Hull FC 20 Hull KR 16 – Super League
This match was billed as one of the most entertaining matches of the season, and it didn’t disappoint.
As expected the game was played at an intensity you would only associate with local derbies, with mass brawls, spectacular tries and a dramatic ending.
The denouement was provided by England international Tom Briscoe. If someone was ever looking for a definition of a try-saving tackle then it would be advisable to point them in the direction of Briscoe’s effort in the final minutes of last night’s game.
The England winger denied Hull Kingston Rovers' Peter Fox in the corner after the visitors had created a two-man overlap with only 30 seconds remaining, meaning Hull clung onto their 20-16 victory.
The gap of the victory was only four points, but the dominance of the game by the home side should have resulted in a bigger points difference.
Danny Houghton gave the home side the early lead after he crossed over in the left corner. A breakaway try from Josh Charnley leveled the scores but Danny Tickle's second penalty goal gave Hull FC a 10-6 half-time lead.
Clint Newton drew the visitor’s level for the second time before Hull FC regained the initiative when Willie Manu forced his way over from Richard Horne's kick.
Another Hull FC try from Shaun Berrigan pushed them into a 20-10 lead but Liam Watts gave the visitors hope after Mark Calderwood and Ben Cockayne had both been sin-binned.
Then Briscoe took centre stage, providing the late drama.
The result leaves Hull cementing their place in fourth, while their arch rivals dreams of making the play-offs are diminishing, owing to their abysmal run of form away from home, which has seen them lose five matches on the spin.
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