position at the interval.
Hull FC’s interim head coach, Andy Last, expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, particularly the lack of discipline in the second half. He noted that the team gave up six penalties in the first 20 minutes of the second period, which made it easier for York to gain ground. Last highlighted that the team’s attitude and failure to execute basic plays were significant concerns.
The Knights’ fightback began just three minutes into the second half with a try from Balmforth, followed by Bennison adding the extras and a penalty to level the score at 16-16. Williams then jinked through to score, giving York the lead and seemingly draining the belief from the visiting Hull FC side.
Squad changes and key moments
Ahead of the match, Andy Last had made three changes to Hull FC’s 21-man squad. Harvey Barron returned after completing head injury protocols, and Ethan O’Neill also came back from a hamstring issue. Yusuf Aydin was available for selection after serving a six-game suspension. These players replaced Davy Litten, Will Hutchinson, and Jeremiah Mata’utia, who returned to Leeds after his loan spell concluded.
Several players remained sidelined for Hull FC, 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).
In a crucial late moment, veteran hooker Paul McShane of York made a last-ditch tackle on Herman Ese’ese inches from the try line, dislodging the ball as the Hull forward attempted to level the score. This tackle was vital in securing the victory for the Knights.
Mark Applegarth, York Knights head coach, praised his team’s character and response in the second half, especially after being critical of their first-half performance. He highlighted the grit and desire shown by the players during the final 15 minutes of non-stop defending. The match was officiated by referee Tara Jones.
Source: bbc.co.uk