Hull maintain pace at the top

HULL stayed top of the table with a 29-13 victory over Alnwick.

They started well but an early Stephen Johnson break from centre came to nothing as Alnwick intercepted and looked dangerous at the other end.

Hull were keen to play an open game and were using all their options but Alnwick tackled well and held Hull until the 18th minute. Then, after winning a lineout in their own 22 metre area, Hull moved the ball wide and at pace.

Good running by Ben Winterton opened up space and Alex Heard was on hand to finish the move and race over 15 yards from the corner flag for Hull’s first try.

Johnson kicked a good conversion for 7-0. Alnwick were under further pressure when Hull kicked off and an easy penalty three minutes later saw Hull move 10-0 up.

The visitors were not overawed and Callum Burn converted a penalty after 28 minutes.

Hull stormed into the second half but fine Alnwick defence meant that it took Hull’s scrummaging superiority to achieve a penalty try after Alnwick’s prop Colin Philips was yellow carded on 54 minutes.

Hull seemed to lose focus for a moment and Alnwick made the most of this lapse as Colin Matalee took a quick tap penalty 25 yards out to sprint over unopposed for an unconverted try.

The home side made almost immediate amends as they kept their composure and took just three minutes to punch holes in Alnwick defensive line to give Keane Naylor enough space to force his way over in the left corner for Hull’s third try.

Hull were now in the driving seat and after 64 minutes another period of intense pressure was rounded off when Liam Regardsoe powered his way over close to the posts for the fourth and bonus point try for Hull.

It was converted by Simon Humberston to see Hull easing away 29-8.

As the game entered its last five minutes Alnwick scored a consolation try through Ben Courty but Hull ran out 29-13 winners.