Hull cruising as Connor puts on a Magic show
HULL moved back into Super League’s top four with a 34-22 victory over Hull KR as the great rivals brought down the curtain on Magic Weekend. With both sides shorn of key men, Jake Connor delivered a sublime performance at St James’ Park to inspire Hull to a seventh straight derby win. Scott Taylor claimed Hull’s opener and Jamie Shaul crossed twice before the break, while 21-year-old scrum-half Liam Harris marked his debut with a try against his former club. Kieran Moss scored Hull KR’s two first-half tries and completed his hat-trick to breathe life into the contest. But Jack Logan and Connor went over to seal Hull’s victory, although it was Tommy Lee who scored the final try of the weekend, which was attended by 64,319 fans. Steve McNamara felt Magic Weekend brought the best out of Catalans Dragons as his side earned a crucial 26-12 victory over Salford. The Dragons went into the event languishing at the foot of the table but they delivered a solid performance on the big occasion to move to within two points of eighth-placed Salford. ‘We really enjoyed it and it makes you hungry for more occasions like this,’ said McNamara. The game was in the balance at 10-6 before Jodie Broughton’s second-half hat-trick ended Salford’s challenge. Huddersfield interim boss Chris Thorman became the first Geordie to coach a team at the Magic Weekend in Newcastle and was able to bask in a 25-22 victory over Wakefield. ‘I was born a mile down the road and for any Geordie to come here, in whatever sport, and win in this sporting cathedral is pretty special,’ he said.