Griffin dissent leads to Saints’ ascent HULL STAR JOSH LEFT ‘SHATTERED’

Hull FC St Helens

HULL boss Tony Smith said Josh Griffin was left “shattered” after his costly red-card shame. send anyone off without a good reason.

“Josh is pretty shattered in there. He’s seen some of the consequences of what his team-mates had to go through. That’s hard.

“But we’ve rules in place for good reason. If he hasn’t said anything I’ll defend him to the hilt.

“Obviously it’s a disappointing result but I can’t fault their effort or spirit. We had a real crack at Saints. Our discipline – not just the red card – cost us in the end.”

Gritty Hull did still put up a fight and were just 24-18 down with 12 minutes to go.

But a Chris Satae error, straight after Jake Trueman’s try, gifted Saints a chance to go for the kill and they did.

Jack Welsby, the England fullback who backed up his man-ofthe-match display against Wigan with another outstanding display, stepped through some weak goalline defence to seal victory.

And James Bell rounded things off as Saints chalked up their 16th straight win over the East Yorkshire club.

Hull prop Scott Taylor ended up in hospital after dislocating his shoulder in the 14th minute.

They also saw half-back Tex Hoy limp off with a hamstring late on which leaves him doubtful for Thursday’s Super League rematch between the sides. But Saints earned a sixth straight win after also losing centre Mark Percival and England team-mate Tommy Makinson to first-half injuries.

Percival failed a HIA after an 11th-minute challenge from Brad Fash which saw the Hull prop placed on report.

Winger Makinson, who converted Joe Batchelor’s early try and added a penalty, came off soon after with a hamstring strain.

Hull responded with tries from Griffin and Andre Savelio, Liam Sutcliffe converting both, before