HULL RUFC

The Vulcans finally took on their West Yorkshire counterparts from Cleckheaton in a game rearranged from February, and had a mission for revenge after their comprehensive defeat earlier in the season.

It became apparent early on in precedings that it was never going to be a day for expansive rugby with a greasy ball and blustery conditions restricting both sides. However it was Hull who were quickest to adapt to the conditions and after already going close once, effervescent centre McKenzie tore through the visitors defence to touch down close to the posts. Piercy added the conversion and Hull’s confidence rose a notch as they began to play the more attacking rugby of the two sides.

The visitors were guilty of kicking away good possession at times, but with a poorly functioning line out, Hull were unable to gain the advantage they should have from this. Luckily for the Vulcans, their early dominance in the scrums continued and was the source of solid possession, of which the back row of Lockton, Anderson and in particular Jones, who again showed his brilliance through his all round play, thrived on.

In the dying moments of the first half Hull stretched their lead when following good work from Bailey-Gibbs, the dangerous Wilson breezed past a pair of would be tacklers to score, unfortunately too wide of the posts for Piercy to convert, but it still meant Hull went into the break with a commanding lead.

Taking advantage of this Hull chose to made several changes, however these upset the balance of the team a little as they failed to secure possession in the opening moments of the second period, instead having to settle for long spells of defending in their own territory.

This pressure eventually paid off for the visitors, their speedy winger managing to sneak over in the corner following a quickly taken penalty. The home side used this as an opportunity to wake up and immediately reversed the pressure onto the visitors. Hull finally put the game to bed when slick handling from Bailey-Gibbs and Harris put Wilson into an iota of space, which was all he needed, as sheer pace and a deadly sidestep sliced through the defence for him to record his second try of the game. Hopa added the extras with a neatly struck conversion.

Hull were not quite home and dry however as Cleckheaton mounted a couple of final charges, however replacements Mower and Whelan both cleverly dealt with tricky situations to assure Hull finished comfortable winners.

Photos of this match have been added to the photo gallery.

Final Score - Hull Vulcans 19, Cleckheaton 2nd XV 5

Scorers: Tries- Wilson (2), McKenzie

Convs- Piercy, Hopa Team: Harris, Wilson, McKenzie, Bailey-Gibbs, Axon, Piercy, Harding; Renwick, Chapman, Kirkwood, Edwards, Londesborough, Anderson (Capt.), A Lockton, Jones.

Replacements: Everett (for Renwick, 55), Jennison (for Chapman, 65), Hopa (for Lockton, 40), Willars (for Anderson, 45), Mower (for Piercy, 50), Whelan (for Axon, 70).